Day: A Novel
by Michael Cunningham
Review of Day (10/7/2023)
I love it when an author uses a style choice I've never encountered before and in his new book 'Day', Michael Cunningham does not disappoint! The 'day' referred to is April 5, the story takes place on that day in three consecutive years; 2019, 2020 and 2021. Focusing on a slightly dysfunctional, extended family, we watch as the characters evolve, and how their lives change during the course of these three years; before, during, and after the pandemic. The author keeps a tight grip on how the story escalates, ending on a note that is tender and bittersweet. Take this one in slowly, and enjoy the ride!
Once We Were Brothers
by Ronald H. Balson
A Literary Historical Thriller (8/23/2013)
"Once We Were Brothers" is both an historical mystery and an enduring love story. The novel tells the story of young Ben Solomon, who lives in Poland during the time prior to the second World War. In time, the family is requested to take in a young German boy, just Ben's age who quickly becomes a member of the family; with Ben himself Otto becomes much like a brother. In time, Ben finds himself falling for the love of his life, a young Jewish girl whose father is the local doctor. In time it becomes evident that the changes facing Germany will soon begin to affect their lives in Poland. Especially will the Jews be affected, but his new 'brother' promises he will do all he can to help them.
In 2005 Ben comes across a man he is just certain is his lost 'brother' Otto, who had become a high ranking Nazi officer during the war. But is it really Otto? How can it be him, when this man also is on the search for this former Nazi officer? And what happened to Hannah? Why does Ben continue to carry on conversations with her, as if she were right there next to him, yet no one else can see her?
"Once We Were Brothers" is a thrilling read through out, until it's page-turning, tear jerking ending! (Have some Kleenex handy!) I will enjoy presenting this when it comes out, both as gifts and as a book club selection.
The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz
All About Lighthousekeeping (11/2/2012)
Fans of historical fiction and literary mystery will thoroughly enjoy Christina Schwarz's new novel "The Edge of the Earth". Narrated by a young wife at the end of the 19th century, this somewhat haunting novel takes place on the blustery and foggy California coastline, in an aging lighthouse that she and her husband share with another family.
The characters are well developed, yet unpredictable, leaving us wondering who can really be trusted in this coastal setting where hidden secrets and mysteries, both scientific and familial abound. As we watch the story and the lives of these 2 families unfold, it becomes evident that the author is a superb storyteller, and knows exactly how to keep her readers guessing until the revealing, final page is turned. A haunting, yet totally enjoyable read!
The Headmaster's Wager: A Novel
by Vincent Lam
Thrilled to have the chance to read this! (7/17/2012)
I absolutely LOVED Vincent Lam's novel "The Headmaster's Wager"! I can honestly say it is the best book I've read so far this year! In reading the synopsis of it, it sounded right up my alley, and it did not disappoint.
The novel focuses mainly on a Chinese man living in Cholon, Vietnam during the 60's when he was headmaster of an English Academy. It also touches on the history of both China and Vietnam during that time period, in prose that is both vivid and exciting, giving the book a wonderful sense of place and culture. However, the thing that really pulled me into the story were its characters. So real, and so human, though somewhat flawed, I still found myself immensely involved in their worlds. Characters so well drawn that I missed them when away from the book. Headmaster Chen especially, since he learns so many difficult and life altering lessons, causing him to wager much over the course of his life. But it's the twist near the end of the story, where he is forced to learn what's most valuable to him, leading to the ultimate sacrifice that nearly took my breath away. There's several scenes in the book that, though disturbing, were so carefully wrought and beautifully portrayed that I had to read them over a second time, in spite of the gut punch feeling that left me breathless the first time!
A gorgeously written epic of a fathers' love for his son that haunts me still. I can't wait to recommend this book to friends and family!
Sister: A Novel
by Rosamund Lupton
A Sister's Intuition (5/18/2011)
Rosamund Lupton's new book The Sister is a compelling, gothic-like thriller. But it is also an accomplished study of the bond between sisters, the innate knowledge this narrator has that her own sisters' death was not suicide, as the authorities believe, but that she must have been murdered. The determination and perseverance she employed is laid out in the form of a letter to her dead sister. This allegiance, and the surviving sister's grief are beautifully portrayed, making this twisting, gripping story something unique and special.
Being a book group coordinator for an indie bookstore, I see "Sister" becoming a book club favorite.
Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight
Acts Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout
Another Heart-warming gem by Dr. Nick Trout! (1/4/2011)
Author/veterinarian Dr. Nick Trout gets better with every book! I've read all three of his memoirs of his life as a veterinary surgeon, but they truly are much more than that. His books teach us about love, responsibility and that special bond between each human and their pet. Many reviewers have compared his books to the "All Creatures Great & Small" author, James Herriott, and in this, Trout's own memoir of his growing up in the English country side, not far from the real life country doctor himself; you find out that actually meeting him at a young age, played a huge part in cementing Nick's determination to turn his love of animals, and his desire to heal and better their lives, into his own life time career.
The stories of his own pets while growing up, the part they all played in his early family, as well as those he acquired for his own children and how they changed their lives is heartwarming beyond words! You'll want to read his books again and again, and then buy them as gifts, which I have done many times!
Fame: A Novel in Nine Episodes
by Daniel Kehlmann
A Gem For The Surrealist (12/17/2010)
Linked or interconnected short stories is currently my favorite genre, and "Fame" is the best book I've read in this genre in quite awhile. Reminiscent of Charles Baxter's "The Soul Thief", as well as Paul Auster's work, I absolutely loved this study of identity, who we really are, who we strive to be or even the 'self' we yearn to escape from. There is no main protagonist, the three common characters (2 authors and a movie star) mysteriously pop up in the various episodes of the book.
The novel begins when a new cell phone user begins to receive calls, not for himself but for some guy named 'Ralf', who we find out later is the movie star. As he continues to answer phone calls for 'Ralf', he starts to play with the idea of actually BEING Ralf, laying bare the first issue of identity. Alas, the cell phone users dilemma is never completely solved, and the real 'Ralf' (or is it really the real Ralf?) shows up later in the book. Along with other characters, who actually may or may not be characters in the novels of the authors in the story. And who is the narrator anyway!? Both the technology of the cell phone as well as glass or mirrors are referred to in almost every story, leaving you not really knowing who is who, and even if they are really there until the very end of the book when it all comes full circle and you realize what a brilliant read this really is!
The Lonely Polygamist
by Brady Udall
Pure Entertainment! (12/17/2010)
"The Lonely Polygamist" is one of my Top 3 Reads of 2010. It is 602 pgs. of sheer entertainment! Also an all-time favorite with my book club, you just can't go wrong with Brady Udall's latest foray into the life of a middle aged polygamist, his 4 wives, 28 children, and one dog. You will both laugh-out-loud and cry real tears as he takes you on a literary roller coaster of a ride. Absolutely stunning!
The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel
by Camilla Gibb
From Ethiopia, to Vietnam; Gibb Writes of Different Cultures (12/7/2010)
Having been a huge fan of Camilla Gibb's previous book, "Sweetness In the Belly", I expected to immediately be swept up with her new one. I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't to happen right away in this book, but very much rewarded as she slowly wove her magic, unveiling an exquisite story of contemporary Vietnam, particularly her tying in of its art and literature. The main character, Old Man Hung, is a private, yet charming man who creates his own magic with his secret recipe for pho, an aromatic beef noodle soup that makes him sought after in the nearby towns. Among some of his frequent customers are a woman who is Vietnamese from the US in search of her artist father, and a young man named Tu, who is an enterprising tour guide that she enlists to show her around.
These characters, as well as others in the story, are very likable, and the author does a wonderful job in her descriptions of the foods, smells, the poverty, as well as the beauty of the land and the art. A lovely and gripping novel.
The Lovers: A Novel
by Vendela Vida
Turkey's 'Lovers' (4/8/2010)
There's a certain genre in fiction; the 'woman traveling alone in foreign country when things start to go wrong' story. Though it's been done many times before, (we've all read one), not every writer can capture that feeling of isolation, that sense of impending doom and suspense that is almost Graham Greenish.
Vendela Vida has nailed it with her 50 something, widowed protagonist Yvonne. From the moment her plane touches down in a small airport in Turkey, she immediately suspects she's been 'duped' with the vacation house she's leased.
From there the novel takes off, pulling you along by a thread, not knowing which direction you're going. With sparkling prose, and just the right amount of suspense, Vida takes you not at all where you may have thought, but gives a satisfying resolution all the same.
The Wives of Henry Oades: A Novel
by Johanna Moran
A Different Kind of Family (12/2/2009)
I manage an independent book store in the San Francisco Bay Area, so I was especially interested in the local history in "The Wives of Henry Oades". Based on the cover, I thought it might be a little too 'flowery' for me, but I wanted to make sure I read it because of the interest my customers might have. I was very much impressed with this historical debut novel. The storyline was smooth, flowed nicely and was very readable. However, it was actually the well-developed characters, and the authors' ability to put you right in their place, actually feeling their feelings, while experiencing with them this moral dilemma they found themselves in.
The two Mrs. Oades' were both portrayed as wonderful women, strong in their own way as they struggled together to endure the persecution of themselves and their families by the surrounding community. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their growing respect and love for each other, and for each others children. Henry, Mr. Oades, was a very likable man who just wanted so much to please everyone involved. The courtroom scenes in the novel, made it nearly impossible to put down!
This will be an EXCELLENT book club choice! I can't wait to start recommending it.
Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash
Love, Logging and Betrayal (9/8/2009)
I've been wanting to read this book since it came out, and I'm so glad I finally did! Upon starting "Serena" I found the title character a bit unbelievable and questioned whether I'd like the book. But the discovery of Serena's personality, the way the author unveils her layer by layer is part of the beauty of the book. Sure there is a multitude of evil and greedy characters, but there is also love, a mother for her child, and ultimately hope and redemption. Make sure you can read the last 50 pages in one sitting--you won't want to put it down!
The Spare Room: A Novel
by Helen Garner
Pros & Cons of (1/9/2009)
This is a spare yet powerful novel that packs an emotional punch. The friendship between the two main characters, as well as the questions of how much can a terminally ill friend rightly expect of the other, and in turn how long-suffering and compassionate can that other one be expected to be, make for a great read. On the downside I found several aspects of this novel frustrating. The relationship between the two characters was not well developed causing me to become impatient with their demands on each other. Also, Nicola has an unbelievable sense of entitlement due to her sickness. In reality people are much more aware of being a burden to their loved ones. This conflict within the novel would make it a great choice for bookclubs.
Someone Knows My Name: aka: The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill
A truly epic historical gem (11/14/2007)
Wow! How can I describe this book with just so few words! A female version of Roots? An African counterpart to Memoirs of a Geisha? Or maybe not compare it at all but rather recognize it for what it is on it's own; a truly epic historical gem. Someone Knows My Name is an important book about the West African slave trade and a young slave girl named Meena.
Built around the British military document, or 'Book of Negroes' that was written during the time of the Revolutionary War to track the negroes that were being relocated to Nova Scotia, it is both haunting and inspiring. We follow Meena as her adventures take us from West Africa, to South Carolina, to New York, to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone. Meena herself is certainly a strong and fascinating character.
As far as bookclubs; what book club doesn't like a novel that's both historical and cultural, and is narrated by a compelling and determined protagonist.
I am grateful to have had a chance to read and review this spectacular novel.
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