The Secrets We Kept: A novel
by Lara Prescott
There are a lot of secrets (7/27/2019)
The Secrets We Kept is a fast paced historical novel about the writing of Dr. Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak, and the complicated and dangerous struggle to get it published internationally and in the USSR during the Cold War. We meet the women typing pool at The Agency, which played a key role in distributing the banned book. These chapters are set in The West. Other chapters are set in The East where we follow Pasternak and his muse/lover Olga, as she suffers for her loyalty to the writer. The story is told from multiple points of view, which is not hard to follow, partly because of the chapter titles which hint at the various roles the women must play to keep their secrets. Prescott succeeds in capturing the sense of the late 1950's, with its societal constraints and expectations. I highly recommend this book! I'm looking forward to re-reading Dr. Zhivago soon.
The Volunteer: One Man, an Underground Army, and the Secret Mission to Destroy Auschwitz
by Jack Fairweather
A True Hero (4/16/2019)
This is a very compelling true story of an ordinary Polish citizen who commits to resisting the Nazi, and later Communist, takeover of Poland. The story begins, "Witold Pilecki volunteered to be imprisoned in Auschwitz." We know we are embarking on an extraordinary journey.
From inside the concentration camp, which transitioned to a death camp while he was there, Pilecki devoted himself to helping his fellow prisoners, and to getting the truth of the camps out, through the underground system he organized, to the Allies. He believed that the Allies would then act to end the atrocities. We know from history that it took a long time for the world to understand the reality of the camps. But Pilecki never lost faith in his mission.
Fairweather has written a very readable, suspenseful narrative, including information from many sources, as well as maps and photos of the major characters. While the subject is difficult, Pileck is a true and inspiring hero. Don't we all need more heroes to face the challenges of our generation?
When We Left Cuba
by Chanel Cleeton
A Cuban-American romance novel (1/5/2019)
This is a historical novel set in Florida and Havana in the critical period of the 1960's. Beatriz is a beautiful, strong-willed woman conflicted by her desire to return to Havana and to play a part in the political turmoil around her. It is primarily a romance novel. I thought the character development was too predictable, the dialog inconsistent, and some of the plot just not believable. Cleeton's other romance novels have been popular and this will no doubt be enjoyed by her readers.
Golden Child
by Claire Adam
Family hopes and struggles (10/30/2018)
This is a compelling novel that drew me into the story right from the beginning. A Hindu family, with twin sons, Peter and Paul, is working hard to survive in rural Trinidad. Education is highly valued and one son is considered gifted and the other is considered slow. A crime, and betrayal, force the family to consider heartbreaking choices. There is much to consider in this story- family, trust, safety, the expectations we have of each other. I enjoyed the writing which is from several points of view. The sense of place is well developed. I would highly recommend this novel for book clubs. I hope Claire Adam writes more novels.
Autumn
by Ali Smith
Great for book clubs! (3/10/2018)
This is the first of Smith's books I have read and I enjoyed it immensely. With the background of the isolating vote on Brexit, this is a hopeful story about family and friendship and love, with great characters and beautiful writing. I look forward to the next in this seasonal series!
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