The Essex Serpent
by Sarah Perry
Not what I expected (3/20/2017)
The premise of faith (characterized by Anglican vicar Will Ransome) versus reason (naturalist Cora Seaborne) to explore the unexplained sea monster on the coast of England in late Victorian times is an appealing storyline, and there were many interesting conversations, observations, and descriptions along the way. For me, the story ended up being a little too long, with characters that—although unusual and even eccentric--didn't draw me in. Religion and science could have been more fully explored, especially since their importance to the main characters let them both down by the end of the story. Some aspects of the novel would provide rich fodder for discussion, particularly in terms of characters and the ideas of the era.
The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood
Entertaining but not thoroughly baked (6/6/2016)
You CAN go home again in Hood's forthcoming book, even if home looks slightly different. Ava's participation in a local, invitation-only book group opens her eyes to literary works and to her own life...and the refreshments are delicious and boozy! Although this could have been like many other books centered on book clubs, this one takes a sharp left turn by including a close look at addiction in Ava's family. There's a lot to discuss because of various themes (death of sibling, dealing with addiction, loss of parent, younger lover), however a couple of the resolutions seem hurried and not fully developed. I would categorize this as women's fiction, but in the end, I'm not really sure what the book was trying to be.
A Certain Age: A Novel
by Beatriz Williams
Witty look at the 1920s New York Upper Crust (3/29/2016)
The title refers both to setting as well as to character in this entertaining historical novel. Set in 1920s New York City and Connecticut, the story shows off the huge cultural shifts happening after the war but also follows the romantic triangle of the comic opera it's based on (Der Rosenkavalier)—with the mature Theresa Marshall, her WWI flying ace lover Octavian Rofrano, and the lovely and intelligent young Sophie Fortescue, jockeying into new relationships. The story contrasts the old and new and is carried along by a suspenseful murder trial and surprising twists and turns. The gossip column articles interspersed throughout the story add background as well as a genuine feel for the era, and the quotes heading the chapters are a hoot.
The Swans of Fifth Avenue
by Melanie Benjamin
Duckling and swan (10/28/2015)
The novel was interesting in that it simultaneously fascinated and repelled me—the 1950s upscale social scene was so false and hurtful to those involved in it, while the personalities of Babe Paley and Truman Capote and their deep need for a true friendship was developed well. The gossipy style and the setting make me think this would appeal to fans of Mad Men and tell-all memoirs. I found it similar to Ariel Lawhon's The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress, a novel that also depicts a certain era of New York City and the subversive ways women need to act in order to navigate the world of powerful men.
That Summer
by Lauren Willig
Solid historical from outstanding author (5/6/2014)
Lauren Willig has a talent for combining a contemporary story with a mystery from the past, and like her Pink Carnation series, this is no exception. Moving from the Napoleonic-era of those, this one is about the Raphaelite painters of the mid-19th century. I found the modern characters a little more interesting than the 19th century ones, and I think that there is not as much sparkle in the dialogue in this book as in her others. The author is an excellent storyteller, though, and this is both entertaining and enlightening.
Longbourn
by Jo Baker
Truly original Austen take (9/27/2013)
The list of homages and continuations of Austen novels seems endless, but Baker's new novel centered around the servants of the Bennet household (Pride & Prejudice) is truly new and original. Even more, it's audacious in its interpretation of a couple of the main characters of Austen's novel while wholly realistic in its depiction of life "downstairs." The author has carefully matched scenes in P&P where servants were in view to her own story, fleshing out the lives of these shadowy characters. It's earthy in parts--and needs to be--to show the way life was like, which is in counterpoint to Austen's ironic look at the social strictures of the gentry and upper classes. Great for discussion especially paired with Pride and Prejudice. I don't know what readers who had not read (or seen) P&P would make of it, however an engrossing plot and interesting characters move readers along. Small quibble--a couple word choices seemed anachronistic.
Songs of Willow Frost
by Jamie Ford
Unusual historical setting (9/27/2013)
Jamie Ford fans will relish his new book, which contains many of the same themes as Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, but which is very different in time period, characters and plot. Once again, it revolves around the Asian community on the West Coast and the difficulties of the immigrant/first-generation experience. I liked it for the amazing historical detail and the unusual setting (orphanage in the early 20th century, Depression era), and it also contains many of the emotional elements of his first novel: a little over the top for me at times but compelling and wistful.
Through the Evil Days: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
"Evil Days" provides good reading days (9/2/2013)
One of the strengths of Julia Spencer-Fleming's series is that she never writes the same book twice. That also means that some of the enjoyable scenes of previous books, like the banter with Harlene in the police department and with Clare and her church secretary are minimal, because the action is set away from the town of Millers Kill and is moved into the Adirondack wilds.
Vestry meetings bookend this story, since the Reverend Clare Fergusson is under a bishop's review for "conduct unbecoming a priest" due to her pregnancy out of wedlock. Her recent marriage to Police Chief Russ Van Alstyne is strained because of his conflicting feelings over fatherhood and her recurring battle fatigue. Their honeymoon at a remote lakeside cabin is a way for them to sort things out, but their trip is the beginning of a brutal winter storm, and a complex police investigation back in Millers Kill involving a kidnapping, murder of federal agents, a drug ring, and witness intimidation.
The action ends up involving Clare and Russ in their mountain retreat, and it becomes a suspenseful story of survival. This is an engrossing and complicated police procedural introducing a fun, new character (Oscar the German Shepherd) and developing the relationship between Kevin Flynn and Hadley Knox from previous books. Cue the title, though, and know that this is about serious issues in communities and in personal relationships.
The mystery ends on one of the author's signature cliffhangers. It's good to know that the series continues!
Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole
Exquisite writing in engrossing story (6/9/2013)
While there will be many comparisons to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, this debut novel stands on its own merit and tells quite a different story. In the letters of a mother and a daughter to their significant others, we see wartime Britain, both for World War I and II. This is a fine example of an author who "shows rather than tells" and who captures an era through the carefully written letters (right down to the endearments that are historically accurate). There is a surprising amount of suspense to the story along with interesting family secrets. Loved it. Great for book discussions and fans of historical fiction like Guernsey or The Aviator's Wife.
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
A letdown (3/22/2013)
As the leader of a discussion group that enjoys historical mysteries, I had high hopes for this new author. An interesting premise and lots of historical details, though, were marred by uneven writing. The flow of the story was slowed by an overabundance of parenthetical phrases, awkward transitions between scenes, and a lack of character development. I stopped too often to remark on imprecise word choices to be able to enjoy the story.
A Hundred Flowers: A Novel
by Gail Tsukiyama
A Hundred Flowers (7/27/2012)
This character-driven story is perfect for book groups and will appeal to readers of historical fiction. Told from multiple points of view, it concentrates on one Chinese family during Mao's Hundred Flowers campaign in 1957. Life changes for all the people in the book, and although they long wistfully for the past, they each meet their new challenges in unexpected ways. Although the time frame and themes are very similar to Lisa See's Dreams of Joy, the precise storytelling has a much different feel. A great way to learn Chinese history, I really enjoyed this book.
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
Simple language needed (4/17/2012)
An interesting premise and unusual setting are marred by cliched language and repetitive phrasing. Better editing could have made this a stronger entry in new mysteries, especially considering that the subject--the simple Shaker life--would work much better with straightforward telling. Readers who like Amish mysteries would be drawn to this for its similarities, so this is an author to watch.
No Mark Upon Her: A Novel
by Deborah Crombie
A great mystery--if I may put my "oar" in (1/5/2012)
Author Deborah Crombie has the ability to choose a quintessentially English theme--the prestigious sport of rowing in this case--and then develop a complex mystery around it. The book is suspenseful, although the story takes time to develop the characters, to explore the rigors of rowing, and to look at the minutiae of the daily family life of a new, blended family. This makes for an excellent police procedural featuring the newly married Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. Crombie's writing is so smooth that you only concentrate on the story, which is the latest installment in an outstanding series.
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
"Tides of War" reveals true heroes--and imposters (11/23/2011)
Although slow starting, this superb historical piece depicts the Peninsular War in rare depth. From the home front to the battlefield, it’s an honest, raw view of war and its effects, where intensely sad scenes are countered by little rays of hope.
The portrayal of real people, including Wellington and his wife Kitty, financier Nathan Rothschild, and inventor Frederick Winsor, is outstanding and provides rich fodder for discussion groups.
The Things We Cherished: A Novel
by Pam Jenoff
The Things We Cherished (5/26/2011)
Perhaps expectation set my standards too high, as I've been wanting to read Jenoff's books for ages. I found this book to be ok for a quick summer read. The plot was interesting, but the characters were kind of flat, and I wanted to be "convinced" more of their feelings rather than told. Lots of cliches in the writing also bothered me, but I will certainly try another of her books.
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