An Unmarked Grave: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd
An Unmarked Grave (4/19/2012)
Being an avid fan of Charles Todd through the Inspector Ian Rutledge series, it is difficult for me to see this with fresh eyes. I entered the Bess Crawford mysteries out of order as “An Unmarked Grave” is the fourth novel in the series and the first I have read. Most of the things I really love about books written by Todd are present, the vivid portrayal of each scene, the insightfulness that comes through the main character (Bess in this series) and the broad range of historical context/perspective - all excellent. There are a number of main characters that are very likeable. What got in the way of my full enjoyment of “An Unmarked Grave” was the plot itself. The motivations of the villains, the speculations involved in solving the mystery, the behavior of various characters and the circumstances surrounding how people came to be in one place or another at the time they did left me thinking “Huh? Oh well” and then I would read on. I believe that as long as you’re not a real stickler for how neatly the plot is knit together or for believability there is plenty in this novel to enjoy. For those first reading Charles Todd’s Bess Crawford series, I recommend starting with the first of the series and read through. When you progress to this book, you will buy it, enjoy it and likely say “It's not one of the best” and go on to the next one. From my experience with the Ian Rutledge series, I expect you will be rewarded. What saved “An Unmarked Grave” for me is that it is written by a very gifted writing team. The plot represented a bit (albeit a central bit) of gristle in an otherwise good steak (vegetarians please edit with a suitable metaphor). Much good writing and enjoyable personality amidst a story not so well crafted.
The Starboard Sea: A Novel
by Amber Dermont
Roses with the thorns! (2/13/2012)
The artistry and intellect of Amber Dermont has me feeling a bit out of my league when it comes to reviewing her work. Through “The Starboard Sea”, I experienced a gorgeous landscape of reflections, insights, observation, emotion and passion, accessed through a thorny path of cruelty, narcissism, confusion, cynicism and compromise. I found myself bursting out in laughter on many occasions and there was sudden and unexpected sobbing in one spot. I found myself repeatedly underlining remarkable sentences and paragraphs.
More than a little of the book masterfully ushered me into the beauty of sailing; though I am not at all a mariner, the passion transferred very well. I found much of the coming-of-age sexuality of the young men in the story, understandably, unrecognizable. The ambivalence as to orientation explored, the private thoughts, the horsing around and jokes often seemed non-male and not real. It is a very ambitious thing for a woman to take on to be sure! Grief and loss are lovingly and artfully plumbed to their many-faceted depths. Being a widower, I found myself aching for the author as this level of understanding doesn’t come via any means other than mainline trauma. Interesting how very little there was to admire in all but a few living characters in the book (“The Lords of Discipline” comes to mind). The deceased Cal, anyone could have loved. I fell in love with Aidan. This is a book I will buy in hard cover and keep. I am confident that it is a novel that will yield more with another read… or two. Read the book and remember that I did warn you about the thorns!
The Moment: A Novel
by Douglas Kennedy
Worthwhile read. (2/9/2012)
I found this novel to be a worthwhile read. The plot and characters came across to me as secondary. I don’t know Douglas Kennedy, but it seemed to me that they were secondary to him as well. For me, “The Moment”, could have been a book written for the purpose of providing a backstory for a betrayal (perceived or genuine). I can almost see the author saying to an intended audience, “Maybe this story will serve you, not as an excuse, but at least you will have some helpful context.” There was also an irony involved in that, as I was reading in various scenes of the book about propaganda from the capitalist and communist sides of the Cold War, I was reading it within enough of a relativist angle that it almost felt like propaganda itself.
The merits of the book more than offset anything I considered awkward. Set mostly within the context of Cold War Berlin, the book explores themes of deception, betrayal, rationalization and survival. The author does a fantastic job of transporting me into an extremely oppressive system and enabling me feel how illusive personal equilibrium would be.
I received two gifts from “The Moment”. I loved the compassion for people often marginalized or judged. They were not prettied up, but their beautiful parts shined through. The main strength of this book was how Kennedy really captures the essence of longing. I have never read a book that put me in tune with my own longing like this. It is not a tidy novel and I don’t recommend it if a story is all you are looking for; having said that, I can’t imagine a person reading it without receiving something valuable in the process. A very thoughtful and thought-provoking work!
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