If you are looking for a quirky, off-beat, doesn’t follow the rules kind of story, this is it. It is translated from Polish, and was first published iIf you are looking for a quirky, off-beat, doesn’t follow the rules kind of story, this is it. It is translated from Polish, and was first published in 2009. But even if the story is 16 years old, that doesn’t seem to date it. There is still a contemporary feel to it when we consider the subject of nature and how humans impact it through hunting and their innate cruelty to animals. (Some things don’t change.) Also, consider the cruelty, a trigger warning.
I picked this one up at my local library on one of my outings, and forgot to list it on my currently reading list. I am now providing my review for Goodreads.
This book is also written by a controversial feminist writer who was the Polish winner of the 2018 International Man Booker prize for her novel, “Flights.” She also won in the same year the Nobel Prize in Literature for “a narrative imagination that with encyclopedic passion represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life.” The award was postponed due to controversy within the Swedish Academy.
This story follows an older woman named Janina, who lives in a secluded Polish village near the Czech-Polish border. There is a mystery that surrounds her as dead bodies of men start to show up. And, it appears that it could have to do with acts of revenge by animals on the local hunters. But are the animals able to commit these acts? Or, do they have someone doing this on their behalf?
These questions will be the mystery for readers to ponder. Thus, this becomes the murder mystery that doesn’t seem to follow the general rules of typical storytelling.
For anyone willing to go with the flow, this story proves intriguing and somewhat compelling. And, since it is a short book, it doesn’t take long for the ending to wrap it’s story up to help readers understand what was really happening all along. Or does it?
So, is there a moral lesson being demonstrated here? Or, is it a political statement? Do we need to consider how we as humans behave towards animals? Or, towards nature? Are we as humans, forgetting how to respect the innocence of the natural world? Or, women? Perhaps there is something to also be said of our dismissal of the invisible Janina, too? Are we being reminded of how we treat the elderly, too? i.e., - once they age out, we forget them, and don’t listen to them any longer?
Which makes this book a rather fascinating book discussion selection. ...more
This author first captured my attention with his book, “The Life We Bury.” That was the beginning of a wonderful series. If you haven’t read it, I encThis author first captured my attention with his book, “The Life We Bury.” That was the beginning of a wonderful series. If you haven’t read it, I encourage you to try it. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, when this one came out, especially with a librarian as a main character I was ready to read it.
Eskens will take readers on an emotional roller coaster ride as we traverse the past and present through the Bosnian war and present-time crime drama. As readers we first meet quiet, preferably invisible librarian Hana. (Hence: the title of the book!)
We learn that there is more to this unassuming immigrant now settled in Minnesota, when Hana is confronted within the stacks of her beloved library by Detective David Claypool about the murder of her best friend Amina.
What past is Hana hiding from, and what danger does this past put her and Amina’s grandson, Dylan in the path of? Even so, why is the ‘enemy’ coming in present time?
Although, it may be difficult for this reader to understand why the ‘enemy’ from Bosnia may be tracking down someone 30 years later, the story still was compelling. It was relatively well-paced, heart-wrenching, and in many ways felt like a true-to-life thriller, giving readers a front seat view of the strength and resilience of individuals during the cruelties of war. (Which might also be a trigger for some.) ...more
I was reluctant to read this one because I had a difficult experience with her debut novel, “All Good People Here.” But I was willing to give myself aI was reluctant to read this one because I had a difficult experience with her debut novel, “All Good People Here.” But I was willing to give myself and this author another chance. To be honest, my experience was better with this one, BUT…
What happens when 2 women go missing from the same area within 2 weeks of each other? In this instance, it becomes a cold case that haunts both surviving sisters of each known victim.
After 7 years, Jenna, who lost her sister, Jules, contacts Nic, who lost her sister Kasey, and asks her to participate with her in an investigation into their missing family members. Jenna believes she has some leads into their disappearance.
What will they discover? And, what will they do when they find out the truth?
With this book, when all seems clear, nothing is truly as it seems. With short, fast-paced and cliffhanging chapters and questionable characters (both unlikable with an unreliable narrator), this twisty suspenseful, page-turning mystery will have readers guessing up to the last page. The most important questions being…
As readers, will your guess be right? And, will the ending feel believable? Or satisfying?
So, what about the BUT I alluded to in my opening paragraph? Yes, this book had everything that most readers would expect from their mysteries, as I described above. But for me, the lead up to the ending and actual finale seemed contrived. I had a hard time wrapping my head around it. As if the author felt this final twist was going to give her a Wow moment.
Could this climax revelation, with all its predilections and tragedies provide readers with a believable or satisfying ending? I am left grappling with this question. I realize the ending may be what connected readers most to this book, but for me, I think it did the opposite.
I think I will pass on any more books from this author. I haven’t had successful outcomes with my reading experiences with her books. Still, please read other reviews, as there are higher stars out there for this one, than mine. ...more
How does one overcome a life that has been terrorized by a violent crime? Especially when it takes years for that killer to be caught?
Readers will haHow does one overcome a life that has been terrorized by a violent crime? Especially when it takes years for that killer to be caught?
Readers will have the opportunity to experience the impact a series of sadistic crimes has on those who have been victimized and those who have survived. In this regard, it will not be an easy read. But a compelling, empathetic one.
And, especially when you consider the beginnings of a love story that is cruelly interrupted by such a crime and how their lives play out because of it.
The author weaves together past and present, courtroom scenes and victim’s stories, as they have the opportunity to finally seek justice when that person has been arrested and brought to justice.
Presented as a mixture of psychological thriller, police procedural, and love story, this will feel brutal, disturbing and heart-wrenching at times, in its telling. But it is a profound one even as a fiction book, that gives voice to the victims of tragedy.
I have to admit my embarrassment about my initial lack of knowledge about this author. What I have come to understand is that he is a Pulitzer Prize wI have to admit my embarrassment about my initial lack of knowledge about this author. What I have come to understand is that he is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist for national reporting who I knew nothing about until I read about him from his wife, author, Geraldine Brooks in her book, “Memorial Days.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In her book, she shared openly about the loss of him, by emotionally addressing her grief. He was on a book tour in 2019 promoting his latest book, “Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide” when while walking, he collapsed from cardiac arrest due to myocarditis. He sadly died on the spot. He was only 60 years young.
Because I was so in tune to Brooks book about their relationship, I became curious about Horwitz the writer. So, I thought I might be interested in reading something he would have written. Of course, it also helps that I do like to read a bit of history, every now and then, too. Thus, this is how I came to check out one of his books. This 2011 book finally became available at my local library early this month (May, 2025).
Even though this was non-fiction, I found myself riveted to the pages, as if it were a historical fiction read. His writing was provocative. His descriptions of the people of that time were engrossing and seductive. Most compelling was the blatant and harsh bigotry shared by the author of how the blacks were treated. It was like reading something out of today’s newspapers.
I know I sound like I am overstating this, because the author was obviously writing about a time in history that was discussing slavery. But that wasn’t my point. It was the attitude of the people he conveyed through his writing. The lack of respect, and dehumanizing of others because of the color of one’s skin, showed clearly a racist behavior that unfortunately plays out in today’s world.
As a society TODAY there is a glaring and undisguised promotion of hate based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, and socioeconomic background. And, when systemic biases/racism exists, they are used as political tools that reject the values of equality, coexistence and the rule of law in favor of raw power for white nationalist, fascist behavior. So much of Horwitz’s writing was a mirror into today’s politics.
So, who was John Brown and why was he interested in abolishing slavery? After all, he was a white man. Brown was raised as a Calvinist where life was a constant struggle against sin. The Browns believed they must bear witness against the sins of a nation. So, for John Brown to take the direction he eventually did, he naturally believed he was destined. Also, “John Brown, raised by disciplinarians, became one himself.”
He hated the idea of slavery due to a combination of personal experiences, religious beliefs and his view of slavery as a moral and political evil. He witnessed firsthand the brutality of slavery and believed it was a transgression against God which fueled his commitment to abolish it. Thus, turning him into an abolitionist. An abolitionist being a person who favored the ending of the practice of slavery.
The author tells the story leading up to and the actual raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1859. An event that intensified animosities and contributed to the break out of the civil war and the divide between the North and the South and difficulty towards reconciliation between the two factions.
Particularly interesting was when the author chose to walk in Brown’s footsteps by visiting the actual location of the raid itself. He shared…
“…walking in the footsteps of history isn’t the same as being there. I could tread where Brown’s men did glimpse some of what they saw, but the place I wanted to be was inside their heads. What led them to launch a brazen assault on their own government and countrymen? Why were millions of other Americans willing to kill and die in the civil war that followed? How did one event connect to the other?”
Through meticulous historical research the author takes us through time and attempts to answer these very questions. With pictures and stories and journal entries of what took place that led up to the fateful days to come, during and after, readers learn about the true history of the time. And, why it was so important to fight for the cause.
Of particular importance is the author’s appendix which pays homage to the raiders killed in action, captured, escaped, killed or wounded by raiders. There are also notes at the end of the book that support his extensive research. As well as an artist rendering of Harpers Ferry 1859 on the opening and closing pages of the book.
This is a beautifully articulate narrative of one of America’s most troubling and brutal historical figures. Even if in Brown’s violence he made a statement, it was a time and a place in history that something needed to change. And, now that we are standing at a pivotal time in our own history in which prejudice and hate rears its ugly head again, we cannot ignore the magnitude of what the message of hate does to a nation.
Books like this need to be read, to remind us that we have got to stop the cycle of hate and prejudice. We need to embrace our differences so that violence like this does not have to occur.
No doubt the civil war was a devastating war. We cannot afford to go there again. Consider…Russia/Ukraine. Israel/Gaza. Our current: United States – Red vs Blue – Un-united States? Perhaps books like this remind us of the cost of wars.
Of particular note: Horwitz published this book in 2011. I am reading and reviewing this in 2025. Still, I can’t help but tie this directly to today’s politics. The author may not have intended to compare what was done ‘yesterday’ with today (especially since he died in 2019 and this was published in 2011 long before Trump was on the scene). But as we well know, the Holocaust being a vivid example, the past and the present have a way of melding together on their own. We can’t help but find a connection. And, in so doing, it really isn’t comforting at all.
Why does history have to repeat itself in these abominable and atrocious ways? What does it take for humanity to learn from these historical lessons?
Perhaps make readers of history of us all. So, we don’t repeat ourselves again and again. ...more
I recommend you go into this book blind. Even after reading it I am sincerely flummoxed. This story has multiple narrators, and thus multiple points oI recommend you go into this book blind. Even after reading it I am sincerely flummoxed. This story has multiple narrators, and thus multiple points of view. And so many twists and turns that it took me to the last page to figure out what I had just read. Is that good or bad? I leave it to each reader to decide.
What I did get out of this story, is that it may not pay to be rich. That it could create selfishness and greed and murderous intentions. Which may not end well for some.
Which makes this story dark and twisty with some unlikable characters with not very redeeming qualities. So, does that mean they get what they deserve in the end? (No spoilers from me.)
When I read her debut book, “The Other Woman” I had no words. I just knew it was better for anyone reading the book to go in blindly, and just read itWhen I read her debut book, “The Other Woman” I had no words. I just knew it was better for anyone reading the book to go in blindly, and just read it! I was so wowed by her.
So, when this book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I instantly was excited to read it. Of course, it doesn’t help to have high expectations after reading an author and giving them 5 stars!
So, does Jones deliver again? Oh yes!
What happens when what we thought was real, may not be? And, what happens when we question whether we truly know those people we love and care about? Especially our significant partner? And, possibly our best friend?
Once again, it is easiest to go into this story with as little information about it as possible. Just know that once you do, you will not want to put this book down. It is a twisty, sinister, never-saw-this-one-coming, juicy, layered, page-turning, domestic suspense thriller that will keep readers guessing up to the last page....more
Lately, I have been reading stories that I am not putting on my ‘currently reading’ shelf here at Goodreads. As a moody reader, I am not always sure ILately, I have been reading stories that I am not putting on my ‘currently reading’ shelf here at Goodreads. As a moody reader, I am not always sure I will want to continue a book if it does not appeal to me in the moment I begin it. And, in these situations it seems easier to just keep the book to myself until I am ready to post my review. Especially when I have decided to read it. That happened with this book donation to my Little Free Library Shed.
To me, one of the most favorable reading experiences are the connections readers make to the characters. Whether we love or hate them, our reactions tell us that they were believable to us. And, maybe even relatable. Mostly, for me, I want to care about them and their journey. Because in some ways, when I step in to a story, I want to feel as if I am actually there, as well. Or, hiding out in a safe place (especially with mysteries and thrillers). I know, maybe I am projecting myself too much into the experience, but usually it is what tells me that I am truly in for the reading journey.
And, sometimes the most unlikely character is a house. Like with this story. An abandoned house that happens to be painted purple, overlooking the sea in Awadapquit, Maine. (The fictional location for Ogunquit.)
Jane, one of our main protagonists, first spotted the house as a teenage tour guide on a lobster boat in the 1990’s. She decides to explore the house with her best friend, Allison, whose family gives Jane warmth and a sense of belonging. Something dearly missing in her own home life.
But life goes on. And, it isn’t until she is 30, that she explores the house again with her boyfriend, David. But on this one visit, fear enveloped her. And readers get the message…
“a fear tugged at Jane’s pocket, whispering that she had only wandered temporarily into somebody else’s lovely life.”
What could that foretelling be?
Readers wouldn’t get that answer until about 10 years later, when Jane is once again called back to home, and is hired by the present owner of the purple house, Genevieve, who asks her to look into its history, and possible ghost.
Ghost?
Jane’s research takes her into adventures of discovery along with Genevieve and Allison. Where readers also experience Jane’s growth.
Overall readers will be thrust into an interesting mystery, with well-defined, yet flawed and complicated characters. None of whom I could relate to, but I could still appreciate their complex journey. Especially inviting is the scenic history that the author writes to give this read credible credence. There is much to appreciate about the land, old houses and people who came before us.
This first Mystery Writers of America Crime Novel Award-winning debut follows Special Constable Teddy Creque. He is our protagonist and narrator on hiThis first Mystery Writers of America Crime Novel Award-winning debut follows Special Constable Teddy Creque. He is our protagonist and narrator on his first murder investigation on ‘his’ island of Anegada. Located in the British Virgin Islands, murder or crime that requires Teddy to have a gun or arrest anybody just does not happen. So, when a dead body is discovered on the beach, he needs to figure out what happened and why.
His first sign of business is to notify the dead person’s family. But such a simple act has him discover the person isn’t who he claimed to be. So, who is he and why would someone murder him?
Teddy is an uncomplicated man leading a complicated life. Married with 2 kids, and balancing 4 jobs to help make ends meet, he is also carrying on an affair with the beautiful, independent Cat Wells who flies helicopters. His guilt doesn’t keep him from ending the affair. But it does lead him, as a novice in police procedurals and appropriate investigative work, to find out some things about himself and why he needs to do well with this investigation.
Readers will enjoy the island of Anegada. In many ways, Anegada is its own character and sense of place that features washboard roads, the sweltering sun, luxurious homes, diving holes and breathtaking beaches. Especially with such peculiar names like Cow Wreck Bay, the Settlement, and Horseshoe Reef.
This scenic, cozy, slow-burn, easy-to-read, page-turning mystery is filled with dynamic and fully-fleshed out likable characters, suspense, twists and surprises that will keep readers engaged. Apparently, there are 4 books in this series, for readers to appreciate.
How should a reader feel when the opening sentence states…
“The first thought I had after I died was: How will my dog cope with this?”
Oh my! My husbandHow should a reader feel when the opening sentence states…
“The first thought I had after I died was: How will my dog cope with this?”
Oh my! My husband and I have certainly thought of this very thing. So, we included in our will financial provisions for our dogs, along with naming my sister as main guardian, should our corgis still be around after we both pass. Of course, we understand that anything can change. But as animal lovers, readers will feel that special connection between our narrator and main protagonist, Nora Stuart and her dog, Boomer. And why she may mutter those words.
Nora Stuart is a doctor in the Department of Gastroenterology, who is speaking of her “giant Bernese mountain dog mutt” Boomer. Why is her own personal death on her mind as she is doing rounds at Boston City Hospital?
Readers soon learn that these thoughts occurred after Nora’s accident in which she found herself in the same hospital she worked. An accident that changed everything she knew. At least, she didn’t die. And, she and Boomer could now go home – not the one she shared with her ‘boyfriend’ – but the home she grew up in.
And, now a new adventure begins for Nora. What will it encompass?
As it turns out, readers will be taken back in forth in time as Nora recalls her childhood. These memories will include the feelings of abandonment of when her father left without a word. Will she finally be able to find out what happened to him?
Nora is also searching for a connection with her cold and distant mother, and her 15-year-old niece Poe while Nora’s sister is in prison. And, then there are the people she grew up with, what will happen with Nora and them?
There were moments when it was difficult to feel anything but sadness and bleakness wandering through Nora’s life as she attempted to seek and show love for those who have given her nothing in return.
She refers to a situation as the Big Bad Event. It will take a while before readers discover what that was, and why it left her in a state of constant fear. But with Nora’s positive outlook on life, readers can’t help but root for her and hope she finds her strength.
Because readers would like to believe that as Nora heals, so does almost everyone else.
This will not be a romantic comedy kind of book. There are complex, complicated and sometimes unlikable characters between these pages. Leaving readers with the experience of delving into the complexities of familial relationships, societal bonds, after effects of traumatic brain injury, mental illness, and addiction.
However, if readers are patient with this slow-moving story, they will be privy to answers as to why Nora’s mother was the way she was, what happened to her father, and, why her sister is in jail.
But mostly readers will have the opportunity to relish Nora’s personal growth as she navigates coming home after 15 years and discovering herself, the possibility of true and lasting love; and, a hopeful unbreakable bond relationship with her niece, Poe.
And, of course there is Boomer who makes life a little bit more fulfilling all around. Thank goodness for dogs!
After reading “Memorial Days” I found myself staring at one of her older books, this one, which was published in 2015. It had been donated to my LittlAfter reading “Memorial Days” I found myself staring at one of her older books, this one, which was published in 2015. It had been donated to my Little Free Library Shed a few months ago, and I decided to hold on to it, until I could decide whether I wanted to read it or not.
I told myself that after I was finished with “Memorial Days” I would consider reading this one. I peeked inside. And then, I saw the list of names (characters) at the front of the story. “Oh no,” I thought to myself, “this is not a good sign. Would I be able to keep track of all those people?” And then I said, “give it a chance. This author typically moves you.”
So, I put it in my personal pile, not recorded on Goodreads, to consider reading at some future point after I completed “Memorial Days.” And, now I am here ready to tell you what I experienced.
“I understood that I was being shown the future: shards of what would come to be. Often, I cried out for the pain of it. But other times, I was comforted, because I saw, for an instant, the pattern of the whole.”
This is the historical fiction story of King David. It is gritty, emotionally stirring, with lots of characters. (Plan on referring back to that list of characters at the beginning of the book.) Brooks tells her story from scriptural sources, but in such a way that she brings everything to life. The setting. The people. The history.
“He was not afraid of silence, which most of us will rush to fill.”
There is something poetic in the telling of this story. How readers can see David as someone who is brave, just, charismatic and talented. But he also does bad things which causes him to fall from grace. And, even with some of those life decisions he made, we as readers aren’t inside a tragedy necessarily, but a story that takes our “King” to old age and a peaceful passing.
In the telling, Brooks does not take away from the biblical version, but whittles down the biblical hero figure to human. Which makes this book a compelling read.
"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
There is no doubt that"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
There is no doubt that war creates havoc and chaos on countries, communities, and more specifically on the people caught in the middle of one. It is painful and heart-wrenching when countries make war their focused decision in dealing with conflict. That is why, sometimes it is difficult to understand why these decisions to start and/or continue a war still occur, especially after the destruction created by WWII.
To find Baldacci in the middle of a WWII story, is not a common one for this author to tackle. As readers, we are typically introduced and immersed in his character series, like: Travis Devine – ex-special ops, or Amos Decker – the memory man, or Will Robie – former assassin, or King & Maxwell – private investigators who were former Secret Service agents, or Aloysius Archer – a private investigator, or Atlee Pine – FBI agent, or the Camel Club – seekers of justice; and, the like. These series feature well-fleshed out characters readers are motivated to follow. That is until Baldacci chooses to end their series, generally on a good note. Although, sometimes sad for us readers.
But I appreciate how Baldacci reinvents himself, through his characters and stories, like this one.
In some ways, this book might even be considered a YA novel, since the main two characters, Charlie and Molly are teens during WWII London.
Wandering through the war’s devastation, they find solace, friendship and security with bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver. But it doesn’t mean that it will be an easy journey for these three survivors.
There is so much to this story. Not because it is 433 pages, but because it is a genuinely absorbing and expertly researched historical fiction novel. We can feel the character’s emotions of being in and surviving a war, their loss and loneliness created by the wars impact, and the jolt that comes from separation of families. As well as, the meaning of creating a new one.
Baldacci’s characterizations of our 3 main appealing protagonists are beautifully created, well-developed and multi-layered. Even if I was hoping to see Charlie and Molly advance to adulthood, this did not appear to be the author’s intention for readers to experience. Still, I could appreciate what he was willing to share of them.
Baldacci is definitely, a master storyteller. And, within this narrative, he explores the power of friendship, grace and love while overcoming the harshness, horrors and cruelty of war. Baldacci’s supporting cast of characters emphasize superbly, the hatred and evil they may have become because of the war.
Surprisingly for me, I found myself wanting more from this story, even as I winced at the size of the book, each time I picked it up to read. Still, did it need to be that many pages? The ending could have been better, but the story still captivated with its intense, haunting, heart-felt, and engaging readability.
This book, and the author’s following series books, “Persons Unknown” and “Remain Silent” were donated to my Little Free Library Shed. I decided to reThis book, and the author’s following series books, “Persons Unknown” and “Remain Silent” were donated to my Little Free Library Shed. I decided to read this one, to see if I might be interested in continuing with the series. This book is the first in the author’s Detective Sargeant (DS) Manon Bradshaw series.
Readers meet DS Bradshaw as a single woman who listens to her police radio as a way to get to sleep. It also focuses on her loneliness as a 39-year-old who settles for one-night stands.
The victim is a 24-year-old Edith Hind, a Cambridge postgrad who was working on her PhD on fighting the patriarchy in Victorian literature.
The story is rich in character development for her leads. Readers will be able to feel DS Bradshaw’s sadness and loneliness as well as her cleverness as a policewoman. And, although Edith is absent because of her known status as “the victim,” readers will still feel a strong connection to her in the way she is described throughout the story.
Even as the story feels depressing and disturbing, it also is compelling and highly believable. But it is slow moving with immense details about police procedurals that lead to a weak solution to the mystery and a rushed ending.
So, what did I decide about Book 2 and 3? They will go out into my Little Free Library Shed unread by me. I’m not a fan of depressing and disturbing reading these days. Interestingly enough, it didn’t take long for others to “check-out” the books from my Little Free Library Shed. I’m glad others are appreciating this author. Maybe I am an outlier?
3.5 stars (strong character development of leads)...more
The book cover shares a question at the top which states…
“What if the witness was more twisted than the killer?”
Entering the prologue, readers can’t The book cover shares a question at the top which states…
“What if the witness was more twisted than the killer?”
Entering the prologue, readers can’t help but be left with a lot of questions about Ruby Johnson, especially when her own grandmother shared ‘there is something wrong with Ruby.’ Is Ruby the twisted witness #8? And, who is the killer? And, why?
Enter Eddie Flynn, defense attorney. This book is part of the Eddie Flynn series, so it is recommended that readers consider reading these books in order to gain a better perspective and history of the characters. Still, the author does a good job of catching readers up, so it could be read as a stand-alone.
A murder occurs. A witness sees what is happening and decides to use it to their advantage. And, a respected doctor is wrongly accused of the murder, a lot because of what the witness has put in motion. Why? What were the motives of the witness? Will Eddie Flynn and his team be able to find out the truth, and thus, prove their client innocent?
This is a twisted thriller with a captivating and riveting surprise outcome. Told from multiple points of view, this well-paced but imperfect plot page-turner with flawed and multi-layered characters will keep readers engaged....more
Whenever a book is donated to my Little Free Library Shed that I haven’t read, I have the opportunity to consider whether I would like to read it or nWhenever a book is donated to my Little Free Library Shed that I haven’t read, I have the opportunity to consider whether I would like to read it or not. I recognize how lucky I am to receive these donations, and, I do not take them for granted. This one is also a Good Morning America Book Club pick. Not that this would entice me to read it, but it does add to my curiosity about the book, if I am being honest.
So, what did I really think of it?
This book takes us to 1950s Hollywood where the movie industry is caught up in the throes of changing times. To get younger generations interested in going to the movies, ‘The Seventh Veil of Salome’ the character’s vision for a movie, becomes a beatnik retelling of the biblical myth of Salome. And, behind the scenes are the characters vying for a role in this movie.
This book provides for richly drawn complicated characters, an interesting setting (a look at a younger seedier Los Angeles), joined with plot twists that should keep readers engaged. Along with romance, intrigue, and all the glitz and glamour expected to be found in 1950s Hollywood.
But it also shows off the cutthroat, and racist times where studio power and morality codes were the norm.
In many ways, the story telling of Salome, was the hardest part to follow. Still, the historical fiction aspect of the story was interesting tied in with some suspense.
So, even though I didn’t love the story, especially the ending, I was impressed with the author’s gripping writing style. ...more
As another donation to my Little Free Library Shed, and a ‘Read with Jenna’ book club pick, I thought it might be worthwhile to read this one, before As another donation to my Little Free Library Shed, and a ‘Read with Jenna’ book club pick, I thought it might be worthwhile to read this one, before I provided it to the neighborhood.
This is a historical fiction novel which explores the forgotten lives behind the construction of the Panama Canal. In an interview, the author wondered ‘whose lives, and deaths, lay behind a project so massive it redefined countries and redrew the world’s map?’ This gave the author incentive to create a historical fiction story that could possibly answer that question.
Her first page shows the Wanted poster which encourages people to want to be part of this massive job by offering a ‘2-year contract, free lodging and medical care’ and the best possibility being for people to, ‘work in paradise.’
But was it really paradise?
Taking 10 years to complete this novel, it is clear that it is truly character driven. There is a diverse cast of characters. And yet, her tale feels intimate. The characters we meet are memorable in the shaping of their lives for us to witness. As readers we gain many perspectives, capturing the breadth of lives touched by the construction and destruction that surrounds them. Every person here has a story to be told, even if history has forgotten them.
The story is captivating, informative and heart-wrenching even as it is achingly slow-paced, which could be discouraging to some readers. Even so, readers will no doubt be affected by the author’s viewpoint of history....more
Well, wow, and oh my! This debut novel, got to me. I read this one cover to cover in one day. I say this, because I just couldn’t put it down. The stoWell, wow, and oh my! This debut novel, got to me. I read this one cover to cover in one day. I say this, because I just couldn’t put it down. The story captured me from the first page. A captivating look into an unusual not always likable character who has obviously endured some trauma in her life that readers discover during flashbacks.
Claire is the character I refer to, as does the title of this book. The darling part of the title will become obvious early on. Claire is our unreliable narrator. And, we feel lots of feelings about Claire and her diary entries about her ‘loving’ relationship with Noah.
But is it all that it seems? And, when the courtroom drama begins, because of something horrible that happened, what do readers discover? (No spoilers from me.)
Let’s just say this was a fast-paced, imperfect, psychologically twisty, deviously provocative, unpredictable story that was immensely engrossing. With a haunting, disturbing and intricate plot that will most likely capture readers attention. Best read going into the story blindly....more
“A tragic life was over, and the one who’d lived it had now gone on to better things. …He was finally free.”
I am a fan of Grisham. I will just say th“A tragic life was over, and the one who’d lived it had now gone on to better things. …He was finally free.”
I am a fan of Grisham. I will just say that off the top. I think there is only one book of his I gave a poor rating too, and that was “The Exchange,” the story that followed “The Firm” years later. I have even enjoyed his non-courtroom books, like “Sooley” and “Calico Joe.”
I read this one years ago, (it was published in 2006), and thought I had already provided a review, but apparently, I did not. So, it almost seems fitting to provide a review now, since his latest non-fiction book, “Framed” had just been released. Which I am also currently reading.
This book is his first non-fiction book. The story follows the wrongful conviction of Ronald Keith Williamson, who was tried for murder and then exonerated. Dennis Fritz, a friend of Williamson was also tried, convicted and exonerated of the same crime.
Grisham shares in his 2024 novel, “Framed” the following…
“I had never considered nonfiction – I was having too much fun with the novels – but Ron’s story captivated me. From a pure storytelling point of view, it was irresistible. Filled with tragedy, suffering, corruption, loss, near death, a measure of redemption, and an ending that could not be considered happy but could have been much worse, the story was just waiting for an author.”
Grisham’s telling of the story starts with the disappearance of their supposed victim, Debbie Carter who was later found dead at her home. Within a very short time, readers will be introduced to witnesses, relatives, law personnel and forensic experts.
Grisham’s introduction of Williamson comes by showcasing his habits that would come to the interest of the police. He does a relatively good job of allowing readers to see him as a victim of his own life and mental deterioration. Which allowed the prosecution to prey on him even more.
The story is grim with lots of narrative focused on an abusive system of “justice” and how it locked away its supposed “killers.” The descriptions of prison life were vivid and disturbing. Even if vindication is provided, would it bring peace to those who were locked away as innocent men?
This is a gripping, riveting, and compelling story with a strong focus on attention to detail. Which may or may not muddy the reading experience. Still, the story is obviously well-researched. For some readers, this story may even spark outrage for a system of justice that was clearly blind and unscrupulous.
The Author’s Note will give excellent background on Grisham’s motivation for writing this story and the people he encountered through his research. ...more
