Stories are not always easy to follow when they are told in multiple voices. And, I am not referring to several P.O.V. which this novel also provides.Stories are not always easy to follow when they are told in multiple voices. And, I am not referring to several P.O.V. which this novel also provides. I’m referencing author voices, as in this case, where there are 3 different authors that wrote this novel. Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White. If you are fans of any of these women, you might enjoy this book, because you may recognize their style of writing within it.
But there may be hints of frustration in reading it, too. Especially for those of us who find that it isn’t easy when a foreign dialect is introduced that is difficult to read, as is the case here. The authors include the Scottish Gaelic speak, making it laborious to follow, at times.
The setting is a castle on a Scottish island for 3 American women authors. The women are attending a retreat where they intend to write a book together, blending their 3 different styles into one blockbuster hit. Hmmm… You mean like this one is supposed to be?
Each woman brings their own specialty writing style (historical fiction, cozy mystery and erotic), and Brett is the host, who readers find dead at the beginning of the story. With a Detective who isn’t exactly happy about Americans invading his territory.
The story is a puzzle mystery – locked room style. The setting is lovely.
As long as readers don’t take this whodunnit seriously, some might find the plot satirical fun.
But for me, with an anticlimactic ending, 3 author voices, and foreign dialect, this “murder mystery” was not my cup of tea....more
After receiving this as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought I would take a chance with it. But because I wasn’t certain ICatching up…
After receiving this as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought I would take a chance with it. But because I wasn’t certain I wanted to actually read it or not, I did not include it on my “currently reading” shelf. This seems to be happening a lot to me lately. Am I becoming a moody reader, again?
But I eventually did. Read it. After all, look at the book cover? Kind of tempting don’t you think?
So, here goes my review.
Although his story was well-written, with meaningful characters and an intriguing plot, regarding a possible medical breakthrough, it was hard to get through the religious tone of the story. However, for those who like this in their stories, it may be more appealing.
There is a mystery here to be solved, so that might be interesting for mystery lovers....more
“If you want to make something smarter, teach it to play.”
I had mixed feelings about “The Overstory.” But because it was a Pulitzer Prize winner, I de“If you want to make something smarter, teach it to play.”
I had mixed feelings about “The Overstory.” But because it was a Pulitzer Prize winner, I decided to read it. And, I still had mixed feelings about it by the time I got to the almost end. If curious as to what I am talking about, please feel free to read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, when this author’s new book came out, I was reluctant to read it. I had already had an emotional reaction to his previous book, “Bewilderment.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Could I get through this one?
Since the reviews were good, I thought that maybe I might have a different feeling about it. And, when one of the characters, Todd Keane is diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, I couldn’t help but feel a personal sadness about it, since the complications from that dis-ease is what took my mother’s life, 7 years ago. Still, this character is racing against his dis-ease in hopes of changing “the future of mankind.” Will he? What kind of ending will readers experience?
This story also takes readers to technical and future places, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a central role. To be honest, these focuses are not my favorite type of stories. So, now what am I to do?
Still, Powers writing does focus on nature, and the wonders of our world. Where “The Overstory” had its central characters trees, with “Bewilderment” it was about the natural world, and this one has the ocean – and why it is worthy of our attention.
Powers is certainly a message writer.
And, with the author writing of the evolving capabilities of AI, perhaps his message is that we might want to be concerned. What powers will AI have over humanity? Over life as we know it?
The story goes back and forth in time and place. It is a story of friendship and the emotional bonds formed, as much as it is an oceanic tale. It is also a tale of a woman in a male-dominated scientific field. And a mother of two children who lives on an island in French Polynesia being considered as a platform for future floating cities.
The drama within these pages feels like a soap opera with so many storylines it appears like we are reading several novellas at once.
But the most compelling feeling about this book is a sense that the author is also sending a strong message that as humans we have a responsibility to be stewards of our planet. And, as readers we can’t help but ask if we are doing enough to ensure her future.
Still, maybe there is something more that the author wanted to convey here. Perhaps it is his love for and belief in humanity and our planet, the fragility and enchantment of it – all worth appreciating and saving. How can we not be moved by that?...more
Obviously, or not so obviously, lately I have been on a kick reading this author’s earlier books.
In this second stand-alone book by the author, separObviously, or not so obviously, lately I have been on a kick reading this author’s earlier books.
In this second stand-alone book by the author, separate from his Andy Carpenter series, we have another story about an ordinary man who seems to be the “target” of someone. Consider his first stand-alone, “Don’t Tell a Soul,” where something kept happening to his main character, Tim Wallace who seems to be the focus of someone’s supposed “frame” job.
In this story, we have reporter Chris Hurley who is looking forward to talking with an anonymous tipster about “corruption by a high-level government official.” But suddenly an explosion rips through an office building opposite the park where Chris is supposed to be meeting the tipster. (The explosion scenario, although different setting, still seems to follow a similar pattern to what was experienced in “Don’t Tell a Soul.”) By being so close to the explosion, Chris now has the opportunity to write and make headline news with his story about it. But it doesn’t stop here. More tips keep coming in from his source, who refers to himself as “P.T.”. As wonderful as these tips are, who is this PT., and why are they leading Chris in this way?
Chris seeks help from his editor girlfriend, and also readers find an FBI agent and a homicide detective involved, to now figure out who P.T. is. Because quite honestly, P.T.’s behaviors seem rather “unusual” and quite suspicious. Who could this person be and why are they doing this? And, why involve Chris? Will Chris find this person in time before something more terrible happens? Will others believe Chris is not creating these headlines?
The pacing of this novel is quick, the plot twists keep turning, and pages kept moving towards a showdown that will take readers to New Year’s Eve in Times Square. What will readers discover? Will it lead readers to a satisfying conclusion?
As alluded to earlier, the slight problem with this book was that it followed a similar “script” to the author’s first stand-alone, “Don’t Tell a Soul.” Which took away from some of the intensity of this one. It could have been a more enthralling read, had I not found myself comparing it to his other book, as much. Other than that, it still was a relatively good read.
One of the first visuals the author wants readers to see is one of the main protagonists, named Rose, a little girl of 9, picking up a piece of glass One of the first visuals the author wants readers to see is one of the main protagonists, named Rose, a little girl of 9, picking up a piece of glass and hiding it under her sleeve. Is the author trying to portray her as sinister? Or, is she trying to put doubt in the mind about Roses’ character to our other main protagonist, Stella, who is sent in to work with her? Or, even worse, is the author, wanting us, the reader to distrust Rose?
Whatever the author has in mind, it appears to be her way of wanting to lend credence to why she chose the title of her book.
Needless to say, for this reader, there were a lot of cliches to this story. Vulnerable women. The appearances of a creepy kid. A husband sleeping with a nanny. (Who is now dead {nanny}, by the way.) A dissolving marriage. Nothing is quite as it seems. (So, readers be on your toes!) And, a lot of red herrings, that seemed to have nothing to do with the plot. At all.
And, even when everything seemed to be wrapped up, the story kept going. Why, I wondered. Was there something else to be revealed, still? Or just another way for the author to clean up loose ends?
As a reader, I found this story disappointing, and downright horrifying. To be honest, I think I have become rather tired of so-called “psychological” thrillers that use child characters in this abhorrent way. But please go read other reviews. I am probably an outlier with this one. I liked her book, “Gone Tonight” a tad better. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......more
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I found myself intrigued when I saw the cover and read the blurb on this book. On the cover there was alAs a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I found myself intrigued when I saw the cover and read the blurb on this book. On the cover there was also a quote from Ashley Audrain, the author of “The Push” that said, “Ominous and intimate. A gorgeous literary thriller to devour.” ‘Okay, why not?’ I said to myself, ‘I’m game.’
And so, I began to read.
Affairs. Long-held secrets by family. Sinister characters. And, an unlikable main character. Was I going to be able to survive this story?
The book begins by telling us that Nadine, is in her bathroom with a dying man, choosing not to call the police and allowing him to die. Who is this guy? And, what led her to such actions?
And, off we go reading about all sorts of different men who could fit the bill. Did this help to provide resolution for readers?
Oh, but there is more. And, for me to go into all the drama of the variety of tragedies along the way, would just be a spoiler. Let’s just say, there is something off about Nadine and her family, and it becomes harder and harder to care one way or another, when all of them are so unlikable.
Needless to say, this was not an easy read, nor satisfying. But don’t stop with my review, others may have liked this one better than I did. ...more
What happens when as Maid of Honor (MOH) you find out that the groom’s long-time friend just happens to be your ex-boyfriend? And, not only is he yourWhat happens when as Maid of Honor (MOH) you find out that the groom’s long-time friend just happens to be your ex-boyfriend? And, not only is he your ex-boyfriend, but he is the one that mattered to you and it was a not so happy break-up? And, then your very best friend who is marrying the groom decides, why not see if we can get them back together?
Well, what happens is readers end up with this book. Of course, we can guess what will happen next. Right? After all it is a rom-com. Tension. Lust. Will-they-or-won’t-they end up together? If you like this kind of fun, readers will find themselves deep into it. And, of course it won’t be an easy path to happily-ever-after. Why should it – it is that kind of a rom-com!
Personally, I found myself enjoying the distraction for a bit. And, of course, Doug the dog. But the getting to happily-ever-after was just a bit much. Especially when it involved…oh wait, I don’t offer spoilers.
So, what happens when family patriarch, Stanley Huang declares that he is dying? How will this affect his 2 chil“Take away the broom, they can’t fly.”
So, what happens when family patriarch, Stanley Huang declares that he is dying? How will this affect his 2 children, Fred and Kate, and his ex-wife Linda? Considering that he has been telling them he is sitting on a small fortune, are readers led to believe that these characters will want to spend time with Stanley in his last days – even if he is a grumpy, ill-tempered person? And, what about Stanley’s current wife who is so much younger than him? How will this “family” being around affect her?
Are you getting a sense that maybe nobody is likable here?
Each chapter tackles a different point of view, giving a sense of what each character might be struggling with in this news about Stanley. And, in these P.O.V.’s we also get a sense of how their life has turned out, and maybe what they may have preferred for themselves if it had gone in a different direction.
So, do we as readers, care a little bit more about them as we read on? Do the characters become a little bit more sympathetic?
What is Wang trying to bring to the surface with her writing? Is this a study about the difference between presumption and reality? How to be a model minority living in Silicon Valley? (High tech businesses area of CA.) The attraction of wealth being the central focus?
The author makes readers see what she believes about Silicon Valley – that racism and greed operate here.
And, how does this affect the story? The characters?
This is a story about families and what connects them. Does financial security play a big role here, so that they lose sight of what is really important, like loving relationships, perhaps?
“She knew the truth that at first had been so frightening, that success in America was less about what you earned than your particular luck on the day you decided to take it for yourself.”
Will anyone care to stay with the characters to see how they successfully manage their lives in the end? Or just be annoyed that you stayed with the story to the end?...more
I love my neighbors. Without them, I probably wouldn’t read some of the books that I do. So many books that are dropped off at my Little Free Library I love my neighbors. Without them, I probably wouldn’t read some of the books that I do. So many books that are dropped off at my Little Free Library Shed are books I never would have considered reading hadn’t they have been donated.
One of my neighbors is an actor, director, producer who also is part of a local theatre group. So, anytime there is a book with a theatrical theme she is all in, and is always happy to donate it to my LFL when she is done. Such is the case, with this book.
Premise: So, what really happened all those years ago? And, why is it so important for Joni to reveal it now? Does this story have a feel for the #MeTooMovement in Hollywood?
The book will follow Joni, a previously successful filmmaker who stepped away from her career to raise her children. But 25 years later readers can feel her unhappiness with her successful husband Paul who is the head of a major production studio in New York. What did Joni sacrifice to put him in his position? As Joni attempts to rekindle a friendship with Val, what secret from her past will she have to face?
I really wanted to love this book. There was so much about it that had a contemporary story worth following, but overall, it was slow moving, chaotic storytelling, and it was hard to connect to the characters....more
I have a love/hate relationship with this author. Well, maybe that is a bit extreme. I enjoyed his debut novel, “Trust me when I lie,” but I only thouI have a love/hate relationship with this author. Well, maybe that is a bit extreme. I enjoyed his debut novel, “Trust me when I lie,” but I only thought his “Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone” was okay. I didn’t think it was bad, and it was not enough to stop me from picking up this book. But let me just say, I wasn’t chomping at the bit to read it, either.
This is a story about a mystery writer taking a train trip with other mystery writers on their way to a mystery writers festival in Australia. And, one of the mystery writers is our “reliable narrator.” Let’s just say there are a lot of mystery writers in this story.
And, as I was reading it, I actually found myself putting it down a few times and reading other books in-between.
Why?
Because I also found myself bored.
Why?
Because as much as I love a train trip storyline, (especially one that will give a scenic view across the desert of Australia) {which I have never been and would love to go}, the author, plays a supposedly “reliable narrator” that was much too talkative, offering way too many characters to keep track of, and his “fair-play mystery” just became a bit too much for me. Phew! I know, quite the run-on sentence!
I realize I am probably an outlier here. I get it. There are a lot of Benjamin Stevenson fans out there. So, please take in other reviews. Don’t just rely on me.
I can appreciate that he utilizes his “reliable narrator” voice to give us some relevant clues like…
“It’s a staple of mystery novels that, just before the murder happens, certain conversations are overheard in the deep of night. This is to be the case here.”
And… “This may be a surprise, but everyone survives the night.”
Oh goodie. We got a reprieve. We are 108 pages into a murder mystery with no murder. Those of us who are waiting for this murder we keep reading about…well, where is it?!
“And then he died.”
Well, there you have it. Page 111. Is that a spoiler? Shame on me, if so. But I don’t think so. The author has been leading us to this point all along from the beginning. A murder was eventually going to occur. But goodness, so anticlimactic? Or is that the author’s intention? And the joke is on readers?
Of course, we don’t know the perpetrator. Or the motive? Will our “reliable narrator” reveal that to us eventually, too? Or, will he take us down twisty, dark aisles on this train ride through relentless conversations with other eccentric and conceited mystery authors, too?
And, to add to readers “pleasure” will more authors die? And/or, will there be a surprise twist at the ending? I leave it to readers to decide if you want to take this train ride to find out!
For many fans of the late Michael Crichton, you might have been just as curious as I was when we heard that his widow, Sherri had released his notes fFor many fans of the late Michael Crichton, you might have been just as curious as I was when we heard that his widow, Sherri had released his notes for publication and collaboration with fellow author, James Patterson. Another possible novel from Michael Crichton? Of course, this isn’t the first one after his death. But it is one that apparently remained dormant on his hard drive for 20 years that needed an ending, according to Sherri.
So, why not hand it over to prolific author, Patterson? There is quite the gush acknowledgement by the widow at the end of the book, if interested.
With a story title like “Eruption,” and a book cover with a spouting volcano, I think it is fairly obvious to readers that we have an idea what we are in for from the beginning. What we don’t know is the underpinnings of what it all means. And, that is the tension of what the story wants to deliver to readers.
“The eruption was only days away.”
So, what does this mean exactly?
For the scientist characters working at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, how are they going to “vent the volcano,” warn the public, or what? And for those who have not heard the term, venting a volcano, that seems to suggest that they can safely direct millions of tons of lava wherever they (humans) choose. Wow! Didn’t know we had such power over nature! Did you?
But there is more. There is something that the Army has been doing that this eruption will unleash on to the residents. (No spoilers from me.) Will Mac and his team be able to save the Island in time? Maybe even the world?!
Sometimes I felt like I was reading a movie script. Hmmm…
Crichton was always one dappling in science. And, with Patterson’s thriller mystery voice, was he able to bring the two comfortably together?
Well, it was a bit of a strain, and when the disaster finally hit, it was almost like a relief – you know, like, we were expecting it, so, it finally came! Now we can get on with life.
You would think I was obsessed with death. Is it my lifelong love of murder mysteries, or my recent diagnosis of cancer that has me ruminating about iYou would think I was obsessed with death. Is it my lifelong love of murder mysteries, or my recent diagnosis of cancer that has me ruminating about it these days? I don’t know. I actually feel quite calm and hopeful and grateful that living in the moment brings such a love of life to me.
Still, there is something to be said about this kind of a book that gets one wondering about how one contemplates death and living in the moment, in the same breath. Especially when the first line declares…
“Nothing brings people together better than death. …Death reminds us that life isn’t infinite and that one day, our time will come, too.”
If nothing else about this story appeals to readers, please know this…I really loved that line in this book.
What exactly is in store for readers between these pages? Maybe we should take the title of this book literally?!
Let us start with Mom Laura who passes away and leaves her things to her adult children who have been rather estranged from each other. She after all is one of the POV’s. The other POV’s are the daughters, Beth and Nicole.
As they are going through those things, what should they discover but an old VCR tape which reveals more than they had ever expected to learn about their mother and their “missing” father who had “supposedly” left many years earlier without any explanation.
“They say the truth will set you free, but they don’t tell you it can set you free in the same way death does.”
So, what really happened in this story? What is the big reveal? (No spoilers from me.)
To be honest, the premise of this book was promising, but as it progressed it was hard to enjoy. The characters weren’t particularly likable and the plot became rather predictable. And, to top it off, the end was anticlimactic. All and all…Family dynamics at its worst.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have given this book a second look hadn’t I been reading an article in my local newspaper about it. Fantasy isn’t really my gTo be honest, I wouldn’t have given this book a second look hadn’t I been reading an article in my local newspaper about it. Fantasy isn’t really my genre, even if I love magical realism, this isn’t the way I love to read it or see it play out.
But it shared that this book was based on ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen. I recently re-visited that one earlier this year and loved it. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, here I am. Attempting to make sense of it. But as I read it, I was wondering where the similarity was to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I could definitely see the fantasy retelling of Antony and Cleopatra. Was that supposed to be it?
I believe fantasy lovers will enjoy this plot. It is fast paced with a competition that is key to the plot. (Think Hunger Games.) Still, if readers are interested in getting information, it is slow to be revealed leading to many twists along the way.
In many fantasy realms, power and abuse of power is key, as well as what characters will do to gain it. So, what characters are willing to do, will be the moral question of the day in a story like this.
And, as I mentioned, this is not my thing, so I found myself bored, uninterested, disappointed, and ready to close this book and be done.
I believe, I am an outlier. Please read other reviews in which fantasy lovers will most likely feel more engaged with the plot. Like my Goodreads friend, Sara Machado and her beautiful review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......more
“If you know wilderness in the way you know love, you would be unwilling to let it go.” – Terry Tempest Williams
Ellery is an emotional mess. She is su“If you know wilderness in the way you know love, you would be unwilling to let it go.” – Terry Tempest Williams
Ellery is an emotional mess. She is supposed to be at this resort vacation as an anniversary celebration, not because her husband divorced her and she didn’t want to lose the deposit. How is she going to get through this self-imposed “vacation” without her kids? How is she supposed to get over her heartbreak and loss of her marriage to Luke?
How about finding a dead body in a pool, will that help?
And thus, the adventure begins for readers as they watch Ellery navigate her experience through wedding guests, making “friends,” and figuring out who and why this person was murdered. And, hoping no more bodies show up along the way.
“Don’t you read anything? Have you ever watched a murder mystery? There’s never one body.”
Okay, so there is more than one. Body. So, why? How will Ellery, the emotional mess be able to find her way through this? Especially when all the guests get stuck because of the insistent rain, and the washed-out roads leading to the resort? And, nobody else is able to get in! Including the police. (If anybody knows Big Sur, CA, this is not an uncommon occurrence. And, this is the setting for this mystery drama.)
Would Ellery make it home to her kids? And/or, maybe find some strength along the way? How will Ellery’s past trauma play into this story?
The plot moved slowly. Although the setting was beautiful and scenic, the story felt convoluted and the character development was lacking. It was hard to enjoy Ellery as the main protagonist. Her emotional grief, although it could feel real, seemed over-indulged by the author. And, the ending was not satisfying. It felt abrupt and under-whelming. I may be an outlier. Consider other reviews of this Reese’s Book Club pick.
Is it possible to become oneself at age 61? When we consider a coming-of-age novel we typically think of teenagers coming into themselves and finding Is it possible to become oneself at age 61? When we consider a coming-of-age novel we typically think of teenagers coming into themselves and finding their way. But this one looks at a grown woman, Willa, who has led a life in which it has passed her by in such a way – predictable in many ways, that when an opportunity comes by, she has a chance to grab a hold of her life and begin again. At age 61. Perhaps then she can learn to live.
Will readers connect or relate to Willa?
Can Willa be the “grandmother” to Cheryl, walk the dog and find herself?
While watching Willa grow into herself, readers also learn about her past, to understand why this moment of growth could be important to her.
Clock Dance is told in three stories followed by a short novel – in other words – glimpses into four periods of Willa’s life. Seemingly trauma-filled. So, when Willa has this opportunity to change/grow…
Will it be enough to bring her the freedom she needs? Will she be able to transform her life?
And, what is a clock dance? How does it relate to the title of the book? Cheryl and friends perform what they call a “clock dance.” Willa imagines her own ‘clock dance’ would be a race against time. Is this ‘grandmother’ experience to Cheryl her own race against time?
In many ways it was a well-written story, but at times difficult to read because of Willa’s timidity and weakness to the men in her life.
Still, by the time Willa has her breakthroughs, will it be enough to give readers satisfaction in the end?...more
“I just keep thinking about how hard it is to be the detective of your life, and also the mystery of your life.” – Glennon Doyle
What really happened t“I just keep thinking about how hard it is to be the detective of your life, and also the mystery of your life.” – Glennon Doyle
What really happened to Katy’s sister?
In this road trip, 3 narrators will give readers their version of a road trip.
Grief struck Katy who wants to desperately figure out what happened to her sister Phoebe when she went on a solo road trip in her van. Then there is Beth who is also a solo traveler escaping an abusive relationship with Lucas. And, finally, Wyatt, the younger brother of Lucas who lives with their father following their mother’s disappearance.
Everyone has their own story. And, unfortunately for me, this is a psychological thriller. (I say unfortunately, because these-type-of-stories have a tendency to create confusion and twists and darkness that take the story down a road that leaves readers a bit exasperated.) At least, this one.
I prefer a good old-fashioned mystery that doesn’t hurt my head with so much twisty darkness. It is also difficult when you have an unreliable narrator, such as Katy.
So, what happens when Katy and Beth connect? Can Beth be trusted? And, what does Wyatt’s point of view bring to the story?
But wait, there might be another narrator? (No spoilers from me.)
The book will give a sense of strong female characters against all odds, but…and there is that but… it will touch on domestic violence, and trauma. And, the risks of stranger danger. On the pretty side…It will be quite scenic with the Australian outback.
The question is, will readers find the conclusion intriguing, satisfying or confusing? With all the red herrings, it will be hard to know how best to decide.
For me, the story didn’t seem to come to life until towards the end, and by then I just wanted the book to end. By then, I seemed more fascinated with the author’s note.
I am probably an outlier here, so please read other’s reviews.
This is Alma’s story – well, her story as a writer of a lot of unfinished manuscripts. What will she do with all her stories that she could not find aThis is Alma’s story – well, her story as a writer of a lot of unfinished manuscripts. What will she do with all her stories that she could not find an ending for? In her mind, the best solution was to purchase a plot of land and build a proper graveyard and give them a proper burial. (Hence: the title of the book!)
Thus, a most unusual story. And, the locals are up in arms trying to figure out what is going on with this neighbor. Of course, everyone loves a great author, but an author who is going to bury her words? Maybe there can be a festival for storytelling of tales untold that we all can participate in? (Some of the rantings of the neighbors!) Regardless, Alma’s own stories are going to find their place.
And, before we know it, readers are bombarded with a multitude of characters to keep up with as Alma intends to bury her stories. Are Alma’s stories coming to life on their own?
In many ways, for this reader, I felt confused. I wasn’t sure I was following where this story was going, or if I wanted to go along for the ride from Vermont to the Dominican Republic. Or even if I liked Alma. All I wanted was for the story to end.
But in all fairness, there was still something magical and witty and earnest and strange that made me continue to read it. Did that make me weird?
Although there are 3 stories told over several time periods, it seems to be mostly Jenny’s story.
The beginning starts with Nick Burns in a trench in Although there are 3 stories told over several time periods, it seems to be mostly Jenny’s story.
The beginning starts with Nick Burns in a trench in WWI France who has a woman literally hand him her newborn son. And then we find ourselves as readers jumping to 1970’s where Nick is seeking a final reckoning with his abandonment of the baby.
Jenny is the story in the 1970’s.
And then we have Enzo in 1939 Naples.
The stories will eventually converge when Nick hires Jenny to help him find the child.
If any of this sounded confusing, it was for this reader, because the quickly shifting viewpoints at times added to the restlessness and frustration of following the characters through the various timelines.
But…and there it is – that but. But this but, may be a good one. Sort of. The narrative spans help as Jenny (remember, I said it is her story, more or less), settles in as protagonist. So, as she settles, readers might, too.
Hood has a tendency to take readers through time quite a bit – but the question is…does she do it skillfully? Well, this reader felt a bit of whiplash. (I think I sort of alluded to that earlier.) I rather prefer a linear approach when telling a story that crosses time, and this wasn’t Hood’s way of telling the story.
Still, having said that, Hood does have a way of creating settings that are vivid and giving enough detail to immerse readers. And, Jenny is a likable character who has determination and resilience. Sometimes the decisions she makes are questionable, but readers might appreciate her growing confidence in her character.
And as readers, we can wonder…
What will Jenny discover on her journey? And, will we get the answers we deserve by the end of the story? (No spoilers from me.) ...more
On one of my public library trips I found this book that I had read a while ago and decided it was time to re-visit it again so that I couCatching up…
On one of my public library trips I found this book that I had read a while ago and decided it was time to re-visit it again so that I could bring my review to Goodreads.
There was something rather scenic about this book on so many different levels. First the book cover. The title. And of course, the Mediterranean, the beauty of Mallorca, the old olive groves, music, and the sexiness of it. But the story may be lost in translation.
It is told in reverse. It begins in 2005 and runs back through time to 1948 to retrace events whose final repercussion is the setting that begins the story to bring it back to the present. And, if that sounds confusing, it really isn’t in the hands of the author who helps readers get a sense of the intensity of the love that sets things in motion that is at the heart of the story.
And, as I mentioned the heart of this story, begins with a short-lived marriage between two of the main characters, Lulu and Gerald. And, the lives they have lived without each other since for 60 years. And, what happens when they do eventually see each other all these years later. After all the complex interpersonal mystery that has gone before, is this really what the author wanted to put readers through?
What created the intensity between them? Is it something that readers can understand?
Will we eventually get to the point to care enough? And, will the end be climatic or anti-climatic? Or, will we have given up before we reached that point?
There will be other character dramas that will ultimately form within the novel and create their own complex relationships. But it really is about what happened between Lulu and Gerald that brings them to the end of the novel that strikes hardest here.
And, to be honest, it was so difficult to connect to Gerald, by the time we did get to this finale, I wondered why the author felt this was the best use of the scenic waves. Was this really the journey he wanted for his readers? I felt rather disturbed. It took my breath away, and not in a good way....more
This is a sequel to the authors previous book, “Brooklyn,” and maybe even a companion to his book, “Nora Webster,” but it doesn’t fully read like one.This is a sequel to the authors previous book, “Brooklyn,” and maybe even a companion to his book, “Nora Webster,” but it doesn’t fully read like one. In other words, I didn’t realize that Eilis’s story began in “Brooklyn,” until I was mid-way through the story. Or, the story of Eilis’ mother, Mrs. Lacey from ‘Nora Webster’ would come up again here. Which meant, that if you read ‘Brooklyn’ by the author years ago, or hadn’t read ‘Brooklyn,’ or even ‘Nora Webster’ you aren’t going to feel fully lost by reading ‘Long Island.’ The author gives us a sense of both of their past history, so we can follow along on this journey.
And, when it had to do with Eilis, I found myself most engaged in the storyline. She (to me) was the most interesting and vivid character of all of them. I liked the way she stands up for what she believes in and what she chooses for her destiny.
Because living in the time she is, there are many social norms and family expectations, and constraints.
What her husband chooses to do, and his family’s response to it, and her response gives readers an opportunity to choose sides. (At least, that is how I felt.) And, join her as she explores finding her past and reconnecting with her mother, in Ireland. And, perhaps something she left behind in Ireland (first love?) that may deserve a second chance.
The problem for me was that “Brooklyn” and “Nora Webster” were so far in the distance, and the character list was so long, that I had a hard time keeping track of everyone at times. So much plot and incidents and twists and declarations, that I found myself feeling a bit frustrated by it all. I preferred the scenes with Eilis and just wanted to find out what she was going to decide for herself.
The book is a slow build that picks up at the end, where sometimes characters are left with unanswered questions.
Still, the question will be, do we as readers find satisfaction by the time we reach the end of this story? Or, will the same thing happen to us – unanswered questions?...more
