"Long After We Are Gone" by Terah Shelton Harris presents a compelling exploration of family, secrets, and personal struggles. The story centers on th"Long After We Are Gone" by Terah Shelton Harris presents a compelling exploration of family, secrets, and personal struggles. The story centers on the Solomon siblings, who return to their ancestral home in North Carolina after their father's death to save their family's legacy from a development company.
The positives: The narrative has excellent character development, offering a rich portrayal of each sibling's life. Junior, secretly in love with another man despite being married to a woman; Mance, struggling with his temper and criminal past as he tries to be better for his newborn baby; CeCe, a lawyer who has dug herself into a hole with seemingly no way out; and Tokey, feeling out of place and filling the void with harmful behaviors. These complex characters provide depth and emotional resonance, making their individual and collective journeys engaging. While they aren't particularly likable, they are well-drawn and I had a great understanding of each.
However, the novel has, in my opinion, significant drawbacks. One major issue is the overabundance of seemingly unnecessary sex scenes. I am by no means a prude, but these moments often feel out of place and do not contribute to the advancement of the plot, instead distracting from the central narrative. Additionally, the pacing suffers in the last 30% of the book, where the plot goes off the rails, losing focus and coherence as it delves into increasingly dramatic and convoluted developments. This shift detracts from the fairly strong foundation laid earlier in the novel and leaves the reader feeling disconnected from the story's resolution. The story also spends a considerable amount of time detailing the characters' personal issues, which were intriguing, but majorly neglected the central plot—the fight to save their home. This imbalance makes the narrative feel sluggish, especially in the last third of the book, where the plot seems to lose momentum. I struggled to care about how the story would resolve.
Despite these flaws, the book does shed light on important topics, such as intergenerational trauma, family expectations, and the fight to preserve one's heritage. The portrayal of heir property and the challenges faced by the Solomon family in protecting their land is both educational and moving.
Overall, while "Long After We Are Gone" excels in character depth and emotional storytelling, its excessive focus on irrelevant sexual content and a plot that spirals out of control in the final sections undermine its potential. It remains a worthwhile read for those who appreciate intricate family dramas but may disappoint readers seeking a more consistent and focused narrative. This was not for me, but there are readers I think this can and will work for.
Thank you to Terah Shelton Harris, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
He was the main character, and I was his wife. Wives and more wives, all the way down.
Liars by Sarah Manguso is an absolutely gorgeous novel that explHe was the main character, and I was his wife. Wives and more wives, all the way down.
Liars by Sarah Manguso is an absolutely gorgeous novel that explores complexities of marriage, motherhood, sacrifice, and identity. Manguso follows Jane, an aspiring writer who marries John Bridges, a filmmaker. Initially, they are bonded by their creative inner lives, but as their marriage progresses (and Jane's career does as well), Jane is increasingly overshadowed by John's egocentric ambitions and demands. As her career flourishes, her marriage deteriorates, and readers are left to bear witness to Jane's struggle for autonomy against John's gaslighting and manipulation.
Powerful and thought-provoking with sharp and evocative prose.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hogarth for the ARC. This book is out July 23.
"I Will Ruin You" by Linwood Barclay is a solid popcorn thriller. If you like action movies, this one is definitely for you. The story kicks off with "I Will Ruin You" by Linwood Barclay is a solid popcorn thriller. If you like action movies, this one is definitely for you. The story kicks off with English teacher Richard Boyle finding himself in a life-or-death situation when he talks down a former student, Mark, who shows up at school with a bomb. Richard’s quick thinking prevents a major tragedy and earns him the title of hero. However, his newfound fame attracts the attention of a dangerous blackmailer, and that’s when things start to spiral out of control.
Barclay is known for crafting suspenseful page-turners, and this one is no exception. The book is packed with twists and turns, and it’s definitely a rollercoaster ride. Richard is an interesting character, and his journey from hero to target is compelling. The narrative is shared in short chapters from multiple perspectives, which keeps the pace brisk and the suspense high.
However, the plot feels a bit overcrowded at times. There are a lot of subplots involving jealous colleagues, a lawsuit, irate parents, and dangerous drug dealers. While these elements add layers to the story, they also make it feel a bit too busy and sometimes distracting. It’s like having too many fireworks going off at once—you don’t know where to look, and it can be overwhelming.
Despite the crowded plot, Barclay’s writing keeps you hooked. The suspenseful moments and cliffhangers make it hard to put the book down. The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is engaging. The final twist, while somewhat predictable, ties up the storylines in a satisfying way.
Overall, "I Will Ruin You" is an entertaining read. It’s not Barclay’s best work, but it’s a decent thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Barclay or enjoy twisty, action-packed mysteries, it’s worth picking up.
Thanks to William Morrow, Linwood Barclay, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!...more
i’ll be in the minority here and say i really liked this BUT !!!!!!!!!! this is a disturbing, weird book and idk if i know anybody else who would likei’ll be in the minority here and say i really liked this BUT !!!!!!!!!! this is a disturbing, weird book and idk if i know anybody else who would like it lol. this is not a thriller at all, it’s a character study in grief and the way it pushes people to their mind’s limits. very upsetting and if you’re going to read this you *must* check CWs. all this being said… i loved it. so idk what that says about me! ...more
Why did no one ever tell her that the most dangerous thing in the world isn't natural disasters or wars or weapons? It is unremarkable men with beautiWhy did no one ever tell her that the most dangerous thing in the world isn't natural disasters or wars or weapons? It is unremarkable men with beautiful smiles and even bigger promises.
An engrossing thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go until the very last. This novel marks a compelling entry into the thriller genre by Emiko Jean, who masterfully crafts a narrative that is as deep and dark as it is intriguing.
The story revolves around Detective Chelsey Calhoun, whose life takes a dramatic turn with the reappearance of Ellie Black, a teenager who vanished without a trace two years prior. Found in the dense forests of Washington State, Ellie is alive but profoundly changed, enveloped in mysteries that Chelsey is desperate to unravel. This quest is personal for Chelsey, tying back to the unresolved disappearance of her own sister years ago.
Jean’s portrayal of both Ellie and Chelsey is nuanced and compelling. Ellie, once vibrant and full of life, returns as a shadow of her former self, her silence and secrets forming the crux of the mystery. Chelsey, on the other hand, is portrayed with a deep sense of empathy and determination, driven by her own past traumas to seek the truth at all costs.
The narrative is beautifully paced, with tension building at every turn. Jean’s writing style is fluid and evocative, capable of conveying deep emotional resonances and thrilling suspense in equal measure. The plot is well-structured with several twists that are both surprising and satisfying, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and thought-provoking.
What sets this book apart is its exploration of the psychological impacts of trauma and the persistence of hope in the darkest of times. The feminist undertones are woven seamlessly into the plot, enriching the story without overwhelming it.
"The Return of Ellie Black" is not just a mystery; it's a profound commentary on loss, survival, and the human capacity to fight for the truth. This novel is a must-read for fans of thrillers that not only entertain but also challenge and affect. Emiko Jean has indeed delivered a tour de force that will be remembered long after the last page is turned.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is out 5/7!...more
Ohhh depressing litfic right on the cusp of feminine rage, you will always be That Girl to me.
Set in a small coastal Massachusetts town, this stunningOhhh depressing litfic right on the cusp of feminine rage, you will always be That Girl to me.
Set in a small coastal Massachusetts town, this stunning debut revolves around the death of a young woman at a house party and the impact it has on the tight-knit community. The story is told through the eyes of ten local women through a series of vignettes, and each of these women provide their own perspective and connection to the deceased girl, Lucy. This unique narrative structure provides a multi-faceted view of the events surrounding her death and the subsequent ripple effects on the town.
The novel explores themes of grief, womanhood, class, and sexuality, painting a vivid portrait of a community grappling with tragedy. Grabowski skillfully weaves together the lives of these women, creating a compelling narrative that captures their interconnectedness and the complex emotions they experience. The story delves into the relationships among mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, revealing the fragility and strength of these connections.
The characters in "Women and Children First" are well-developed and realistic, with unique voices and perspectives that add depth to the story. The shifting narratives and timeframes keep the reader engaged, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The book balances the darkness of the tragedy with moments of hope and resilience, offering a poignant exploration of love and loss.
There's emotional depth and unique structure present here that, in my opinion, make this a compelling read for those interested in literary fiction with elements of mystery and drama.
This story is a captivating and insightful novel that explores the impact of tragedy on a small community. Its complex characters and intricate storytelling earn it a solid 5-star rating. This book is likely to resonate with readers who appreciate literary fiction that delves into the human condition and the bonds that connect us.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alina Grabowski, and SJP Lit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is out May 7!
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