“Memory has never come to her like this in the physical world. It has always been something weightless—strong enough to blow the day off course, 4.5⭐
“Memory has never come to her like this in the physical world. It has always been something weightless—strong enough to blow the day off course, but not something she can reach for and hold on to.”
Widowed and having lost her adult son to a tragic accident years ago, eighty-three-year-old Helen Cartwright, had moved back to Westminster Crescent, after sixty years in Australia, to quietly live out the rest of her life. Helen is content in her solitude, surrounded by her memories and her daily life built around a set routine with minimal social interaction. Despite having lived in Westminster Crescent before her marriage, she has no friends or acquaintances with whom she could spend time even if she were so inclined and isn’t motivated to forge new connections.
“It wasn’t easy coming back after so long. Everything had been going on without her as if she’d never existed.”
Helen’s life changes when she encounters a mouse in a discarded heap of trash – a mouse she begins to care about and names Sipsworth. We follow Helen over the course of a little over a week as she is inspired to effect positive changes in her life in her efforts to take care of her new friend.
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy is a charming story about friendship, community, second chances and how life can surprise you when you least expect it. Helen is an interesting protagonist and is portrayed as an intelligent, inquisitive and compassionate person. I liked that we did not have to rely solely on Helen’s memories to know her backstory but some interesting facts about her life are also shared with a few surprising revelations as the narrative progresses in the present timeline. The author addresses sensitive themes such as aging, loneliness and grief with wisdom and compassion. The narrative is relatively slow-paced, which suits the nature of the story and I thought the supporting characters were well thought out. While I can’t say I’m personally fond of mice (unless the mouse in question is an animated character named Mickey), there is no doubt about the profound positive impact that our furry friends have on our lives and the author captures this sentiment beautifully in this story.
I paired my reading with the audiobook, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience. Christine Rendel’s heartfelt audio narration breathes life into this beautiful story and the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and didn’t want it to end. A short yet impactful read, this heartwarming story left me with a lump in my throat and a smile on my face. This is my first time reading Simon Van Booy and it surely won’t be my last.
Many thanks to David R. Godine for the digital review copy via Edelweiss+ and HighBridge Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Hermine “Herself ” Zook has spent all of her life on her little island in the Great Massasauga Swamp—an area known as “The Waters” to the residen3.5⭐️
Hermine “Herself ” Zook has spent all of her life on her little island in the Great Massasauga Swamp—an area known as “The Waters” to the residents of Whiteheart, Michigan. Herself is known for her skill as an herbalist and has made a living out of selling herbal remedies to those from nearby towns seeking her help. Her marriage of fifteen years ended after she threw her husband out after a scandal that is still fodder for gossip among the townspeople. Her daughters have grown up and have all left home, her eldest Primrose a lawyer, her middle daughter Maryrose (Molly) a nurse and her youngest Rose Thorn who lives in California with Primrose but has left her daughter Dorothy “Donkey” Zook with Herself to raise. As the story begins, we find out that Herself has isolated herself from her community, rarely venturing out of her home with only her eleven-year-old granddaughter for company. Donkey has questions about her family, has heard the whispers and has sensed the strained relationship between the women in her family but is unable to get anyone to tell her all she wants to know. Donkey also misses her mother and craves having a father in her life and spends her time learning from the nooks her aunts send her, bonding with animals and nature and following after her grandmother, secretly concocting remedies for those requesting Herself’s services. When Rose Thorn returns to Rose Cottage, old friendships are rekindled, resentments resurface and as the secrets about her family begin to unravel it is to be seen whether Donkey will finally get the family she desires, or the revelations drive the family further apart.
The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell is an intriguing story revolving around themes of family, loneliness, isolation, grief, and community. I loved the vividly described setting of the island, the surrounding rural community and the mystique of Herself and her remedies. My heart ached for Donkey and her loneliness. Her desire for a family and her connection to nature and her love for animals will strike a chord in your heart. The main female characters are well thought out, as is the dynamic between the Zook women and their immediate community who regard them in turn with awe, admiration, curiosity, resentment, and a bit of fear. It did bother me that none of the male characters were portrayed in a positive light. Titus Jr. whose history with Rose plays a significant role in the story and who remains, for the most part, a positive influence in Donkey’s life lacked depth and certain aspects of his storyline toward the end felt inconsistent compared to how his character was built up. There is a lot to unpack in this story – long-buried secrets, mysteries, and deeply emotional moments but perhaps, there was too much going on with the characters, which resulted in a long-drawn (and a tad convoluted) narrative with inconsistent pacing and more than a few unnecessary supporting characters and underwhelming plot points. I was glad the pace picked up in the last quarter but overall, though there is a lot to like about the writing and despite being a fan of character-driven immersive stories, I struggled to stay invested in the characters or the narrative as a whole.
Please note that there are scenes of animal cruelty that might prove disturbing for some readers. Finally, I love that cover!
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the USA on January 09, 2024.
The Novelist from Berlin by V.S. Alexander is a well-researched work of historical fiction. Based loosely on the life of German novelist Irmgard Keun,The Novelist from Berlin by V.S. Alexander is a well-researched work of historical fiction. Based loosely on the life of German novelist Irmgard Keun, the story revolves around Niki (real name Marie Rittenhaus), once an aspiring actress, who eventually becomes a novelist (under a pseudonym) writing about the life of German woman of that era. Her novels are popular and though she continues to write despite Nazi Germany enforcing censorship, her true identity is eventually revealed, and her novels are banned by the Nazi regime on account of her work defying the norms of acceptability as imposed by the ruling party. Her husband, a film producer, bows to political pressure to produce propaganda films. Niki eventually flees but is tracked down by her husband and his contacts and is separated from her young daughter. The novel follows Niki’s journey from 1929 through the end of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazi Germany, the WWII years as she flees to Amsterdam and joins the Dutch Resistance, her subsequent return to Germany in hopes of reuniting with her daughter in the aftermath of WWII, and through the 1960s as the newly constructed Berlin Wall cuts off access to West Berlin and she and her dear ones struggle to escape from East Berlin.
The narrative is presented from the perspective of the protagonist, written in the form of a manuscript written when she was seventy-one years old. Brutally honest and well-crafted, I found this novel to be deeply impactful. Though the protagonist is not particularly likable, especially in the initial segments of the novel, I thought the author has done a magnificent job of capturing the plight of anti-Nazi Germans, women in particular, during a period of political and social upheaval. The author references several historical incidents and how the same impacted German citizens including Nazi book burnings, Night of the Long Knives, and the construction of the Berlin Wall, rendering this novel an engrossing read despite the slow start. The Author’s Note is well-written and sheds light on the people and events that inspired this story and the creative liberties taken by the author in framing this novel.
Many thanks to Kensington Books for granting me access to the digital review copy via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published in the USA on September 26, 2023.
After their mother, Lucinda “Cinny” Maynard Posey, passes away in an assisted living facility in Hanover, New Hampshire, twin siblings Grace Tin4.25⭐️
After their mother, Lucinda “Cinny” Maynard Posey, passes away in an assisted living facility in Hanover, New Hampshire, twin siblings Grace Tingley and Brian Posey, now both in their forties, embark on a “funereal odyssey” in keeping with her final wishes. As per Cinny’s wishes, they are to spread her ashes along with their father Frank’s in several locations across the globe – places that hold a special meaning for them. Each location comes with specific instructions and letters in which Cinny shares stories about these places and what makes them special for her. The novel follows Grace and Brian and their respective spouses, Jack and Ella, and children, Grace and Jack’s daughter Chelsea (in her twenties) and Ella’s sixteen-year-old daughter from a previous relationship Sage over their three-week trip across New Zealand, Thailand, Rome, Grindelwald and Oxford with a final stop in New Jersey. In the course of their trip, Cinny’s children and their families work past their reservations and past resentments, connect with new members of the family and reconnect with one another in an emotional journey filled with heart, laughter, a sense of shared loss and opportunity for personal reflection.
Beautifully written with real and relatable characters. I found Pocketful of Poseys by Thomas Reed to be an insightful, entertaining and thought-provoking read. I enjoyed the humor, the heartfelt moments and the journey as a whole. Not only do we get to know more about the siblings and their respective relationships and family members, but we also get to know more about their parents and the special moments they shared. Each of these individuals is flawed, each harboring secrets and insecurities that impact their personal relationships. They are quick to judge each other, but the forced proximity enables them to reevaluate their priorities, take responsibility for their actions and try to understand one another. The author touches upon several sensitive topics such as sibling rivalry, sexual orientation, infidelity and the death of a parent, among others, with empathy and compassion. I should mention that the circumstances surrounding Cinny’s death were heartbreaking and I think readers might find certain aspects of the same quite disturbing for distinct reasons. I did feel the novel was a tad long drawn, but at no point did I lose interest in the story. Overall, I found this novel to be an immensely satisfying read.
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on September 19, 2023.
Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles is a fascinating collection of stories featuring distinct characters and varied themes in contemporary an4.5⭐️
Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles is a fascinating collection of stories featuring distinct characters and varied themes in contemporary and historical settings, written in elegant prose. Of the seven stories in this collection, the first story is set in communist Russia and New York, the following four in New York and the final story is set in Los Angeles.
The Line (4.5) follows a Russian peasant named Pushkin whose wife, inspired by Bolshevik ideals, moves them from their village to Moscow and then to New York in an attempt to realize their full potential. The Ballad of Timothy Touchett (4.5) follows an aspiring writer whose search for inspiration leads him to take a job as an assistant to a rare bookseller, unaware of what would be expected of him in his new workplace. When a man befriends a fellow traveler while stranded in New York City due to inclement weather he has no idea what his evening with his jovial companion will entail in Hasta Luego. (4.5) After her mother suspects her stepfather of infidelity, a married young woman decides to follow him to find out what he is actually up to, triggering a sequence of events that subsequently reveals the cracks in each of their own relationships in I Will Survive (4) A successful investment banker exposes an elderly man for secretly recording performances at Carnegie Hall only to be haunted by the consequences of his actions in The Bootlegger. (5) The DiDomenico Fragment (5) follows a sixty-five-year-old retiree with his own agenda as he tries to manipulate a relative into selling a rare piece of art to a collector.
Eve In Hollywood (4) follows Evelyn Ross (from the author’s novel Rules of Civility) after she leaves Manhattan and lands in Los Angeles. Set during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the narrative is shared from multiple perspectives and introduces a cast of interesting characters (featuring both fictional and fictionalized versions of real-life characters) with a noir element that adds a touch of intrigue to the story. This is more a short novel than a short story and is an expanded version of a novella by the same name. While I enjoyed following Eve, I did think her story has the potential to be developed further into a full-length novel. Please note that it won’t be necessary to have read the preceding novel to enjoy this novella.
Each of these stories was well-crafted and the characters are well-thought-out. The author explores themes of choices and consequences, family and trust, ambition and guilt, friendship and appreciation for the arts, among others. Towles’ characters are realistic, their flaws and reactions believable ( even in their most absurd moments). The author’s keen observation of human behavior is evident in his writing. Thought-provoking and entertaining with a perfect balance of wisdom, humor and emotion, this collection is a joy to read. For those who have enjoyed Towles’s work in the past, this collection stands as a testament to the author’s masterful storytelling and literary craftsmanship. If you haven’t read the author’s work before, this collection would be the perfect introduction to his work.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Viking for the digital review copy via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As is the case with most anthologies, The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023 was also a mixed bag. The anthology fAs is the case with most anthologies, The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023 was also a mixed bag. The anthology features twenty-one short mysteries written by contemporary authors and a bonus story by Edith Wharton. I liked that each of the stories began with a brief introduction about the author and enjoyed getting to sample the work of so many authors, many of whom I had never read in the past. Some of the stories also end with a note by the author about the inspiration behind the story. I must mention that the Introduction by Amor Towles, in which he discusses how the “Mystery” genre has evolved, was a fascinating read.
My ratings for the stories are as follows: The first story, “Blind Baseball” by Doug Allyn (3.5/5), revolves around a tontine insurance scheme. This was a gripping read but ended abruptly. “The Adventure of the Misquoted Macbeth” by Derrick Belanger (4/5) is a mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes and is one of the stories that I thoroughly enjoyed. The circumstances surrounding a mysterious break-in are explored in “Princess” by T.C. Boyle (3.5/5) In “Cold Hands, Warm Heart” by Joslyn Chase (3.5/5), a cold case is reopened after the discovery of a body. In “New Kid in Town”(2.5/5) by Andrew Child, Jack Reacher helps in investigating the disappearance of a young girl.
A resident of a hotel housing near the border sheltering undocumented immigrants takes justice into her own hands in “Death at the Sundial Motel” by Aaron Philip Clark (4/5). A young deputy gets more than he bargained for when he is tasked with assisting a Marshal for the Witness Protection Program in “Dodge” by Jeffery Deaver (4/5). In “The Landscaper’s Wife” by Brendan DuBois (3.5/5), our protagonist finds himself tangled in a complex web of manipulation, blackmail and murder. Co-passengers in a train decide to pass the time guessing solutions to real-life situations they share in the group in “Strangers at a Table” by Kerry Hammond (4/5). “Miller and Bell”(2/5) by Victor Kreuiter follows the story of a career criminal who resorts to his old ways of switching identities to evade those who have an axe to grind with him.
In “Two Sharks Walk into a Bar” by David Krugler (3/5), a hustle results in dire consequences for a pair of pool sharks. In “Pobre Maria: A Capitán Guillén Mystery Of Ecuador”(3/5) by Tom Larsen, a seasoned law enforcement official investigates the suspicious death of the daughter of an influential man. “Playing God” by Avram Lavinsky (3.5/5) takes us through the mysterious circumstances revolving around a man’s suicide. “Ears” by Jessi Lewis(3.5/5) is a heart-wrenching story about a young girl’s bond with her dog. Though there wasn’t much ”mystery “ in the plot, it was a good read. “The Smoking Gunners”(2.5/5) by Ashley Lister follows a murderer apprehended at the scene of the crime as she attempts to justify her actions.
A small-town reporter investigates a murder that was caught on camera by a peeping tom cat, whose owner had a camera fixed on his collar in “What the Cat Dragged In” by Michael Mallory(4/5). In “Sundown” by Lou Manfredo (3/5) we follow the lead detective as he investigates the death of a young woman, often consulting with his grandfather, a retired law enforcement officer, to gain perspective. There’s much more to the kidnapping of the daughter of an affluent man than meets the eye in “Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday” by Sean McCluskey(2.5). A detective is haunted by a promise he made to a murdered young girl’s father in “The Promise” by Annie Reed (3/5). A man tries to help his neighbor after a murder in their apartment building in “Glass” by Anna Round (3/5). A hitman’s latest assignment has him curious about the motive in “Crime Scene” by Joseph S. Walker (3.5).
The final story, “A Bottle of Perrier” by Edith Wharton (3/5) follows a young archaeology scholar on his visit to an archaeologist’s home in the middle of a desert in a foreign country where he finds his friend’s domestic staff’s answers to the owner’s whereabouts vague and misleading.
Overall, I found most of the stories rather predictable and only a handful stood out.
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“Now she knew, without a doubt, that she did not command the world, but was at the mercy of it.”
In 1885, Paris, nine-year-old Aubrey Tourvel find3.5⭐️
“Now she knew, without a doubt, that she did not command the world, but was at the mercy of it.”
In 1885, Paris, nine-year-old Aubrey Tourvel finds a wooden puzzle ball on the side of a road - an incident that changes her life forever. Her discovery and inability to dispose of this “magical” puzzle ball will lead her down a fantastical dream-like journey that will last decades -- a journey that Aubrey is compelled to embark upon on account of the life-threatening affliction that strikes after she stays in the same place more than just a few days.
I found the premise of A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke fascinating and was drawn to it because of its comparisons with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Life of Pi , both of which I’ve enjoyed.
I enjoyed Audrey’s journey as she explored the world in its wonder and beauty, facing precarious situations while learning valuable life lessons from her experiences along the way. I admired her resourcefulness and resilience in the face of adversity, loneliness and the constant fear of succumbing to the strange disease that plagues her. Aubrey’s encounters gain her recognition and though she meets a fair share of people in the course of her travels, not all of her experiences are pleasant. While she does meet some who betray her trust , she also finds people whose generosity and kindness overwhelm her. The author keeps us interested in Aubrey’s life with a flow of interesting characters and enthralling adventures along the way. I was curious to know how her life would eventually turn out. Unable to return to the same place twice, we can't help but wonder what will become of her once she has nowhere else to go to outrun her affliction. The magical realism aspect was well executed in the story and I found the concept of the magical library and Aubrey’s connection with it quite intriguing.
The narrative does suffer from pacing issues and slows down considerably in parts with a lot of telling rather than showing which is to be expected on account of the narrative following Aubrey over seven decades. We don’t get to explore Aubrey’s connection with the other characters simply because of the limited amount of time she spends with them. Reading about these brief encounters, a few that are more impactful than the others, soon became a tad tedious. The non-linear narrative detracted from my overall satisfaction in that though I was curious and could sympathize with Aubrey’s plight, the slightly disjointed nature of the narrative and the emphasis on other aspects of the story kept me from connecting with the character on an emotional level. Perhaps a deeper exploration into Audrey, the person, would have enriched my reading experience. I did enjoy the ending despite the ambiguity.
Overall, this was a skillfully crafted, wondrous story that touched upon themes of survival, belongingness and human connection that I liked but did not love.
I should mention that there are episodes of animal hunting/cruelty featured in the narrative (one particularly graphic description of the same that I found particularly disturbing!).
Many thanks to Avid Reader Press for the digital review copy via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 2, 2024.
Golden Age Bibliomysteries, edited by Otto Penzler, is a carefully curated anthology featuring fourteen mysteries revolving around libraries, libraria Golden Age Bibliomysteries, edited by Otto Penzler, is a carefully curated anthology featuring fourteen mysteries revolving around libraries, librarians, rare manuscripts, antiquarian books and much more. I appreciated the structure of the anthology and that each story is preceded by a brief introduction on the author, the publication history, and screen adaptations if any. Most of these authors were new to me and I enjoyed getting to know more about them.
The Jorgenson Plates by Frederick Irving Anderson (1922) : This wasn’t quite a “bibliomystery” in the true sense of the term but I did like the central theme of a conman and his wife getting their comeuppance. (3) The Aldine Folio Murders by Lawrence G. Blochman (1940): Several individuals express interest in a rare manuscript soon to be auctioned off. What follows is a sequence of events including, theft, murder, and deception. (4) Death Walks In Marble Halls by Lawrence G. Blochman (1942): The murder of a Trustee at a Public Library has the library closed off as the police investigate several suspects. This is one of my favorites in the collection. (5) QL 696 .C9 by Anthony Boucher (1942) A librarian is murdered and the probable suspects include her coworkers and one of the patrons. (4) Foot In It by James Gould Cozzens (1935) The proprietor of a bookstore is confronted by a relative of a deceased customer over a hefty unpaid invoice. (3.5) The Missing Shakespeare Manuscript by Lilian de la Torre (1946) During the Stratford Jubilee, 1769 after the rare manuscript of a previously unknown work of the bard goes missing the thief demands a hefty ransom. (3) State Faír Murder by Frank Gruber (1939) The scion of a publishing house is murdered in public.(3.5) The Episode of the Codex’ Curse by C. Daly King (1935)An Aztec Codex is stolen from a locked room in a museum. (3) The Adventure of the Three R’s by Ellery Queen (1946) A college professor and aspiring author goes missing and the details of the case are eerily familiar to the story featured in his new manuscript. (4) The Unique Hamlet by Vincent Starrett (1920) A Sherlock Holmes pastiche revolving around a missing rare signed Hamlet quarto. (4) A Volume of Poe by Vincent Starrett (1929) A rare volume of poems leads to murder and mayhem. (4) The Shakespeare Title-Page Mystery Carolyn Wells (1940) Rare books and a lot of “jiggery-pokery”!(3) The Book That Squealed Cornell Woolrich (1939) Another favorite of mine featuring a resourceful librarian who follows clues she deciphers from the missing pages of a library book to solve a kidnapping! (5) The final segment is a puzzle, The Stolen Endymion by Lassiter Wren & Randle McKay, from The Baffle Book, published in 1930.(3.5)
Most of the stories are not too complicated and I could guess a few of the endings. The stories vary in length and pacing. As with most anthologies, some stories were more appealing than others but overall, I found it to be an entertaining read. Those who enjoy mysteries set in libraries and/or bookstores would find this collection interesting in that you can get a historical perspective of the sub-genre. Many thanks to the publisher for granting access to the DRC via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please note that few (not all) stories feature terminology, and/or dialogue and/or characters that do sound offensive (racist/sexist) if viewed from a contemporary perspective. However, as mysteries, these stories do make for interesting reading, if you can accept that these stories were written in a different time period.
“Who defines what is weakness? I’d wondered. Isn’t it only the strong who get to decide that? Isn’t it only t Happy Publication Day! April 18, 2023
4.5⭐️
“Who defines what is weakness? I’d wondered. Isn’t it only the strong who get to decide that? Isn’t it only the strong who have the power to act on what they decide? How can that be right or fair or good?”
In 1938, sixteen-year-old Rosanne “Rosie” Maras is taken in by her Celine and Truman Calvert after her parents and younger brother perished in a tragic accident. Her late father was employed as a vinedresser by the Calverts and she had spent her whole life on their property in Sonoma County, California. Celine Calvert employs her as a Maid, hoping to prepare her for a future in domestic service. Rosie is somewhat content with her life with the Calverts, though she grieves for her losses. Eventually, Rosie ends up pregnant and Celine ships her off to what Rosie assumes will be a home for unwed mothers. What follows is a horrifying sequence of events, depicting one of the worst kinds of evils exacted in the name of science and the greater good, against helpless individuals with no agency or the right to defend themselves. Rosie associates every audio stimulation to different colors, and sees colors when she hears sounds, – a neurological condition (“synesthesia”) that was not known much about at the time and therefore labeled an “abnormality”. It is this label that leaves her fate in the hands of those who consider her “abnormality” a “burden” on society.
In 1947, after spending almost 40 years in Europe, working as a nanny, Truman Calver’s sister Helen returns to California. Her brother has since passed on and his wife isn’t too happy to have Helen in her home. Celine becomes even more hostile when Helen enquires after Rosie, the young girl she had befriended years ago. When she learns of Rosie’s plight, Helen set out to find her and her child. Her quest leads her to the realization that evil practices similar to the ones she had witnessed in Nazi-occupied Europe exist closer to home than she could have ever imagined.
Meticulously researched, informative, brutal and heartbreaking, Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner is a remarkable work of historical fiction. Powerful prose and the dual PoVs set against different backdrops in the same era render this novel a compelling read. Both Rosie’s and Helen’s PoVs are heart-wrenching. While Rosie’s story paints a heartbreaking picture of those forcibly institutionalized as “mentally ill” and whose fates are determined by the whims of doctors and social workers, Helen’s account of her life in Vienna during the Nazi occupation, which is revealed through flashbacks - the atrocities of war and the crimes exacted against children deemed to be unfit by Nazi evaluators, Aktion T4 and Krankenmorde – is horrifying. The narrative is well-structured and though I found the ending to be a tad too neat, I am glad that the story ends on a hopeful note. Do read the Author’s Note wherein the author discusses the historical context of this story. While I have read about involuntary euthanasia practiced in the early years of WWII under the Nazi regime, I had limited knowledge of the eugenics laws practiced in the United States in that era and was unaware of the fact that these practices not only predated and influenced Nazi policies but were continued for several decades.
“With giving, there is cost, isn’t there? There is always cost. Sometimes it is an easy sum to hand over. And sometimes it exacts from you the whole measure of your heart.”
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for providing a digital review copy of this novel via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please Note: Given the subject matter, it is evident that this book is not an easy read. Please note that many of these topics and events described in this story are immensely disturbing. ⚠ Rape, involuntary euthanasia and forced sterilizations....more
“It’s other people who captivate me. All the people my age, making their way, fearful or bold, convinced they’ve *Happy Publication Day* July 11, 2023
“It’s other people who captivate me. All the people my age, making their way, fearful or bold, convinced they’ve been through the most intense time in their life during these various lockdowns, and that they’re rediscovering a world that they’d taken for granted. I find them touching, and I envy them as well. Though you might not think it, I’d like to join in the dance again, too, but I’ve forgotten the steps.”
After eighteen months of shelter-in-place, lockdowns, curfews, travel restrictions and much more, people are figuring out how to restore a semblance of normalcy to their lives in the post-pandemic era. After eighteen months of shelter-in-place, lockdowns, curfews, travel restrictions, and much more, people are figuring out how to restore a semblance of normalcy to their lives. Set in a classic café in the French provinces, Le Tom's, during current times, over the course of a single day, we are privy to the innermost thoughts of its patrons and the waiters and owners. We follow their most private thoughts as they ponder over how their lives have changed, the significant events and people they have left behind, how they are reframing their hopes and dreams, and how they perceive themselves, others and life in general after months of uncertainty and stagnancy.
Two estranged friends, one of whom is now an established writer and once harbored attraction for the other, meet after almost a lifetime with their own share of regrets and resentments. A mother of two grown-up children sits with her son and shares her decision to finally leave her family and embark on the life she always dreamed of. A waiter ponders his choice to move on and spread his wings. A woman encounters a former boyfriend from decades ago. Both the new owner and previous owner of the café reflect on events that led them to the present moment and concerns about the future. In the midst of it sits a young woman, who returned home during the pandemic and is yet to move on. She regularly visits the café, sits at the back and tries to capture life in the café in her sketches. Few of these characters interact with one another; some remain lost in their own thoughts or within their own circle. But the common element in all of their thoughts and interactions is how the past eighteen months have compelled them to reevaluate their priorities.
Café Unfiltered by Jean –Phillippe Blondel (translated by Alison Anderson) is a beautiful, quiet and intimate novel - one that inspires pause and reflection. Each of these characters is very well-written. The author does not go into the upsetting details of the pandemic but focuses on the post-pandemic period when life was slowly returning to normal, though the threat of newer threads of the virus was looming large which resulted in planning for the future in a more guarded, tentative and reserved manner. The characters in this novel are real and relatable and as we follow their stories, we feel invested in their lives and hope that things work out for them. The writing is crisp and concise, yet able to convey the thoughts and emotions of the characters eloquently. Overall, this is a slow-paced, contemplative novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Many thanks to author Jean –Phillippe Blondel and publisher New Vessel Press for granting access to a digital review copy of this novel via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
“As I’ve got older, I’ve come to realize that memory isn’t a question of simply recalling the things that happened day after day, year after year, but
“As I’ve got older, I’ve come to realize that memory isn’t a question of simply recalling the things that happened day after day, year after year, but a patchwork of events etched across our hearts.”
Eighty-seven-year-old retired librarian Freda, now a resident of a senior living facility, spends her days taking walks in her neighborhood, reminiscing about the years gone by, and documenting her memories. As the seventy–fifth anniversary celebration of the Dunkirk evacuation approaches, she finds herself flooded by her own memories of that period and she reflects on how her experiences have impacted her throughout her life.
In 1939, twelve-year-old Freda, along with several other children was sent to Lincolnshire from her London home in Bethnal Green as a part of Operation Pied Piper- an effort to keep children safe from German aerial bombings. Billeted with the Willocks, who treat her like free labor, barely providing for her basic needs despite collecting the allowance paid to them for sheltering her, she is lonely and misses her mother and Nan. One day while exploring the marshlands, she finds an injured goose and approaches reclusive painter Philip Rhayader, who lives in an abandoned lighthouse on the marshlands. Philip is a sensitive human being, a conscientious objector who left Oxford after having a nervous breakdown and now works for a local farmer. When not working he spends his time amid nature, with his painting and providing a sanctuary to the birds who take shelter with him during the winters. Philip nursed the goose back to health and the christen it “Fritha”, a name that means “protector of peace” – as Philip points out is a “good name for a goose during wartime”. Her friendship with Philip who shares his love for books and nature with Freda is the only happy memory Freda has of her time as an evacuee. But as WWII rages on, will their sanctuary be able to shelter them from the world outside?
“Life soon becomes reduced to a pile of ephemera. Why do I keep these things? These bits and bobs, meaningless to anyone other than me. Because they take me straight back, provide tangible evidence of what really happened. Proof that everything isn’t just a figment of my overblown imagination.”
Flatlands by Sue Hubbard is a beautifully-written novel. I was captivated by its vivid imagery and poetic prose. The author mentions that her story is inspired, in part by Paul Gallico’s novella “The Snow Goose”. While the author stays true to the central theme of The Snow Goose, also naming her characters Freda and Philip, (Frith and Philip in Gallico’s novella) Hubbard’s characters are developed with much depth. In doing so the author gives us a broader perspective of life during that period. The author does a commendable job of exploring life in wartime England both from the perspectives of a child separated from her family and a recluse who is a conscientious objector.
Freda and Philip come from different walks of life. Philip is in his twenties and Freda is a child of twelve/thirteen. Philip’s family is affluent while Freda belongs to a family of shopkeepers. Their backgrounds, perspectives on war and life in general and struggles are distinctly different yet, their friendship is beautiful and serves as a source of comfort for both of them. Philip’s concern for Freda is the only kindness she experiences. Philip’s storyline covers his life from his early childhood and details the events that led to his reclusive life in the Fens, his conflicted feeling about war and violence, his stance as a pacifist and conscientious objector and how the events of WWII impact the same. The author also addresses sensitive issues such as mental health, sexual identity and societal expectations during those times. The plight of evacuee children such as Freda sent away from their homes to live with strangers and the uncertainty associated with the same is at times difficult to read. The neglect and eventual abuse Freda suffers are heartbreaking and the author is unflinching as she explores the darker side of human nature as represented by the Willocks. One can sympathize with their economic hardships but that cannot justify their treatment of Freda.
Though the author skillfully weaves Freda’s and Philip’s storylines into an engaging narrative, I found the transitions between the timelines and between the characters' individual stories to be a tad abrupt, which took a while to get used to. I also would have liked more scenes between Philip and Freda.
I should mention that this is a slow-paced and descriptive novel (the first half moves very slowly, in fact) that needs to be read with time and patience. However, the historical context, the characterizations, the imagery, and the elegant prose make for a thought-provoking and poignant read.
This is my first Sue Hubbard novel and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. I received a digital review copy from the author and publisher via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“Stories are created from silence and absence, though the space between words can be so wide you feel you might drown.”...more
The Kind Worth Killing remains my favorite Peter Swanson book to date, but The Kind Worth Saving is definitely a worthy addition to the series, featurThe Kind Worth Killing remains my favorite Peter Swanson book to date, but The Kind Worth Saving is definitely a worthy addition to the series, featuring Henry Kimball, now a private investigator, and Lily Kintner who is as sharp and devious as ever.
When Joan Whalen, (nee Grieve) an ex-student from his decades-old short stint as a high school English teacher which ended in a horrific tragedy, enlists his services to find proof of her husband’s infidelity Kimball has no idea what he is getting into. Joan is confident that her husband is cheating on her and also claims to be sure of who he is romantically involved with. All she wants is proof of the same. As Kimball begins to follow Joan’s husband and the woman he is supposedly having an affair with, he finds himself unwittingly drawn into a tangled web of murder, manipulation, deceit, lies and old secrets. It takes one to know one, so Henry turns to the only person he knows who can help him figure out what’s actually going on.
Twisty, suspenseful and fast-paced, The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson is a gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed. While there were a couple of eye-rolling moments, I was too busy turning the pages to care. The narrative is shared from multiple perspectives, which does well in keeping you engaged with the story and the characters. Swanson’s characterizations are superb and the multiple perspectives allow us to get to know these characters, their backstories, connections and motivations. All of his characters are seriously flawed individuals and for the most part unlikeable but the author compels you to choose your favorites among them and root for them. The narrative flows seamlessly and Swanson does a fine job of weaving the past and present together in a tight-knit plot that keeps you hooked till the very last page. I enjoyed how the plot developed and found the ending more interesting than neatly tied up and satisfying. (I’m guessing we’ll be seeing more of some of the characters in the future!)
I would recommend reading The Kind Worth Killing before reading the sequel to fully understand Henry’s and Lily’s characters and their backstories.
I received a digital review copy of this novel from the publisher via Edelweiss+ . All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please Note: The story does venture into sensitive territory. ⚠ Gun violence in schools...more
A young woman sits at a table in her favorite café with her nose in a book ( unfortunately, she isn’t quite enjoying the My Rating: 3.5/5 rounded down
A young woman sits at a table in her favorite café with her nose in a book ( unfortunately, she isn’t quite enjoying the book) while also observing the people around her. She spots an attractive man sitting at another table reading the same book and decides she has found her soul mate! But there’s a catch! Victoria, our bookworm is married, albeit unhappily, to Eric, an affluent and successful lawyer who is on the verge of being promoted to Partner. Victoria works as a masseuse and spends most of her free time reading, which isn’t something her controlling husband ( who would rather spend his evenings watching television ) is too happy about. Everything about Victoria’s life revolves around Eric’s preferences - from her reading eBooks as opposed to physical books, grocery lists and dinner menus to their sex life. Her parents, her mother in particular and her best friend Holly never fail to remind Victoria how lucky she is to be with Eric. She finds solace in her books and her fantasies – which range from romantic rendezvous with her “soul mate” to dreaming up scenarios in which her husband ends up dead. As the narrative progresses and the suffocation in her life and marriage start to become unbearable, Victoria decides to take charge of her life and the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur.
I believe I enjoyed the concept/premise of this book more than the book itself. I did sympathize with Victoria’s plight and while I initially found her train of thought and wild imagination amusing it soon became repetitive and a tad off-putting. Ordinarily, I enjoy dark humor/satire and identify with characters who are voracious readers//bookworms. I did enjoy both the literary and pop culture references interspersed throughout the narrative. I also don’t mind unlikable characters if the story is good but overall, I wasn’t completely invested in this story. I’d expected to enjoy this book more than I actually did, which surprised me. I couldn’t find much humor in Eric and Victoria’s toxic relationship and/or dysfunctional marriage. I felt that the author could have avoided certain stereotypes ( I won't say more because I don’t want to give too much away.) Overall, though Bookworm by Robin Yeatman is a well-written book and I did find parts of the story quite entertaining, I wasn’t quite as taken with it as many other readers have been.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing a DRC of this book via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book is due to be released on February 13, 2023....more
A chance meeting between twenty-nine-year-old Libby Nicholls and the elderly Frank Weiss a retired th Happy (U.S.)Publication Day! (August 30,2022)
4.5⭐
A chance meeting between twenty-nine-year-old Libby Nicholls and the elderly Frank Weiss a retired theater actor on the number 88 bus results in an unlikely friendship that impacts both of their lives in the best possible ways. In their first meeting on the bus, Frank reminisces about a similar chance meeting with another red-haired young lady - an aspiring artist who made quite the impression on the young man that he was in 1962. A hastily scribbled phone number on the bus ticket that was promptly lost put a wrench in their plans to meet at the National Gallery in London. However, their brief conversation had a positive impact on Frank’s life for which he has always been grateful. He has since frequently traveled the same bus hoping to meet her again with no success. He still hopes to meet her someday and express his gratitude for her advice all those years ago. Libby was recently dumped by her boyfriend of eight years and is currently living with her sister’s family in London while figuring out her future. Frank’s story touches her heart and motivates her to help him in his quest.
As the narrative progresses, we get to know more about these two friends and the people they meet in the course of their journey, including Dylan who is Frank's caregiver and friend and Esme, Dylan's friend. Not only the main characters but each of the supporting characters are very well fleshed out (even the few who are not that likable). Frank is depicted as a kind and loving human being whose gestures of kindness have touched the lives of so many people around him over the years as is evident from the number of people coming forward to help Libby and Frank in their venture and cheer them on. Libby is a sweet young woman who is yet to fulfill her dreams but as the narrative progresses we see her grow as a person and learn to prioritize herself, something she has rarely done in the past.
"The Lost Ticket" by Freya Sampson is a delightful, heartwarming read with a cast of interesting characters, an engaging plotline and a whole lot of heart! With short chapters, engaging dialogue and quite a few surprises for both Frank and Libby along the way the narrative keeps you immersed till the very end. The author touches upon themes of friendship, family, aging and second chances with the utmost compassion. Overall, this is a beautiful story that that left me with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. Last year, I really enjoyed Freya Sampson’s The Last Chance Library which was a lovely story and with “The Lost Ticket”, the author does not disappoint!
I received a digital review copy of this novel from Berkley (Penguin Random House) via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
Seventy-year-old Tova Sullivan works the nightshift as a cleaner at Sowell Bay Aquarium. She lives alone, recently widowed and her eighteen-year-
4.5⭐️
Seventy-year-old Tova Sullivan works the nightshift as a cleaner at Sowell Bay Aquarium. She lives alone, recently widowed and her eighteen-year-old son having disappeared almost thirty years ago. Though financially stable, Tova believes in keeping herself occupied and enjoys her work and the company of the aquatic life in the aquarium, among whom is Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, who was taken in as a rescue and at the beginning of the novel is on Day 1299 of his four-year (1460 day) life span. His observations and ruminations on human beings (which are shared in the first person in snippets throughout the narrative) are laced with humor (with a touch of snark) and wisdom. He is after all a ‘remarkably bright creature’ who also happens to venture out of his tank at nighttime, never exceeding the eighteen minutes beyond which would result in “consequences” as he cannot survive longer than that outside his tank. On one of his nocturnal adventures, Tova ends up saving him from harm and they form a special bond. Though Tova has a supportive group of friends, she is concerned about not having anyone to look after her in her advanced age and begins to consider the option of selling her home and moving into an upscale retirement facility. As the story progresses we also meet thirty-year-old Cameron Cassmore who travels to Sowell Bay, Washington from Modesto, California in search of information about his family connections. Abandoned by his mother as a child and raised by his aunt, he has recently become aware of possible family connections that lead him to Sowell Bay. He hasn’t done much with his life till now, is unable to hold a steady job and has been recently dumped by his girlfriend who was fed up with his lack of initiative and whimsical nature. Cameron, Tova and Marcellus connect when he starts working at the aquarium and what follows is a deeply moving story of friendship, community, family, grief and moving on.
The author’s portrayal of a close-knit small-town community and sensitive depiction of issues such as loss, grief, loneliness and aging will touch your heart. Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the story is very well told and nowhere in the narrative do you lose interest or experience boredom. Marcellus is adorable and is a reminder of how precious our animal friends are to us especially in moments of loneliness and sorrow. The story also makes you ponder over the plight of animals in captivity. Though none of the animals in this story were harmed or ill-treated, you cannot help but feel sympathy for Marcellus when he feels imprisoned within the glass walls of the aquarium and misses his natural habitat.
Set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, with a lively cast of characters (human and cephalopod), engaging and well-paced narrative and a perfect combination of emotion, humor, wit and wisdom (suspend disbelief and you will enjoy the story!), Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a lump in your throat and a smile on your face.
I thank the author and publisher for providing a DRC of this wonderful book via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed here are my own. ...more
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