This is the first audiobook I've ever listened to and it was a wonderful discovery. We meet Nives, a Tuscan woman who has just been widowed, but feelsThis is the first audiobook I've ever listened to and it was a wonderful discovery. We meet Nives, a Tuscan woman who has just been widowed, but feels an absence of emotion. After the funeral, after her daughter and grandchildren have left, though, she realizes that she is lonely.
During her soliloquies, we learn that Nives has a tough exterior, a woman strong in both spirit and limb, one who has helped run a farm, raise a daughter, and run a household.
In her loneliness, she becomes attached to one of her hens, the one she has named Giacomina. This hen has a complacent manner, despite struggling with a bad foot, and Nives finds her endearing. Her sudden loneliness has caused Nives to examine her life, and this new habit of spending time in a company of a hen has Nives worried about herself, wondering why this hen is enough company to replace her husband.
One evening, when Nives is watching TV with her avian pet beside her, she notices that Giacomina has been put in a trance. Or something like that. She cannot wake this bird up. Panicked, she feels that she has no choice but to make a late night call to the town's vet.
At first, their conversation is comic. Loriano Bottai, the vet, has the attitude that perhaps Nives has lost her mind a little, calling him at night over a possibly hypnotized hen, and he tries to end the call, but never finds a graceful way of doing so. Meanwhile, the conversation has moved away from Giacomina, to things that happened long ago in their town, and then to them.
I got the feeling that their Tuscany was a small village where everyone knew everyone, and fascinated that in the beginning of this conversation, I would never have guessed how well Nives and the vet had known each other. In fact, they share a secret. During this phone call that spans almost all of this novel, Nives dives into the past, sharing all her pain, her unrequited love and her anger. This a riveting conversation with several twists, as Nives shares some startling facts.
On the death of her husband, Nives is looking back on her life with him, pondering the meaning of that life, what it's all been about. In the end, this venting has been so cathartic that Nives feels suddenly blessed and happy for the first time in her life.
And sometime during all this chatter, Giacomina has woken up, gotten off the couch, and gone searching for food. (I loved that metaphor).
This was an profound story, beautifully narrated by Lesa Lockford. Many thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media, LLC for this rich experience.
Merged review:
This is the first audiobook I've ever listened to and it was a wonderful discovery. We meet Nives, a Tuscan woman who has just been widowed, but feels an absence of emotion. After the funeral, after her daughter and grandchildren have left, though, she realizes that she is lonely.
During her soliloquies, we learn that Nives has a tough exterior, a woman strong in both spirit and limb, one who has helped run a farm, raise a daughter, and run a household.
In her loneliness, she becomes attached to one of her hens, the one she has named Giacomina. This hen has a complacent manner, despite struggling with a bad foot, and Nives finds her endearing. Her sudden loneliness has caused Nives to examine her life, and this new habit of spending time in a company of a hen has Nives worried about herself, wondering why this hen is enough company to replace her husband.
One evening, when Nives is watching TV with her avian pet beside her, she notices that Giacomina has been put in a trance. Or something like that. She cannot wake this bird up. Panicked, she feels that she has no choice but to make a late night call to the town's vet.
At first, their conversation is comic. Loriano Bottai, the vet, has the attitude that perhaps Nives has lost her mind a little, calling him at night over a possibly hypnotized hen, and he tries to end the call, but never finds a graceful way of doing so. Meanwhile, the conversation has moved away from Giacomina, to things that happened long ago in their town, and then to them.
I got the feeling that their Tuscany was a small village where everyone knew everyone, and fascinated that in the beginning of this conversation, I would never have guessed how well Nives and the vet had known each other. In fact, they share a secret. During this phone call that spans almost all of this novel, Nives dives into the past, sharing all her pain, her unrequited love and her anger. This a riveting conversation with several twists, as Nives shares some startling facts.
On the death of her husband, Nives is looking back on her life with him, pondering the meaning of that life, what it's all been about. In the end, this venting has been so cathartic that Nives feels suddenly blessed and happy for the first time in her life.
And sometime during all this chatter, Giacomina has woken up, gotten off the couch, and gone searching for food. (I loved that metaphor).
This was an profound story, beautifully narrated by Lesa Lockford. Many thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media, LLC for this rich experience....more
This is a nicely written historical novel that takes place mostly in New York during 1911, and centers around two young people from very different bacThis is a nicely written historical novel that takes place mostly in New York during 1911, and centers around two young people from very different backgrounds. And yes, their stories do collide.
What I admired most about this story is the depiction of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire, and the anger and unrest of that time period. Also, the fact that women had very few rights or control over their own lives was shown in all its cruelty.
There is a touch of magical realism in this novel, as well, so there is an interesting mesh between real events and those which demand the reader to suspend disbelief. I found this story to be more and more of a page turner, as I progressed. The main characters were both likable, the dialogue was realistic, and the plot was quite engaging.
I would recommend this to most people, especially those who have enjoyed Alice Hoffman's work....more
In the beginning, I thought this book would be too daunting, with its glossary of terms and appendix. Then, I slipped into the story and became immersIn the beginning, I thought this book would be too daunting, with its glossary of terms and appendix. Then, I slipped into the story and became immersed. It’s obvious why Dune is a classic. Yes, it’s a bit dated in the way women are perceived, but many classics contain outmoded attitudes.
This is a complex story with some fascinating characters. The transformation of Paul Atreides from intuitive, bright teenager to ruler and spiritual leader is riveting. There is more going on than I could describe in any reasonable length! I do feel compelled to read the next book, mostly because of the foreshadowing of this one--
[Paul’s mother] had quoted a Bene Gesserit proverb to him: "When religion and politics travel in the same cart, the riders believe nothing can stand in their way. Their movements become headlong - faster and faster and faster. They put aside all thought of obstacles and forget that a precipice does not show itself to the man in a blind rush until it's too late."
Paul is prescient and knows that there is to be a jihad, and does not want it, but at some point during this first story, knows he cannot control everything...we shall see.
I have not seen any of the movies, but have always meant to read this story, and now I finally have! And, I recommend it....more
Parties and poisons, oh, my! I had to pick up this novel, with a title like that. Something ghastly is going on in the botany department at the UniverParties and poisons, oh, my! I had to pick up this novel, with a title like that. Something ghastly is going on in the botany department at the University College of London, and it is 1923.
The protagonist of this story is Saffron Everleigh, the only female research assistant at the college, and it goes without saying that this was a hard road in 1923. One evening, at a dinner party, a professor’s wife is poisoned, and Saffron is a witness. When her elderly boss, Dr. Maxwell, is accused of and arrested for this poisoning, Saffron is determined to find out what really happened, and to clear the name of a man who has been very dear to her.
Meanwhile, the botany department is preparing for an important expedition to the Amazon, and Saffron must assist another scientist, Alexander Ashton, in his preparations for the trip. Gradually, she finds a friend and confidant in Alexander, and persuades him to help her piece together the mystery of the poisoning of Dr. Henry’s wife.
Actually, this story is almost as much romance as it is mystery. The writing style is very charming, and the conversations seemed natural. I did find some of Saffron’s actions outrageously dangerous and not smart enough for her character. Also, the mystery itself is not all that interesting--and yet, I did enjoy reading this story. The author has done a lovely job setting the stage for this novel, making it easy for me to picture the quaint buildings and even step inside.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this pleasure! ...more
Here is a novel with a very interesting premise: what if it were suddenly impossible, the world over, to commit physical violence against another persHere is a novel with a very interesting premise: what if it were suddenly impossible, the world over, to commit physical violence against another person? For instance, bullets from guns just hang in the air, bombs might damage property, but do no one injury, and people are unable to strike others.
What would people do? We know enough about human behavior, especially through social media, to expect that some folks would start performing some dangerous experiments. Those who are filled with hate would surely try to find other ways to affect pain and hardship on others.
In The Damage Done, author Michael Landweber presents this interesting premise, along with well drawn characters I found to be either likable or intriguing. This is well-written, with good pacing, and I enjoyed it.
My one reservation about this slim novel is that it just skims the surface of its topic. This may be as intended, however, since this does create food for thought. Would there be a period of chaos, in some places, where laws and their enforcement would have to be reinvented? Would we need as many laws, or different laws? At first, it seems that there would be more peace in the world, but would there really be less oppression?
I enjoyed the writing and the premise of this short speculative novel, and would welcome an expansion or continuation of this topic, in the future.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this intriguing experience! (goodreads 3.5 rating)...more
This is one woman’s story, written to her grandson. Violeta Del Valle has lived one hundred years, from the year of the Spanish Flu pandemic, to the cThis is one woman’s story, written to her grandson. Violeta Del Valle has lived one hundred years, from the year of the Spanish Flu pandemic, to the current age of the Coronavirus. This is not just her history, but also a hundred years of her country’s history, as it impacted her and her family. Her home is a country in South America, but not otherwise specified.
As a little girl, Violeta is raised in an affluent family, but soon, the convergence of The Great Depression and her father’s business practices equal disaster for her family. This is the first upheaval in her eventful life. She will learn to live and survive in multiple ways and face many challenges. Some of these challenges will be strictly personal, while the most dangerous will involve the political landscape in her country.
This narrative made me very thankful to have grown up in a country where attention to politics seems to be optional. That is, we in The United States have never woken up to find that all of our individual rights have been suddenly and indefinitely surrendered, or that the army is arresting anyone with certain beliefs. Violeta lived through such a time, and as a result, she lost people she loved. People’s lives were changed forever.
Violeta’s life was a roller coaster. She lived through extreme stress and trauma, but she also had some exhilarating highs. She found passion as a young woman, then love as an older woman. In the end, she found purpose and a way to be here for those who needed her, always.
Violeta is beautifully written, and I enjoyed it immensely. The way Violeta continually reinvents herself, using her experience and all that she has learned in life to branch out and help others, is an inspiration. And she is certainly proud of her grandson, who has had his own long road of discoveries.
I’ve left out the other characters in Violeta’s life, who are many and most intriguing, but I’ll leave that for you to find out. You won’t regret it.
The Supper Club Murders, by Victoria Dowd, is a zany, tongue-in-cheek murder mystery.
Writing comedy is a difficult thing to do, and since this novel The Supper Club Murders, by Victoria Dowd, is a zany, tongue-in-cheek murder mystery.
Writing comedy is a difficult thing to do, and since this novel is set in England, it is possible that some of the humor washed over my American head. There were some funny moments, though, and a few times I thought that the dialogue might be funnier if it were acted out.
Since I hadn't read the first books, and did not know the Smart women, I had to learn certain things about their characters along the way. Pandora and her daughter Ursula Smart are a couple of women who are so strange, I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to invite them anywhere. However, the rest of the characters at this dinner party were even stranger, some of them downright mean, creepy, insane, or all three. In short, I did not care what happened to any of them. These people don't even enjoy each other.
As this dinner party progresses, we meet the joyless villagers, and hear their resentments and bickering. Some of the conversation was amusing, but I was waiting for the murder mystery, which did not begin until almost halfway through the book.
When the dead bodies are found, the plot suddenly moves faster. There are secrets learned and a mystery solved, but in the end, nothing was very surprising.
Thank you, Netgalley and Joffe Books for this interesting opportunity. ...more
Jonathan Drori's Around the World in 80 Plants is an engagingly written, beautifully illustrated botanical collection of wonders. In these pages, DrorJonathan Drori's Around the World in 80 Plants is an engagingly written, beautifully illustrated botanical collection of wonders. In these pages, Drori has showcased eighty different plants from different parts of our shared planet. Eighty different (brief!) histories, along with plenty of interesting facts and antidotes make this botanical book not your garden variety reference book.
That planet earth has so many remarkable, adaptive plant species does lend some hope and inspiration for working for more sustainability in the way we humans use the resources around us.
Reading this was not my idea, but I am grateful for the experience. Go ahead, dip into the secret lives of plants......more
This is not only a fascinating biography of Polly Adler, but also an insightful history of the Jazz Age. Polly Adler was once one of many young immigrThis is not only a fascinating biography of Polly Adler, but also an insightful history of the Jazz Age. Polly Adler was once one of many young immigrants to come from Eastern Europe, but the path her life took was anything but expected.
Born in Yanow, Russia, in 1900, Pearl Adler's early life was very circumspect due to her gender and the anti-Semitic restrictions of the Russian Empire. Nevertheless, throughout her childhood, Pearl exhibited intelligence and was determined to get an education, even though that was unheard of for a girl.
At just thirteen years of age, she landed at Ellis Island, all alone, to meet relations who were strangers. When this arrangement turned out to be less than desirable, she was forced to live on her own at a very young age. Her intelligence and determination would be put to many a test in the coming years.
How Pearl became Polly Adler, the most well-known madam and a legend in New York City, is a long story, and very much worth reading.
Boxers, gangsters, politicians, entertainers, cops, judges, writers, and reporters. High brow, low brow, and everything in between. She met them. Some came for drinks and games, some for sex, some to hide out. She had her finger on the pulse of the current culture for years.
I was shocked at the depth of corruption in NYC during Polly’s lifetime. It was truly wild, as was her existence. The tenacity and stamina it took to hold on to her livelihood is unimaginable.
Author Debby Applegate has used the language of this time period, and it effectively creates an atmosphere that transports the reader to another era. I am impressed with the extensive research this volume required and was captivated by its style.
I haven’t given away any details in this review, in the hope that some of the surprising facts--and there are many--will amaze and enthrall someone else in the same way.
Thank you so much to Doubleday and Netgalley for this mesmerizing experience.
The Book of Magic, Alice Hoffman's conclusion to the Owens family saga, is populated with the family members we know and look forward to meeting againThe Book of Magic, Alice Hoffman's conclusion to the Owens family saga, is populated with the family members we know and look forward to meeting again, in another fascinating adventure.
We witness Franny and Jet's last day together, which reads like an emotional tribute to their past lives, and all that they've shared. Meanwhile, the lives of Sally and Gillian, the nieces they've raised, are examined and contrasted. Finally, we get a look into the lives of Franny and Jet's granddaughters, Antonia and Kylie. And yes, Vincent makes another appearance.
In the early part of this book, Kylie's story is the most prominent, because she is in love--and afraid of the family curse, which her mother Sally will not talk to her about. Actually, Sally has hidden everything to do with magic from her daughter.
It is Kylie's actions that set the main plot moving, and I thought this took a bit too long. When she starts to explore the origins of the curse in England, the action does become more intense, though it is periodically interrupted with her sister Antonia's life, which to me seemed to be a tangent that slowed down the story's pace.
The most engaging part of this novel is when Kylie's concerned family track her down in England. This is an adventure that unites Franny, Vincent, Sally, and Gillian. In my opinion, this is the essence of what is enjoyable about these books: the interaction between these family members, the way they solve problems, and their loyalty to one another. The family history is also captivating.
Along the way, there are many backstories. They are enjoyable reads, but sometimes they are too wordy, when there is, after all, an urgent crisis at hand. That said, some backstory is needed, especially in the case of Sally's new love interest, since this becomes part of the plot as well.
The ending, which is protracted, put me in mind of a fairy tale in which everyone is beautiful, falls in love at first sight, and lives happily ever after.
Overall, this was a charming read. I'd recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed the other books in this series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this fun experience!...more
Bravo! Author Maggie O'Farrell has taken a few known facts from history and woven them into a lovely novel. I was absolutely captivated, all the way tBravo! Author Maggie O'Farrell has taken a few known facts from history and woven them into a lovely novel. I was absolutely captivated, all the way through. This story is populated with intriguing characters and the pacing is excellent. It is a memorable story, and I am so glad that I picked it up.
This is a historical fiction novel which is part family saga, part gangster story, taking place in the early 1960s. The protagonist is Ray Carney, a mThis is a historical fiction novel which is part family saga, part gangster story, taking place in the early 1960s. The protagonist is Ray Carney, a man who is smart in every sense of the word. He's got common sense, street smarts, and a business degree. He's a man who is struggling to make a life for himself and for his family, and does not want to follow in his father's footsteps. Big Mike, as they called him, was part of Harlem's criminal underworld. And yet, this world has its hooks in Ray. He pays both a cop and a gangster protection money, and this is a dance that many step to, and keeps a part of the city's hierarchy intact.
Sure, Ray Carney is a bit crooked. He was raised on ill-gotten money and goods, and the seed money for his furniture business came from his father. And he does some fencing, as in not checking the provenance of certain items that he sells. But, he's keeping a low profile, just staying on the outskirts of all the craziness. Until, that is, his cousin Freddie gets in on a dangerous scheme, and drops Ray's name. Whether Ray likes it or not, he's involved in a certain heist.
As children, Freddie and Ray were very close, growing up like brothers, and Freddie always had a knack for getting them both in trouble. Unfortunately, he's at it again, but this time, it's serious, life-threatening trouble.
Part of the historical backdrop of this story was the Harlem race riots of 1964, when a black teenager was senselessly shot and killed by an off-duty police officer. The adults in Ray Carney's world are older, and have different viewpoints and attitudes about what is going on around them. The protesting is mostly younger people, believing in and fighting for change. During these years, a lot of change takes place in Ray's life and in the city's life, too.
The different sides of New York City in this novel were intriguing. One person's Harlem is not another person's, like one of those optical illusion pictures that can be viewed as different objects, depending on how one looks. Also, the characters that populate these different worlds are colorful and interesting. There was also the humor! Even when Ray is in a deadly situation, he might have home furnishings on his mind, for example, noticing that these crooks are standing on a certain brand of carpet that will prevent stains. Convenient.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel by Colson Whitehead, and many thanks to Netgalley and Doubleday books for this wonderful opportunity.
There is an ancient, mysterious Greek tale, written by Antonius Diogenes. Mysterious, because it was lost, and then some of it has been obliterated wiThere is an ancient, mysterious Greek tale, written by Antonius Diogenes. Mysterious, because it was lost, and then some of it has been obliterated with damage and time. Five people, in three different time periods separated by centures, read and bring their own meanings to this tale.
This novel leads us into the lives of Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour, and Konstance, who each have compelling stories of their own. The way the narrative switches back and forth between stories, letting the reader notice the connections, is brilliant and compelling. This ancient tale captures attention and imagination, allowing people to just enjoy it, to live in the moment.
The themes that run through these stories are beautiful, too. To need hope, to need other people, is to be human. And we are all in this together, and can't give up.
There are so many wonderful details in these stories! Jonathan Doerr writes magically, so that time disappeared while I was reading this. For a time, it was all I needed.
Thank you, Netgalley and Scribner, for gifting me with the opportunity to experience this new book!...more
I confess that this is merely my third Elizabeth Strout book, but I will certainly go back and read the rest of them. The lack of knowledge about LucyI confess that this is merely my third Elizabeth Strout book, but I will certainly go back and read the rest of them. The lack of knowledge about Lucy Barton did not hamper me, though, since the author included all the information I needed to thoroughly enjoy this story. Stories, really.
Elizabeth Strout has a splendidly strong voice. In ...more
Written over a Hundred years ago, Maurice Leblanc's Lupin novels have retained enough popularity to now be reimagined as a modernized series on NetfliWritten over a Hundred years ago, Maurice Leblanc's Lupin novels have retained enough popularity to now be reimagined as a modernized series on Netflix. I'm enjoying the update very much, and so decided to dip a toe into these old books. This one was quaintly enjoyable. ...more
Rachel and Toby's marriage has become untenable, and the omniscient narrator describes Toby's life as a doctor and his history with Rachel, and his feRachel and Toby's marriage has become untenable, and the omniscient narrator describes Toby's life as a doctor and his history with Rachel, and his feelings about everything--Rachel, himself, his life, and his two children.
It's not long before the reader will understand that the narrator is actually one of Toby's oldest friends. Eventually, her character and life become illuminated, as well, and it becomes a second point of view. Near the end, this friend runs into Rachel, and spends some eye-opening time with her, as well.
I admired this story not just for making me care about these three characters, but how it reveals these relationships. Which Fleishman is in trouble? I discovered that I'd made a certain assumption in the very beginning.
This novel touches on a number of topics, too, especially about women's career struggles. There is also the conundrum of children and very young people's relationship to the internet and social media. And online dating apps? Yikes.
Rémy Ngamije has written an intriguing and painful coming of age story about an intelligent and unusually insightful young man. His name is Séraphin, Rémy Ngamije has written an intriguing and painful coming of age story about an intelligent and unusually insightful young man. His name is Séraphin, born in Rwanda to educated, prosperous parents who were forced to flee their country, along with their three sons. Séraphin has memories of living in different places, before settling in Windhoek, Namibia.
Everywhere his family has lived, they have been treated with diminished respect for being immigrants, sometimes called refugees, which in some places has a derogatory implication. Séraphin, always atune to his surroundings, is very sensitive and easily angered by this unfairness. Additionally, he is verbally talented and able to interpret and articulate what he sees.
During most of this novel, Séraphin is attending law school in Cape Town, South Africa, and dreaming of remaining there. As we follow Seraphin's adventures with his group of friends, we see a South Africa in which Apartheid has ended, but racism is still very much apparent.
Rémy Ngamije's writing style is beautiful, I love the inner dialogue Séraphin has with himself, and the characters of his friends are well developed and interesting. Their conversations are sometimes hilarious and usually philosophical. We are in brilliant company.
Also, I love the way we are let into the stories of the adults in Séraphin's life, especially each one of his parents. They, too, were bright young people, working hard to achieve their dreams. And suffering in similar ways.
This is an extraordinary coming of age story. There may be some instances when Séraphin might be immature and not totally likeable, but then, just like any other person his age, he must do his own growing up. In Séraphin's case, growing into himself is full of a number of mean, grievous obstacles, but he is up to the challenge.
I highly recommend this. It is both thought provoking and beautiful. For me, it was an educational peek into another culture, as well.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read a magnificent book I might not have discovered, otherwise....more
This latest mystery from Tana French is a departure from her usual, and as usual, the writing is just beautiful. This story is more about the characteThis latest mystery from Tana French is a departure from her usual, and as usual, the writing is just beautiful. This story is more about the characters and relationships than it is about a mystery. It's about healing and closure, life changes, and finding one's way in a new landscape.
I did not need to suspend my belief with this story at all, but just read on, in awe of a narrative that makes everything fall into a peaceful place.
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