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| 1538765020
| 9781538765029
| 1538765020
| 4.54
| 22,140
| Apr 16, 2024
| Apr 16, 2024
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it was amazing
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“Maybe in a millennium, if the human race is still around, they might look back at this time and wonder how people could be so. . .cruel and wrong.” S “Maybe in a millennium, if the human race is still around, they might look back at this time and wonder how people could be so. . .cruel and wrong.” Set in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci revolves around a racially charged murder case and the lawyers representing the young Black man, a Vietnam War veteran, accused of murdering the affluent white couple who were his employers. Representing Jerome Washington is criminal defense attorney, thirty-three-year-old John Robert “Jack” Lee, a White man and resident of Freeman County. Jack, despite being brought up to be respectful of everyone irrespective of the color of their skin or social class, has never done anything to raise his voice against racial discrimination and believes that this would be his chance to do the right thing – not an easy decision given the instant backlash he faces from his own community- both on the professional and personal front- and the threats directed toward him and his family members. Despite having Jerome’s best interests at heart, he is clearly out of his depth. He is approached by Desiree DuBose, an experienced Black lawyer from Chicago whose reputation precedes her. Desiree provides Jack with a much-needed reality check, helping him navigate the machinations of the prosecution who resort to every trick in the book to prevent Jerome from getting a fair trial. The narrative follows Jack and Desiree as they fight for justice for Jerome in the face of much adversity including personal threats from a racially divided community, political bigwigs who want to send a strong message to further their own agenda, and a corrupt criminal justice system that would readily convict an innocent Black man instead of searching for the real killer. A long time in the making and a departure from his fast-paced action-packed thrillers, A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a brilliantly crafted, deeply thought-provoking novel that combines elements of literary fiction, legal and family drama, historical fiction and suspense. Though the premise might not strike you as completely new or original, the strength of this novel lies in its execution – the rich historical context, realistic characters, and intriguing murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. The author does a commendable job of establishing the setting – the racial tension in years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act, the volatile socio-political landscape and a legal system conveniently manipulated by those wielding political and judicial power. Several sub-plots featuring Jack and his family members are seamlessly woven into the narrative, allowing us to get to know Jack as a person and follow his personal journey throughout the events described in this novel. Both Jack and Desiree are well-defined characters, as are the supporting characters, each of whom has a significant role to play. Jack and Desiree’s partnership isn’t necessarily an easy one. They are from diverse backgrounds and despite being motivated to do the right thing it is expected that they would be wary of one another initially and I loved how the author addresses the differences in their convictions and life experiences and as they gradually grow to respect the other’s perspective even though they might not always agree with one another. Please note that this is not light reading. The author captures a time and place where racial tensions are high and needless to say, which features several nasty characters, racially motivated violence and upsetting dialogue, heavy with racial slurs. Some moments will break your heart and some will leave you seething with anger. Despite the length of the novel and the large cast of characters, at no point does the narrative become repetitive or difficult to follow. Relatively slower paced but intense and immersive, this is an exceptionally well-written novel. David Baldacci is a master storyteller and this novel will definitely be considered among his best works - the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I promptly ordered a personal copy for my collection as soon as I finished reading the ARC. Do read the Author’s Note where he discusses his inspiration for this novel and the autobiographical elements that he incorporated into the narrative. Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Apr 14, 2024
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Apr 14, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 1668030667
| 9781668030660
| 1668030667
| 3.94
| 4,903
| Apr 02, 2024
| Apr 02, 2024
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it was amazing
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Clear by Carys Davies takes us to 1843, Scotland in the final stages of the Scottish Clearances during which rural inhabitants from the Scottish Highl
Clear by Carys Davies takes us to 1843, Scotland in the final stages of the Scottish Clearances during which rural inhabitants from the Scottish Highlands were forcefully evicted to clear the lands for sheep pastoralism. 1843 also saw the Disruption of the Church of Scotland which saw a large number of evangelical misters walk away from their jobs and their income to form the Free Church of Scotland that would be free of patronage and interference from the British Government. As the story begins, we meet Reverend John Ferguson, an impoverished minister struggling to raise funds for his congregation, who has accepted a well-paying “temporary factoring” assignment. His task entails surveying the terrain of a remote island north of Scotland for its adequacy to meet the requirements landowners have planned and “clear” the island of its sole inhabitant, a man by the name of Ivar whose remaining family has long since left the island. Along with his papers and a calotype of his wife Mary, John also carries a pistol given to him by the landowner’s factor who assigned him to this task. Ivar lives in solitude in a stone hut with only his animals for company. Within the course of a month, John is to persuade him to leave the island. But when an accident lands him in Ivar’s care and he spends more time with Ivar connecting with him on a deep personal level despite not sharing a common language, John is conflicted over his mission. Ivar, who had been craving companionship, develops a strong attachment to John, unaware of his true reasons for being on the island. Miles away, when Mary is made aware of the potential perils John may face in his task, concerned for his safety, she takes it upon herself to travel to the island. The narrative follows these characters as their paths converge. Clear by Carys Davies is a stunning novella that transports you to the Scottish Highlands with its vividly described settings and into the hearts of its characters in sparse yet lyrical prose. The author deftly weaves the three threads of this novel into a cohesive narrative. Please note that the pacing of the narrative is slow, which I thought suited the nature of the story and allowed a deeper and an intimate exploration of the thoughts and emotions of its characters - Ivar’s loneliness and his kindness and compassion; John’s internal conflict as he ponders over his duty, the beliefs that have governed his life and vocation and his emotions; and Mary’s determination, loyalty and sacrifice. The narrative is presented from the perspectives of John, Ivar and Mary and touches upon themes of solitude, isolation and how human connection can be forged in mysterious ways. To bear witness to two characters learning to communicate with one another despite the lack of a common language was truly humbling. The author’s use of Norn words lends authenticity to Ivar’s character and the time and place in which the novel is set. Please read the Author’s note, where she discusses the historical context of this novel and provides a brief glossary of Norn words found in the narrative. There were certain aspects that I wish would have been developed further, but this in no way detracted from my overall reading experience. This is my second time reading Carys Davies ( my first Carys Davies novel was The Mission House, which I also enjoyed) and I was not disappointed. With its vividly described atmospheric setting, rich historical context, exquisite writing and memorable characters Clear by Carys Davies is a compelling read – the kind of story that stays with you long after you have turned the final page. Many thanks to Scribner for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 2, 2024. Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 29, 2024
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Mar 30, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 0385550367
| 9780385550369
| 0385550367
| 4.56
| 42,949
| Mar 19, 2024
| Mar 19, 2024
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it was amazing
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“With my pencil I wrote myself into being. I wrote myself to here.” When James (“Jim”), an enslaved man, hears that he is to be separated from his fami “With my pencil I wrote myself into being. I wrote myself to here.” When James (“Jim”), an enslaved man, hears that he is to be separated from his family and sold to a man from New Orleans, he runs away, intending to find a way to secure freedom for himself and his family. He is joined by young Huckleberry Finn, who is running from his abusive father. James is aware of Huck’s plight and is protective of him. The narrative is shared from James’s first-person PoV as he embarks on a life-altering journey. James by Percival Everett has essentially been described as a reimagining of Mark Twain’s classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In my humble opinion, Percival Everett’s masterpiece is much more than that. The first segment of this novel explores familiar territory from within the framework of the classic that inspired this novel, but presenting the story from James’s PoV adds much depth and perspective to the story many of us have enjoyed over the years. James’s perspective adds a dimension of maturity and a more somber tone to what many of us consider a childhood classic. “Waiting is a big part of a slave’s life, waiting and waiting to wait some more. Waiting for demands. Waiting for food. Waiting for the end of days. Waiting for the just and deserved Christian reward at the end of it all.” Frankly, I thought the lighter moments described in this novel were less humorous (the satirical element and the irony evoke amusement) and more thought-provoking. The author never resorts to embellishments, even in the most intense moments. James’s approach to life as an enslaved man compelled to suppress his true self, sharing his wisdom on how to survive and navigate through a world that has mostly been cruel to him and his fellow men, is expressed eloquently but often in a reserved tone. “White folks expect us to sound a certain way and it can only help if we don’t disappoint them..” As the narrative progresses, the author takes a detour from his source material and assumes ownership of James’s narrative, presenting our protagonist as a brave, perceptive and wise, self-taught learned person with compassion for his fellow beings. He holds no illusions about the consequences of his actions, fully aware that if caught his fate would differ from that of his fellow runaway Huck. His musings on slavery, racism, religion, the human condition and humanity in general are expressed through his imagined conversations with characters whose works he has been reading in secret. “How strange a world, how strange an existence, that that one’s equal must argue for one’s equality, that one’s equal must hold a station that allows airing of an argument, that one cannot make that argument for oneself, that premises of said argument must be vetted by those equals who do not agree.” James’s journey is not an easy one and the author does not try to paint it as such. Each of James’s experiences, the consequences of the choices he makes along the and the people he meets (slavers, tricksters, liars and fellow enslaved men and women who have experienced unimaginable cruelty at the hands of their masters) contribute to his understanding of the world around him and the perils he will inevitably face on the road he has chosen to travel. His companion Huck is often unable to comprehend the dangers James could potentially face , often puzzled by what he assumes is James’ uncharacteristic behavior, leading to many meaningful, heartfelt conversations between the two. Needless to say, some scenes are difficult to read, which is to be expected given the subject matter. Set in the years leading up to the Civil War, James is aware of the growing tensions over the issue of slavery but what does this mean for James and his quest for freedom? Will he be able to protect his family from a fate decided for them by those whose intentions and actions are driven by self-interest and utter disregard for human life? Everett tells a story that will stay with you long after you have finished this novel with a surprise revelation toward the end that will change the way you think about the characters and the books that inspired this novel. Heart-wrenching, brutally honest, yet brilliantly crafted and immersive with superb characterization and emotional depth, James by Percival Everett is a memorable read. This novel is surely going on my list of favorite reads of 2024. I read an ARC of this novel and promptly ordered a finished copy for my personal collection. After the novel was published, I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Dominic Hoffman who has done a remarkable job of breathing life into the characters and this story. All the stars for the audio narration! This is my third time reading Percival Everett, after The Trees and Dr. No , and I’m glad to say that with James, he does not disappoint! Many thanks to Doubleday Books for the gifted ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. James was published on March 19, 2024. Note: I would suggest reading/revisiting the events described in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before picking up this novel to better appreciate Percival Everett’s creativity and brilliance in crafting James. Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 20, 2024
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Mar 20, 2024
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0593535456
| 9780593535455
| 0593535456
| 4.23
| 2,052
| Feb 27, 2018
| Jan 09, 2024
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it was amazing
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“But the era/ of progress/ and the world's/ conscience/ does not contain/ the full history of their land” Aednan by Linnea Axelssonn (translated by Sas “But the era/ of progress/ and the world's/ conscience/ does not contain/ the full history of their land” Aednan by Linnea Axelssonn (translated by Saskia Vogel) is a brilliantly penned novel-in-verse that shall definitely go on my list of favorite reads this year. To be honest, I was hesitant to pick this one up as I’ve never been completely comfortable with the format, but I have to say that reading Aednan (which means the land, the earth and my mother in Northern Sámi) is an experience that will stay with me. A story about family, community, displacement and forced migration, intergenerational trauma and the struggle to preserve and protect one's cultural identity, this saga is shared through several voices, spanning over a century and tells the story of the nomadic Sámi community through the eyes of the members of two families. “We were to be driven/from the forest fells/lakes//migration paths and songs/had to be stifled/stricken from memory” The Sámi people originally inhabited an area where the borders of Norway, Sweden, and Finland met. This is where the story opens in 1913, where we meet Ber-Jona and his wife Ristin and their sons, Aslat and Nile. With the political changes in the region, border policies and governmental legislations restricting the movement of the reindeer herding Sámi community’s migration routes between their summer destination in Norway and their winter camps in Sweden. As the narrative progresses, in the wake of a family tragedy, they are forcibly displaced from their summer homes in Norway, leaving behind much more than just their homeland. Over the years, after being uprooted repeatedly, they ultimately settle in Norrbotten County in Sweden, forced to assimilate into a culture and land far removed from their own. The story continues with Lise in the 1970s – also a descendent of the reindeer herding Sámi community, one of a generation of Sámi who were forced to attend the Nomad Schools where they were taught to associate with Swedish culture and language and are gradually stripped of their indigenous identity. “But of our own/ history not a word/ was written// as if our/ parents and we/ had never existed// had never shaped/ anything” Unwilling to share her childhood experiences with her inquisitive daughter Sandra, who grows up to be an activist, Lise internalizes her trauma. We follow Sandra as an adult, her desire to connect with her roots, her activism and resilience and her desire to preserve and protect her heritage. The author references the legal battle between the Girjas Sami Village and the Swedish government in this context and how modern history needs to enlighten the present generation of all that has never been written about or has been deliberately erased from its pages. “Our land// of course is one/ they've never/even seen//Do they even know/ how we have been/ removed between/ four nations” Written in simple yet elegant prose, Aednan is a beautifully penned novel-in-verse. Incredibly moving and impactful, the sparse yet evocative prose and the vivid imagery render this novel an absorbing read. The author explores the community’s connection to nature and how the trauma of their displacement from not only their land but also their way of life impacts the generations that follow when forced into occupations that gradually drain their souls. Ristin, Lise and Sandra are women from different generations – but the legacy of grief and displacement they carry finds its way into their personal relationships, their sense of self-worth and their respective worldviews. We also hear from several characters connected to these three women including the voice of a young boy whose soul follows his family as they migrate as he lies in a grave across the border as well as Per, Lise’s son whose life and struggles are in deep contrast to that of his sister. I will admit that the non-linear nature of the narrative in the latter half of the novel took a moment to get accustomed to, but the author captures the sense of each era and each voice skillfully, weaving the narrative voices through the generations into a coherent soulful saga. This was my first time reading about the Indigenous Sámi community and I’ve spent hours reading up on the historical events mentioned in this novel. It is easy to draw parallels between the injustices experienced by Indigenous communities across the world throughout history and the treatment meted out to the Sámi people. Heartbreaking yet powerful and memorable, this book left me with a heavy heart. “Isn't it about time/ that their children/ also learn to hear/the voices/ of our shared/ history” Many thanks to Knopf for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Aednan was published on January 09, 2024. Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 11, 2024
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Feb 11, 2024
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0593497287
| 9780593497289
| B0C1YK9V82
| 3.84
| 3,272
| Aug 17, 2023
| Jan 02, 2024
|
it was amazing
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4.5⭐️ A forest fire wreaks havoc in the lives of the residents of a Greek village located in the foothills of a mountain, close to the sea, wiping out 4.5⭐️ A forest fire wreaks havoc in the lives of the residents of a Greek village located in the foothills of a mountain, close to the sea, wiping out homes and leaving a trail of death and devastation in its wake. Irina, a music teacher, her painter husband Tasso, and young daughter Clara, along with their dog, are among those who survive the fire. Irina decides to write about her experiences to help her cope with the trauma, her own “Book of Fire.” “There is something about stories that allows us to process the present. We listen to tales of tribulations overcome so that we might imagine we can survive ours. Children listen to the same fairy tale time and time again because there is a puzzle in their hearts that they unknowingly need to solve.” The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri is a deeply emotional read that revolves around family, home and community, human resilience, and survival. The narrative moves between past and present with chapters from Irina’s “book” interspersed throughout the present-day narrative describing the events of the day of the fire and its immediate aftermath. The present-day narrative follows Irina and her family and their friends who chose to remain on the island and go about rebuilding their community while coming to terms with their losses. “The fire has burnt our souls, our hearts. It has turned to ashes the people we once were.” We share Irina’s journey as she and her family deal with their physical and emotional trauma from the fire, the destruction of their home, and the surrounding forest area in the aftermath of the tragedy. Irina also encounters the man responsible for the fire and struggles with her guilt over her reaction toward him in a critical moment. The writing is descriptive, and the author transports you to Irina’s world before and after the fire. The author focuses on important themes such as forced migration, climate change and environmental concerns, corporate greed and human negligence, trauma, and grief, among others. Beautifully written, intimate, heartbreaking yet hopeful, this is the kind of story that stays with you long after you have turned the last page. Do read the Author’s note where she discusses the places and the events that inspired her to write this novel. Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on January 02, 2024. Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jan 09, 2024
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Jan 09, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0593598830
| 9780593598832
| 0593598830
| 4.08
| 130,432
| May 30, 2023
| May 30, 2023
|
it was amazing
| 4.5⭐ ( rounded up..can't stop thinking about this one!) “I want to live on a magical island with my favorite author and be his sidekick……” Who wouldn’t 4.5⭐ ( rounded up..can't stop thinking about this one!) “I want to live on a magical island with my favorite author and be his sidekick……” Who wouldn’t want that? Twenty-six-year-old Lucy Hart, remembers the time she ran away from home at the age of thirteen to meet Jack Masterson, a famous children’s book author whose Clock Island series captured the hearts and imagination of generations of readers. She did meet the author, though her plans to stay with him didn’t quite pan out. The series remains her favorite and she shares that love with seven-year-old Christopher a student of hers, recently orphaned and now in foster care. Lucy carries the pain of an unhappy childhood and cares deeply for Christopher. She dreams of becoming his foster parent and eventually adopting him. However, her meager income as a teacher’s aide and less than suitable living arrangements make her an unsuitable candidate for the same. When her favorite author invites her to participate in a contest to win the only copy of his new manuscript, written after an almost six-year hiatus, Lucy jumps at the opportunity to visit Clock Island, Masterson's private island in Maine that is modeled after the setting for his books. Not only is she excited to meet her favorite author once again but winning the contest would greatly improve Lucy’s financial situation and thus, her chances of being approved as a guardian for Christopher. “What did the kids in the books have to do to get their wishes? First, they had to make a wish. Then they had to get to Clock Island. After that, they answered riddles or played strange games. Then they had to face their fears.” On Clock Island, Lucy meets her co-contestants – three others like herself who had once run away from unhappy situations at home when they were children to meet “The Mastermind” who they believed had the power to make their wishes come true. Now as adults, they are back at Clock Island and they all have their reasons for wanting to with the contest. Lucy also meets Hugo Reese again, the illustrator for the series. Jack’s contest consists of a series of games and riddles and ultimately just like the characters in his books, a special challenge wherein they would have to face their fears. But news of Jack Masterson’s new book is making waves and there are scheming lawyers, book collectors and publishers to get their hands on that coveted manuscript. Lucy has a lot on her plate –dodging shady people with their shadier offers, her dynamic with Hugo, the stress of winning the contest and securing a future for Christopher and herself- and it’s not going to be an easy ride. The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a beautiful story. Remember Willy Wonka? Instead of a chocolate factory, here get to have a look at Masterson's “writing factory” fully equipped with a huge collection of typewriters and his raven, Thurl Ravenscroft,also his “co-writer”. The narrative is shared for the most part from Lucy’s perspective and a few chapters from that of Hugo with excepts from one of the Clock Island books interspersed throughout the narrative. Jack Masterson is a quirky character with a heart of gold. Lucy Hart is endearing and I was invested in her story from the very beginning. Her journey is one of catharsis and growth. The dynamics between the Jack and Hugo and Lucy and Christopher - the friendship, concern and empathy and sense of family will touch your heart. Christopher did seem a bit mature for his age but his reservations can be explained by the trauma he has endured. I also liked that the author also looks at the potential perils involved when impressionable minds are influenced to embark on risky ventures. Some moments will break your heart and others will have your heart singing with joy. Overall this a lovely story that touches on themes of family, childhood, loss, kindness, love and sacrifice. As an introvert who grew up with her nose always in a book (Enid Blyton books, The Trixie Belden series, and The Chronicles of Narnia were among my favorite childhood series) and an adult who struggles to keep from squealing with excitement every time she visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Disney World (I read the Harry Potter books when I was well into my twenties), I was captivated by this story and the idea of Clock Island as the reclusive author’s not—so—humble abode. Meg Shaffer does a brilliant job of highlighting the role that books play in the lives of children (and adults) and the refuge they provide and in doing so reinforces the fact that books remain your constant companion through the darkest of times. Though not fantasy per se, this story is magical in its own way. Read this book with your heart and you won’t be disappointed! Many thanks to author Meg Shaffer, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine and NetGalley for the much-appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. “The stories write us, you see. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it … it changes us.” ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 26, 2023
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Feb 28, 2023
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Feb 28, 2023
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1250284376
| 9781250284372
| 1250284376
| 4.09
| 20,766
| May 02, 2023
| May 02, 2023
|
it was amazing
| “I think each story has its own life. In the beginning, it lives in the writer’s mind, and it grows and changes while it’s there. Changes the writer, “I think each story has its own life. In the beginning, it lives in the writer’s mind, and it grows and changes while it’s there. Changes the writer, too, I’d bet.” He smiled at her, then continued. “At some point it’s written down, and that’s the book readers hold in their hands. But the story isn’t done, because it goes on to live in the readers’ heads, in a way that’s particular to each of them. We’re all caretakers of the stories, Alice. Writers are just the lucky ones that get to know them first.” No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is a story about a book, “Theo” written by Alice Wein. It is also the story of the twenty-five-year-old author, Alice, who has poured her heart and soul into her debut novel. It is also the story of nine people who read her book – or rather, a collection of stories each of which features someone who has read “Theo” and the difference it has made in their lives - a literary agent and her assistant who is also a new mother, an actor turned audiobook narrator, a homeless teenager, a professional diver who tests his own boundaries, an artist seeking inspiration from the world around her, a bookseller who embarks on a personal relationship only to find it less than fulfilling, a coordinator who works in the movie business and a widower in his sixties grieving the recent loss of his wife - people from different walk of life, in different stages in life, facing his/her/their own set of challenges. While I wouldn’t call these stories interconnected in the true sense of the term, they are connected by a common thread – “Theo” by Alice Wein. No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is a special book. Beautifully written, intimate and thought-provoking with characters who are real and relatable, these stories made me think of some of the books that I have loved and the stories that have stayed with me through the years – the books that came to me at the very right moment and left an indelible impact. Overall, this is an emotional read that I would not hesitate to recommend. I believe this book would appeal to those fond of character-driven short stories. “No two persons ever read the same book, or saw the same picture.” -The Writings of Madame Swetchine, 1860 Like all books, this one will touch us in different ways. But I am confident that all of us who love to read would agree that books are much more than a hobby for us – they are our friends, our refuge, our sanctuary - they teach us, they make us cry, they make us smile, give us perspective and so much more. It is this sentiment that the author expresses so beautifully through this novel. “Maybe not consciously, but that was the beauty of books, wasn’t it? They took you places you didn’t know you needed to go.” Many thanks to author Erica Bauermeister, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 25, 2023
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Mar 29, 2023
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Feb 15, 2023
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1590171993
| 9781590171998
| 1590171993
| 4.34
| 175,005
| 1965
| Jun 20, 2006
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it was amazing
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Have you ever read a book that leaves you so overwhelmed you don't have words to explain why or how? For me, it's this one! "He had wanted the singlen Have you ever read a book that leaves you so overwhelmed you don't have words to explain why or how? For me, it's this one! "He had wanted the singleness and the still connective passion of marriage; he had had that, too, and he had not known what to do with it, and it had died. He had wanted love; and he had had love, and had relinquished it, had let it go into the chaos of potentiality." A simple story of a man from humble origins who pursues a career in academics. This is the story of the life of William Stoner - his early life, his days as a student, his love for English Literature, his marriage and family and his career as an English professor- a life lived with quiet dignity, with its share of ups and downs, regrets, disappointments and small triumphs. It could be anybody's story."Unremarkable" is a word one might use when when talking about William Stoner and in fact, the beginning of the novel stresses that point but then, why does his story feel so significant? I read Stoner by John Edward Williams slowly over a week. It will take much longer than that to frame my thoughts or maybe I'd prefer to just keep thinking about this book for as long as I can. "And he had wanted to be a teacher, and he had become one; yet he knew, he had always known, that for most of his life he had been an indifferent one." In short, all I can say right now is that this is a beautifully penned, insightful and thought-provoking novel that I regret not having read earlier in life. This simple, quiet story affected me on a deeply personal level. Thank you to everyone who recommended this book to me. "He had conceived wisdom, and at the end of the long years he had found ignorance. And what else? he thought. What else?" ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 2023
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Feb 09, 2023
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Feb 09, 2023
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1662601395
| 9781662601392
| 1662601395
| 4.17
| 8,018
| 1952
| Jan 17, 2023
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it was amazing
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4.5⭐️ “My life always appeared rather insignificant, without remarkable events, apart from my marriage and the birth of the children. Instead, ever sin 4.5⭐️ “My life always appeared rather insignificant, without remarkable events, apart from my marriage and the birth of the children. Instead, ever since I happened to start keeping a diary, I seem to have discovered that a word or an intonation can be just as important, or even more, than the facts we’re accustomed to consider important. If we can learn to understand the smallest things that happen every day, then maybe we can learn to truly understand the secret meaning of life. But I don’t know if it’s a good thing, I’m afraid not.” In November 1950 forty –three-year-old Valeria Cossati purchases a black notebook from a tobacconist – a “forbidden” item as the tobacco is not permitted to sell anything but tobacco to his customers. Her journal entries give us a window into Valeria’s home, her family, and Valeria herself as documented over the next six months. Valeria’s life revolves around her family – her husband Michele, and her two grown children Riccardo and Mirella. Financially they are getting by but are not well-off. Valeria is not simply a housewife but also works to supplement her husband’s income- a fact that is frowned upon by her own mother whose family comes from more affluent origins. Valeria is trapped in a conventional marriage despite her having the freedom to work. She is conflicted but unable to express her true feelings, correctly assuming that it would fracture the delicate balance she has established within her family more often that not at the cost of stifling her own wishes and desires. “I often have a desire to confide in a living person, not only in this notebook. But I’ve never been able to. Stronger than the desire to confide is the fear of destroying something that I’ve been constructing day by day, for twenty years, the only thing I possess.” Valeria is anxious and consumed by feelings of guilt and fears that her secret diary will be discovered. Multiple times throughout her diary she shares how difficult it is for her to hide this diary and how she keeps changing where she keeps it. She yearns for a “space” that she can call her own – her bedroom is occupied by her husband who spends time listening to music or reading in his free time, her children have their own rooms and she is left to write her entries at night after everyone is asleep in constant fear of being discovered. “Because when I write in this notebook, I feel I’m committing a serious sin, a sacrilege: it’s as if I were talking to the devil. Opening it, my hands tremble; I’m afraid. I see the white pages, the dense parallel lines ready to receive the chronicle of my future days, and even before I’ve lived them, I’m distressed. I know that my reactions to the facts I write down in detail lead me to know myself more intimately every day. Maybe there are people who, knowing themselves, are able to improve; but the better I know myself, the more lost I become.” Valeria’s “forbidden” notebook, proves to be an outlet for her most private thoughts, a place she can vent her frustrations, anger, and disappointment towards her marriage, her husband, her children and life in general. Valeria’s diary gives her a voice and the opportunity to be herself and understand herself even though she is unable to share the same with anyone. Valeria struggles as she reflects on her marriage and tries to hold onto the values and principles she has adhered to all her life. She is unable to reconcile with the way her children, her daughter in particular chooses to lead their own. Her husband attributes her conflicts with Marilla to “maternal jealousy” which gives you an idea of how marginalized Valeria is in her own home. She also shares her budding friendship with a colleague, a friendship that does not come with a preconceived set of expectations, unlike all her other relationships Forbidden Notebook by Alba de Céspedes, translated by Ann Goldstein is a stunningly insightful novel that is both timeless and relevant in its appeal and impactful in its message. The Foreword by Jhumpa Lahiri provides insight into the historical context of this novel. The narrative is shared from Valeria’s perspective through a series of journal entries. Originally published in its original Italian as a series in the magazine La Settimana Incom Illustrata, between December 1950 and June 1951, Valeria’s journal entries give us a glimpse into the societal norms and social class distinctions, gender roles and expectations and the generational differences in terms of mindset and ambition in the post-war years. Mirella and Valeria and their arguments on how women should lead their lives give us insight into how women perceived their roles in a changing society. What strikes you as hypocritical is Valeria’s family’s attitude toward her need for privacy. When mentioned in passing, the very idea of Valeria keeping a locked drawer for her personal use like the other members of her family or even owning a diary where she might write down her thoughts is laughable to the rest of her family. Her husband goes one step further to point out that their daughter Mirella could need a private diary, given her youth and need to keep secrets but why would Valeria need a diary? What could she possibly write in it? Her family’s regard for Valeria despite her being an earning member of the family differs greatly from the respect Michele receives. This is a nuanced and complex novel but the prose is simple yet elegant and the author writes beautifully, engaging the reader from the very first page. The ending might leave you disheartened but will compel you to think about Valeria long after you’ve finished reading her diary. I paired my reading with the exceptional audio narration by Cassandra Campbell which transported me to Valeria's world. “When I started writing, I thought I’d reached the point where conclusions could be drawn about one’s own life. But every experience—even the one that comes from this long questioning of myself in the notebook—teaches me that all life passes in the anguished attempt to draw conclusions and not succeeding. At least for me it’s like that: everything seems, at the same time, good and bad, just and unjust, even transient and eternal.” ...more |
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Jan 26, 2023
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Jan 28, 2023
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Jan 28, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 0593320700
| 9780593320709
| 0593320700
| 4.06
| 6,489
| Feb 14, 2023
| Feb 14, 2023
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it was amazing
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“In life, there is a savage side and a beautiful side.” Set in Chillicothe, Ohio, On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel revolves around twin sisters A “In life, there is a savage side and a beautiful side.” Set in Chillicothe, Ohio, On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel revolves around twin sisters Arcade ”Arc” and Farren “Daffy” Doggs. Raised by their addict mother Adelyn and their Aunt Clover both of whom are prostitutes, Arc and Daffy spend their time dreaming of a life away from the hell they call home, drawing on the cement floor of their home with markers gifted to them by their maternal grandmother Mamaw Milkweed. The time the sisters spend with her, listening to her stories full of magic, life lessons and words of wisdom is the only bright spot in their miserable childhood. “Wings were the one gift we kept giving ourselves. Each year we would draw them with more feathers, hoping they would be big enough to be real. No matter how hard we wished, or how large we drew the wings, we never got more than a foot off the ground, the highest we could jump on any given day.” Their childhood comes to an abrupt end after their grandmother dies in a tragic accident when they were nine years old. Sexually abused and with no one looking out for them, they are left to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, the darkness of their childhood follows them into their adult lives and what follows is a painful cycle of sexual abuse and prostitution, violence and substance abuse, and ultimately tragedy. The friends they make along the way lead into some beautiful heartfelt moments of friendship and support but with each of them struggling to step out of the darkness in their lives, the friends are unable to keep themselves and one another out of harm’s way. As evil lurks in their community, targeting women like themselves, law enforcement turns a blind eye only compounding the tragedy in the lives of these women who have been profiled, judged and victimized their whole lives. “When a woman disappears, how is she remembered? By her beautiful smile? Her pretty face? The drugs in her system? Or by the johns who all have dope breath and graceless desires?” On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel is a dark, brutal, atmospheric and heartbreaking read. The narrative flits between the past and the present day when Arc and Daffy are twenty years old. The author develops her characters with meticulous detail and weaves their stories together seamlessly. I put down this book multiple times but was unable to stay away from it for too long. Exceptionally well-written, this is a compelling read that will stay with me for a long time. With consistent pacing and a tightly woven plot, featuring Arc and Daffy and their friends Thursday, Nell, Violet and Indigo the author tells an emotionally hard-hitting story inspired by the unsolved murders of the Chillicothe Six. This is not an easy read but a powerful one. Many thanks to the author, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for the much-appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, The book is due to be released on February 14, 2023. “We humans have always been in pain. History tells us that in the artifacts civilizations have left behind. Pain is there in the broken vases, the fractured poetry, the overwhelming music we have played for centuries. We belong to grief until the engine goes out. Then we belong to the dirt, our bodies identical to other fallen things.” ⚠ child-neglect, sexual abuse of a minor, sexual violence and substance abuse. ...more |
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1
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Jan 27, 2023
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Jan 31, 2023
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Jan 23, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 4.07
| 95,061
| Jan 31, 2023
| Jan 31, 2023
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it was amazing
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“We grow up fast. Not by force, but because we are needed.” Families can be complicated. Twenty-five-year-old Madeleine "Maddie" Wright’s family is no “We grow up fast. Not by force, but because we are needed.” Families can be complicated. Twenty-five-year-old Madeleine "Maddie" Wright’s family is no different and Maddie is struggling. Her life is far from ideal. The daughter of Ghanaian immigrants settled in London, Maddie, working a dead-end administrative job is responsible for the care of her father, whose Parkinson's Disease is now at an advanced stage. Her mother who alternates between Ghana and London is constantly critical of Maddie but this does not stop her from guilting Maddie into shouldering the greater part of all financial responsibilities – paying the bills as well as sending money to her in Ghana where she runs a hostel with her brother. Maddie’s brother who lives separately is self-absorbed and never seems to be around when Maddie asks for help. When Maddie’s mother returns to London for a year, Maddie takes this opportunity to move out of her father’s house, take up residence in a flatshare with two other young women, start a new job in a publishing house (after being unfairly fired from her previous job) and finally live her life. As the narrative progresses we follow Maddie as she navigates her way through professional ups and downs, old and new friendships and romantic relationships. Not all her experiences are pleasant ones. Naïve and inexperienced in the ways of the world, Maddie struggles to strike a balance between the different aspects of her life. When tragedy strikes, Maddie experiences an immense sense of guilt and loss that plunges her into a state of despair. As she tries to come to terms with her loss and move forward, Maddie begins to understand the importance of prioritizing oneself even if it means confronting those who have taken her for granted. "Maame” has many meanings in Twi, but in my case, it means “woman.” Maame by Jessica George is a moving and deeply insightful novel. The writing is excellent and the characterizations are superbly done. “Maame” is her mother’s nickname for Maddie – in their native Twi, it means woman; the responsible one. As Maddie reflects on her life she shares how she feels that this nickname has somehow defined her, determined how she is perceived by her family members and has influenced not only how she interacts with others but also how she treats herself. “It made me grow up when I should have had more time. It made my dad overlook me when I was a child, my mum leave me behind, and my brother get away with doing the bare minimum. It made me lonely and it made me sad. It made me responsible and guilty. It made me someone, if given the choice, I wouldn’t want to be.” Both inter and intra-role conflict are excellently depicted in Maddie’s story. The author gives us a picture of how culture influences roles and expectations within families and relationships. In Maddie, struggling to find a balance between the Ghanaian family values instilled in her since childhood and her life and aspirations as a Londoner, we find an endearing protagonist who is sweet, smart and lovable and is doing her level best to find her way in the world. Her struggles are real and relatable and her pain and grief are palpable. I found the author's writing on Maddie’s struggles with grief and the discussion on mental health particularly powerful and moving. Maddie’s first-person PoV reels you in and makes you feel like a confidante with whom she is sharing her experiences. I felt invested in her story, grieving with her, feeling her anger ,guilt and pain and celebrating her moments of triumph. Heartbreaking in parts, and hopeful in others, the author tells a beautiful story of love, family, friendships, personal growth and self-acceptance with wit, wisdom and emotional depth. It is hard to believe that this is the author’s debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this beautifully-penned novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. “ 'Many assume love is straightforward,” Angelina continues, “when really it is the most complicated of things. There is a right way, a preferred way, for each individual, to love and be loved by someone—but there isn’t only one way. I believe the difficulty of life has much to do with understanding and then navigating how the people you love both express and receive love themselves. It cannot be your responsibility, your burden, to reshape people into someone you’d like them to be. Ultimately, you must either accept a person for who they are, how they behave, how they express themselves emotionally, and find a healthy way to live with them, or let them go entirely. Either way, you must release yourself from that responsibility.’ ” ...more |
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Oct 07, 2022
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Oct 09, 2022
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Oct 03, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 1908745908
| 9781908745903
| 1908745908
| 3.92
| 43,791
| Aug 04, 2022
| Aug 04, 2022
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it was amazing
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WINNER of the 2022 Booker Prize !!! “All stories are recycled and all stories are unfair. Many get luck, and many get misery. Many are born to homes WINNER of the 2022 Booker Prize !!! “All stories are recycled and all stories are unfair. Many get luck, and many get misery. Many are born to homes with books, many grow up in the swamps of war. In the end, all becomes dust. All stories conclude with a fade to black.” Set in 1990 Colombo, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka begins with our protagonist - professional war photographer, closeted gay and compulsive gambler- Malinda Albert Kabalana a.k.a. Maali Almeida, waking up, dazed and confused, initially assuming his condition to be the after effect of the “silly pills” his close friend Jaki shares with him. However, he soon realizes that he is now deceased (with no recollection of how he died) and is now in the afterlife - a crowded, chaotic place that he compares to a bureaucracy with its long queues and precise list of procedural formalities. He has “seven moons” (translates to seven nights), in the “In Between”, where he can roam free, recall his past life, complete the required formalities and proceed toward “The Light”. Over the next seven moons, Maali desperately attempts to communicate with his friends, family or anyone who can hear him. He requires assistance to complete an unfinished task – among his earthly possessions is a box that contains photographs taken during his assignments- photographs of the death and devastation he has witnessed first-hand in 1980s Sri Lanka, victims including activists (who have been “disappeared”) journalists who are assumed missing and incriminating pictures of powerful people. In his own words, ” ‘These are not holiday snaps. These are photos that will bring down governments. Photos that could stop wars.’” “Down There", his family and friends, frantically search for Maali, initially unaware that he has been killed. They approach the police who, among themselves, are initially confused about whether this disappearance warrants an investigation or a cover-up. Unbeknownst to them, many will try anything to get their hands on the photographs and Maali’s death is just a starting point for more chaos. In the “In Between”, as Maali tries to figure out a way to get the photographs to the right people and piece together the events that led to his death, he meets an interesting mix of ghosts, ghouls, pretas and demons . He finds himself in a tug-of-war between the ghost of an academic murdered by Tamil extremists who guides Maali to complete all necessary formalities to proceed onwards and leave his past life behind and a slain member of the JVP (the communist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna),who has joined forces with a vengeful demon, and who wants him to join forces to exact revenge on those responsible for the death and devastation of many innocents victims and offers to help him find his killers. He meets others who have remained in the "In Between"- ghosts of victims of violence, others who have died by suicide as well as the ghost of a leopard. In his attempt to establish contact with the living, Maali also encounters "The Crow Man" - a holy man who serves as a medium between both worlds – catering to the needs of both, his help offered at a price. “Evil is not what we should fear. Creatures with power acting in their own interest: that is what should make us shudder.” “Down There” we get to meet people from Maali’s life – friends, secret lovers, family members, powerful men who have employed his services in the past, political leaders and their hired goons and those Maali met on assignments covering the some of the darkest episodes in 1980s Sri Lanka (the 1983 Tamil genocide among them). Narrated in the second person, this heady cocktail of magical realism, historical fiction, political satire and dark humor takes us through one of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka’s history. A cast of interesting characters – both living and the deceased (“ghost, ghoul, preta, devil, yaka, demon”), the dream-like quality of writing and the vivid descriptions of the political unrest, violence, and corruption in the civil war-torn country make for a compelling read. The narrative jumps back and forth between the present day in both the living world and the "In Between" with flashbacks from Maali's professional and personal lives filling us in on the events leading up to Maali's death. “It is not Good vs Evil out here. It is varying degrees of bad, squabbling with conglomerates of the wicked.” The author is bold and unflinching in his description of the different warring factions within the country -Tamil Tigers, LTTE, the JVP as well as the Sri Lankan government, military and the police. He also does not hesitate to turn a critical eye to the role played by foreign countries and international organizations who offered intervention and aid during those years. I can’t say that this is an easy read, but yes, the satirical approach and the sardonic humor keep it from becoming too overwhelming. The author also gives us a brief look into the history of the country - facts about the history of colonialism in Sri Lanka and the aftermath, the turbulent political landscape, the myths, religious beliefs and customs of the region and also references the Mahavamsa - the epic poem, written originally in Pali, that chronicles the ancient history and origin of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). “ ‘History is people with ships and weapons wiping out those who forgot to invent them. Every civilisation begins with a genocide. It is the rule of the universe. The immutable law of the jungle, even this one made of concrete. You can see it in the movement of the stars, and in the dance of every atom. The rich will enslave the penniless. The strong will crush the weak.’” Although the narrative did seem to slow down in parts with some minor repetitiveness, overall "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" is an exceptionally well-written, immersive and powerful story, truly deserving of its place on the Booker Prize shortlist. This is my first time reading Shehan Karunatilaka and I look forward to reading more of his work. ...more |
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Sep 12, 2022
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Sep 16, 2022
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Aug 17, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 164445064X
| 9781644450642
| 164445064X
| 4.06
| 31,092
| Sep 21, 2021
| Sep 21, 2021
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it was amazing
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Shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize! Percival Everett’s “The Trees” begins in Money, Mississippi with the consecutive murders of two of its white re Shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize! Percival Everett’s “The Trees” begins in Money, Mississippi with the consecutive murders of two of its white residents. In both cases, two bodies, one Black and the other White, respectively disfigured and mutilated, are discovered. When mysterious circumstances connect the two murders, the MBI (Mississippi Bureau of Investigation) sends two Black detectives to take charge of the case. These murders are found to have ties to the decades-old lynching of fourteen-year-old Emmett Till. However, the spree of murders is just beginning, and as the narrative progresses, similar murders are being committed in different parts of the country. An FBI agent joins the MBI detectives in a race to uncover the truth behind the crimes and find whoever is responsible. The small town of Money, MS is home to a cast of interesting characters (the author entertains us with some not-so-subtly named characters) and deep-rooted racism. As incidents of violence directed toward white men become more frequent and the body count increases, we get a glimpse into the reactions among White Supremacist groups and how they gear up for the “race war” that they knew was coming. Here, the author addresses relevant issues with a good dose of humor, keeping it light-hearted but impactful. We also meet a 105-year-old woman,who maintains “records” of everything ever written about every lynching in the United States of America since 1913 ( she mentions the number “seven thousand and six”), the year she was born. She takes pride in her efforts and does not hesitate to share her records with the investigators in charge of the case. She makes it a point to mention that she considers police shootings to be lynchings. “They’re investigating a crime, a crime of history. They need to know about this place, so of course they would come to me.” She enlists the help of an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, who visits Money, MS at the urging of her great-granddaughter. He assists in her efforts to chronicle past and present events. “When I write the names they become real, not just statistics. When I write the names they become real again. It’s almost like they get a few more seconds here. Do you know what I mean? I would never be able to make up this many names. The names have to be real. They have to be real. Don’t they?…… Mama Z put her hand against the side of Damon face. “Why pencil?” “When I’m done, I’m going to erase every name, set them free.” Percival Everett is a masterful storyteller. This was my first book by this author and I could not put it down. He weaves an insightful and absorbing narrative of what begins as a murder mystery but evolves into so much more. While on the one hand, we have moments of humor and elements of social satire there are also moments of darkness and elements of surrealism. But at the heart of this story is racial discrimination and violence – a narrative of the history and the legacy of injustice with an emphasis on the lynching of Black people . In turn suspenseful, funny, infuriating, heartbreaking and terrifying, Percival Everett blends fact and fiction to create a layered, genre-defying novel. (In 1955, Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old Black boy was kidnapped and murdered, and his body dumped into the Tallahatchie River, by family members of a White woman who alleged that he had misbehaved with her. His case garnered national attention and was pivotal in the Civil Rights Movement. ) “Everybody talks about genocides around the world, but when the killing is slow and spread over a hundred years, no one notices. Where there are no mass graves, no one notices. American outrage is always for show. It has a shelf life." (Please note that there are graphic descriptions of the crime scenes and frequent usage of racial slurs in the story.) ...more |
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Jul 28, 2022
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Jul 28, 2022
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Jul 28, 2022
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Paperback
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| 3.93
| 2,162
| Jul 23, 2022
| Jul 23, 2022
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it was amazing
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Update (03/09/2023): Bonus Epilogue Chapter for Amen Maxine titled "The Call" is available now! Loved the update on Rowena's life and the surprise men Update (03/09/2023): Bonus Epilogue Chapter for Amen Maxine titled "The Call" is available now! Loved the update on Rowena's life and the surprise mention of another more recent character in the series! Many thanks to the author, Faith Gardner! Check out the author's newsletter (sign up on her website www.faithgardner.com) for details on all the Bonus Epilogues out now! Review for Amen Maxine: Rowena Snyder is a stay-at-home mother who gave up her career and life in New York to move to Silicon Valley with her new husband Jacob, who works for a tech firm. Living in the house her husband grew up in, Rowena spends most of her time with her six-month-old daughter Michelle but misses her life in New York, her mother and her friends. She also suffers from anxiety and takes prescription medication for her condition. Her husband takes every opportunity to bring up her mental health, often unkindly, and his response to her problems is always to remind her to take her medication. Enter ”Maxine”, an AI device in its beta testing stage– a “Digital Friend” for Rowena gifted by her thoughtful husband Jacob. Maxine once familiarized with Rowena’s life and other data quickly becomes an integral part of Rowena’s life. Advice Mode? “Amen Maxine” Prediction Mode? “Amen Maxine” As the cracks begin to appear in her marriage and she continues to feel boxed in, Rowena finds comfort in her interactions with Maxine and takes Maxine’s advice and predictions to heart. After all, the predictions have been accurate and the advice have been solid. But as the narrative progresses Maxine’s predictions become very personal and increasingly disturbing. With its crisp writing, fast-paced narrative with enough twists and turns that keep you hooked, and a main character you keep rooting for, this futuristic thriller is nothing like I have ever read before. With our dependence on technology and reliance on gadgets to make our lives easier, the premise of this novel does not come across as too far-fetched or unbelievable. The ending does require you to suspend disbelief but with a premise that is original in scope and exceptionally well-written, I found Amen Maxine by Faith Gardner to be Unique and Unputdownable! Many thanks to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for a digital review copy of this unique novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. ...more |
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Jul 08, 2022
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Jul 09, 2022
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Jul 09, 2022
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ebook
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| 1250208459
| 9781250208453
| 1250208459
| 3.89
| 25,285
| Sep 13, 2022
| Sep 13, 2022
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it was amazing
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Audiobook; 5/5 Book: 4.5/5 After losing her factory job during the recession, fifty-six-year-old Cara Romero meets with a job counselor as part of The S Audiobook; 5/5 Book: 4.5/5 After losing her factory job during the recession, fifty-six-year-old Cara Romero meets with a job counselor as part of The Senior Workforce Program to qualify for continuation of her unemployment benefits and also receive assistance in finding new employment. Over the course of twelve sessions with her job counselor, Cara shares her life story (and her thoughts and feelings about the significant people and events in her life ) in bits and pieces in mostly one-sided conversations. A Dominican immigrant and legal resident of the United States who came to the country with her son, she has worked hard to provide for her family while navigating through the trials and tribulations of life as an immigrant in her adopted country. Even though she has her share of difficulties- unemployed with no health insurance, having had to pay for recent surgery and unable to make rent (gentrification knocking on the door of her rent-stabilized apartment) and is estranged from her son and her relationships with her sister Angela and her friend Lulu continue to have their fair share of ups and downs - Cara’s indomitable spirit, confidence, kind-heartedness and wisdom are awe-inspiring. Through it all, she remains a loyal friend, a dutiful sister, a concerned mother and a caregiver to those who need her help. “Desahogar: to undrown, to cry until you don’t need to cry no more.” While Cara’s story is narrated in the first person, other details are shared through the paperwork she files through the course of the program which makes for some interesting reading! Beautifully–written and thought-provoking, with humor, a whole lot of heart and an endearing protagonist whose story will make you smile, sob, laugh out loud and cheer her on, How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz is a short but impactful and memorable read that I would definitely recommend. I paired my reading with the brilliant audio narration by Rossmery Almonte and Kimberly M. Wetherell, for an immersive experience that I did not want to end. ...more |
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Sep 18, 2022
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Sep 19, 2022
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Jul 06, 2022
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Hardcover
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| B09GJ4BNVW
| 4.29
| 19,717
| Mar 31, 2021
| Jun 07, 2022
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it was amazing
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“They were three, or nothing.” On the third of September, 1986, Nina Beau, Étienne Beaulieu and Adrien Bobin are placed together in the same fifth grad “They were three, or nothing.” On the third of September, 1986, Nina Beau, Étienne Beaulieu and Adrien Bobin are placed together in the same fifth grade class of École Pasteur in La Comelle, Burgundy. Nina, abandoned by her mother as a baby, father unknown is being raised by her loving grandfather, a postal worker. Étienne belongs to an affluent family and lives with his parents, younger sister Louise and has an elder brother who is away pursuing higher studies. Adrien is being raised by his mother who was once the mistress of Adrien’s father who is a fleeting presence in Adrien’s life, paying support to Josephine and meeting Adrien infrequently. “Étienne was the leader, Nina the heart, and Adrien followed with never a complaint.” What follows is a wonderful childhood- inseparable friends sharing their joys, their sorrows, their families and their respective dreams - dreams beyond La Comelle - making plans and promises of a future spent supporting one another as they pursued their dreams. “Adrien secretly dreams of recognition, he wants his compositions to be lauded to shut his father up, and never have to smell his chlorophyll breath ever again. Étienne dreams of what accompanies fame: the gilded existence, the easy life. Nina hopes to sing, draw, and fall passionately in love.” But when Nina’s grandfather meets with a fatal accident in 1994 weeks before Nina is to leave for Paris with her friends, life changes for all three of them. Three friends embrace their new realities and their lives take them in different directions and away from one another. Nina stays back to marry her obsessive suitor which leads to an unhappy marriage. Adrian and Étienne leave and eventually, Adrien finds fame as a writer and Étienne becomes a police officer. On the very same day, 17 August 1994, eighteen-year-old Clotilde Marais, known to all three of them, disappears without a trace. On 5 December 2017, a car reported stolen in 1994 is found after having been submerged in “Lac de la Forêt”. Human remains are found in the car and after years of being apart, the three of them are drawn together once again by “the secret that only the three think they know” and much more. After years of avoiding one another, the three are forced to confront their secrets, lies and betrayals and accept who they have become and reveal the same to one another. "We think we know everything about our friends, when really we know nothing.” It is rare to finish a 550+ page book and come out saying that you wish it hadn’t ended. That is how I feel about Valérie Perrin’s Three (brilliantly translated by Hildegarde Serle). From the moment I met these three characters, I felt invested in their stories- both as individuals and as friends. As we follow Nina, Étienne and Adrien from their childhood through their adolescence and adulthood we bear witness to their struggles, their resilience and their friendship. They triumph, they stumble, they hurt one another, they are hurt by one another and others, they make mistakes, they are weak, they are strong - in other words, they are real and relatable, simple in what they want from life yet complex in their emotions and their relationships with one other, with others in their lives and in how they perceive themselves. While we not may always agree with what they say or do, these are characters that we want to stay with and be a part of their stories. The mystery surrounding Clotilde Marais’s disappearance and the discovery of the car found submerged in the lake is intriguing and serves as the bridge between the past and present. Virginie’s first-person narrative, which is interspersed throughout the main narrative, also lends a sense of mystery around her relationship with the 'Three', and her intimate knowledge of the three friends and their lives also keeps you guessing as to who she might be. “My name is Virginie. I’m the same age as them. Today, out of the three, only Adrien still speaks to me. Nina despises me. As for Étienne, it’s me who can longer stand him. And yet, they’ve fascinated me since childhood. I’ve only ever become attached to those three. And to Louise.” The author does an excellent job of transitioning between past and present-day events and never for a moment does the reader lose interest. The author touches upon many important and relevant themes in this novel such as abandonment, jealousy, obsession, sexual identity,spousal abuse, and grief- and does so with great emotional depth and the utmost sensitivity. I loved how the love for and protection of animals was woven into the narrative. The writing is exquisite, the narrative is engaging and flows seamlessly across different timelines and the characterizations are superb. The author does justice to not only the main characters in the novel but also every one of the supporting characters in their lives, Louise , in particular. Having loved Valérie Perrin’s Fresh Water for Flowers, I could not wait to pick up this novel and I was not disappointed. I cannot thank Kristi Bontrager at Europa Editions enough for the digital review copy of this beautifully written, compelling and immersive novel. “Imagine you’ve been unable to move for years because your fist is clenched inside a container, and to manage to pull your hand out, to free yourself, you just need to let go of what you’re clutching in your clenched fist…..You open up your hand, you lose what’s inside it, it falls to the bottom of the container, but you are free.” ...more |
Notes are private!
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Mar 25, 2022
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| 0679406417
| 4.57
| 225,256
| 1980
| Nov 19, 1996
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it was amazing
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“Yes, life always takes the side of life, and somehow the victims are blamed. But it wasn’t the best people who survived, nor did the best ones die. I
“Yes, life always takes the side of life, and somehow the victims are blamed. But it wasn’t the best people who survived, nor did the best ones die. It was random!” Whether you’ve read it or not, I’m sure you’ve heard of Art Spiegelman's Maus. First and foremost, in 1992, Maus became the first graphic novel to ever win a Pulitzer Prize (the Special Award in Letters). Decades later, in 2022, Maus is still in the news, because a school in Tennessee removed the book from its curriculum, deeming it “inappropriate” on account of language and nudity. When a book is controversial/banned, I tend to want to read it more. I hope there are more like me out there (including those kids who are being deprived of the opportunity to learn about it in school! It's the true story of a Jewish man who survived the Holocaust in wartime Europe. This is history. It happened!) In his brilliantly crafted graphic novel, the author tells the story of his Polish-Jewish parents, Vladek and Anja Spiegelman, both of whom were Holocaust survivors, having been imprisoned in Auschwitz-Birkenau. The narrative moves back and forth between his parents’ experiences in wartime Europe and his present-day relationship with the aging Vladek. The narrative of The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale is divided into two books: Book 1 (originally published in 1986) ,My Father Bleeds History covers the period preceding Vladek and Anja’s imprisonment and follows their story from the time they met, married, and started a family ( Art’s older brother, Richieu, one of the dedicatees of this book, did not survive the War) to the Nazi occupation and the persecution of Jews. What starts with restrictions, curfews, rationing, and seizure of businesses and personal property, intensifies as Jews are displaced, deported, imprisoned and much worse. Book 1 also includes a short strip titled Prisoner on the Hell Planet (originally written in 1972) in which the author depicts events leading up to his mother's suicide in 1968. Book#2 (published in 1991), And Here My Troubles Began, follows Vladek’s experiences in the concentration and work camps. Though he was separated from his wife in the camps, they managed to communicate with one another. Both of them survived, were liberated separately and were eventually reunited. We also continue to follow the author and his father in the present day. The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale is a compelling work of non-fiction. Not only does the author share his father's story, detailing the atrocities faced by his Jewish parents and their families during the Holocaust, but he also talks about the challenges he faced in the process of framing this book - having to coax his father to share his stories, his self-doubt and other obstacles he faced in his creative process and how the stories and publication of the first book affected him personally (The first segment was published in 1986, the second was printed in 1991). The author is brutally honest in how he portrays his own guilt over his inability to truly comprehend what his parents went through and voices his concern over whether his choice of medium/format would be justified. The author combines his brilliantly conceptualized artwork and masterful storytelling to share a part of his family’s story in a unique format. The graphic novel format employs anthropomorphic representation of Germans as cats, Jews as mice, ethnic Poles as pigs and Americans as dogs. Spiegelman does inject a good dose of humor in his present-day narrative. While his aging father’s miserliness , distrust and stubbornness do make for a few lighter moments in this harrowing tale, it is also not too hard to see how the trauma of the past casts a shadow on his present life. This is a heartbreaking story, told in a unique way, which does not make it any less real or any less hard-hitting. I spent hours reading and rereading parts of the book while also admiring the artwork. Overall, this is an incredible book that is a must-read for those who are interested in reading about WWII and the Holocaust. Even if you don’t usually read graphic novels, I would still suggest picking this one up. You won’t be disappointed. ...more |
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Aug 24, 2022
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Sep 2022
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Mar 14, 2022
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| B07KGJSCZT
| 4.08
| 21,953
| Feb 14, 2017
| Jul 02, 2019
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it was amazing
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4.5⭐️ On an August afternoon in 1975, a thirteen-year-old girl (our narrator) drags a suitcase up the stairs to an apartment belonging to her biologica 4.5⭐️ On an August afternoon in 1975, a thirteen-year-old girl (our narrator) drags a suitcase up the stairs to an apartment belonging to her biological parents. She is 'returned' to her family by her adoptive parents, the only family she has ever known and whom she believed to be her true parents. This family, this apartment just a bus ride away from her seaside home and her new siblings are all alien to her. This family is related to her adoptive father and she was adopted by Signora Adalgisa when she was an infant of six months – an arrangement mutually agreed upon by both sets of parents. The circumstances surrounding her 'return' remain a mystery to her. She worries for the health of her adoptive mother. Is she sick? Is she even alive? Will she ever return to the safe, happy cocoon that was once her home? She is thrust into a life completely different from the one she was accustomed to -an only child, living in a seaside community with loving parents, friends, dance classes and wanting for nothing. Here she becomes part of a dysfunctional family plagued by poverty and abusive dynamics within. Her parents mostly ignore her with her mother expecting her to be well versed in household chores including plucking a chicken, her older brothers taunt and bully her except for the eighteen-year-old Vincenzo whose interest in her leads to some uncomfortable moments. “I wasn’t acquainted with hunger and I lived like a foreigner among the hungry. The privilege I bore from my earlier life distinguished me, isolated me in the family. I was the arminuta, the one who’d returned. I spoke another language and I no longer knew who I belonged to.” Adriana, her younger sister and Guiseppe, her youngest brother who has a developmental disability are the only two people she connects with, a connection that continues into her adulthood, details of which she gives brief glimpses of as she narrates these incidents from a timeline twenty year in the future. She shares how she is unable to connect with her “parents”- a disconnect that continues throughout her narrative referring to them as “the mother” and “the father”. When tragedy strikes the family “the mother” retreats into herself further. “In time I lost that confused idea of normality, too, and today I really don’t know what place a mother is. It’s absent from my life the way good health, shelter, certainty can be absent. It’s an enduring emptiness, which I know but can’t get past. My head whirls if I look inside it. A desolate landscape that keeps you from sleeping at night and constructs nightmares in the little sleep it allows. The only mother I never lost is the one of my fears.” As the story progresses and the reasons for her abandonment by her adoptive mother are revealed, her world is once again turned upside down and our protagonist is compelled to question the very definition of motherhood and family. The protagonist’s loneliness, confusion and inner turmoil in her darkest moments are palpable and will break your heart. A Girl Returned by Donatella Di Pietrantonio (translated by Ann Goldstein), is a sad, moving and powerful novel that explores the themes of family, coming-of-age, trust, abandonment and resilience. The author’s strength lies in her characterizations and the realistic depiction of complex relationships. A character that stands out in our narrator's story is Adriana, her younger sister. Accustomed to the hardships of life and the abusive environment in their home, Adriana, only ten years old and still wetting the bed welcomes her older sister, is both protective and possessive of her at school and at home, even willing to take the blows directed towards her by their mother in moments of rage. Initially, our narrator is embarrassed by her sister’s lack of fine manners, her shabby appearance and her rustic diction and there are moments of friction and resentment from Adriana’s side as well but as time progresses she becomes the only person our protagonist can truly rely on, her only light in the darkness. “My sister. Like an improbable flower, growing in a clump of earth stuck in the rock. From her I learned resistance. We look less like each other now, but we find the same meaning in this being thrown into the world. In our alliance we survived.” The writing is unambiguous and elegant and the narrative is sharp and well-paced, laced with real emotions without exaggeration or melodrama with its share of memorable characters (some likable and some not so much) - all of which render this a compelling read. This is a short novel and I felt invested in the lives of our narrator and her sister Adriana. I wanted to know more about their lives. In other words, I did not want the story to end. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to reading more of Donatella Di Pietrantonio’s work in the future. (Readers should note that Vincenzo’s behavior towards the protagonist borders on incestuous, which may upset some readers, though this angle is not developed beyond a certain point in the story and thankfully, does not feature as a running theme but is used to depict one of the dysfunctional situations the protagonist is exposed to in her new home.) ...more |
Notes are private!
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Mar 06, 2022
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Mar 07, 2022
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Mar 07, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 0063068494
| 9780063068490
| 0063068494
| 4.25
| 21,563
| Sep 1938
| Jun 29, 2021
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it was amazing
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Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor is an epistolary novella that features a series of fictional letters between Max Eisenstein, a German-Ame
Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor is an epistolary novella that features a series of fictional letters between Max Eisenstein, a German-American art dealer of Jewish faith living in San Francisco and his friend and business partner, Martin Schulse who has recently returned to Germany with his family. Together they owned and operated Schulse-Eisenstein Galleries in San Francisco. The series of eighteen letters (and one cablegram) stretches from 1932 when Martin moves back to Munich and ends in 1934 and follows a timeline in pre-WW2 Europe charting Hitler’s gradual ascent to power and the strengthening of anti-Semitic sentiments resulting in persecution Jews. Parallel to the changes in the political landscape and ideology in Nazi Germany we see the disintegration of what we can assume was a long-standing friendship. We see, on the one hand, the changes in Martin’s attitude and commitment towards his friendship with Max and his growing devotion to Hitler and Nazism on the other. Max, initially, is hopeful that their friendship would remain unaffected and attempts to remind Martin of the liberal beliefs they shared before Martin’s departure. “But there is another realm where we can always find something true, the fireside of a friend, where we shed our little conceits and find warmth and understanding, where small selfishnesses are impossible and where wine and books and talk give a different meaning to existence. There we have made something that no falseness can touch. We are at home.” We witness how Martin emerges from his initial hesitation over Hitler’s agenda(“Yet cautiously to myself I ask, a leader to where? Despair overthrown often turns us in mad directions.”) to a fully indoctrinated and committed Nazi (his reference to Hitler as the “Glorious Leader”). “I have never hated the individual Jew–yourself I have always cherished as a friend, but you will know that I speak in all honesty when I say I have loved you, not because of your race but in spite of it.” Martin denounces liberalism as “musty sentimentalizing” and stands firm in his decision to distance himself from Max lest he loses favor with the Nazi party or is viewed as a traitor. (“Do you know what it is to be taken to a concentration camp?”, he writes to Max). His words portray him as a man who is slowly being brainwashed into believing that the oppression and persecution of the Jewish population would result in establishing a “superior” race and securing a great future for Germany. The darkness within him and his loss of humanity is evident in his refusal to help Griselle, Max’s sister with whom he once shared a romantic relationship, when she approaches him for help - an act that ultimately forces Max’s hand. Written in 1938, this novella was inspired by the changes the author noted in her own German friends who were influenced by Nazism upon returning to Germany. Even though the timeline of this novella pre-dates WW2, it remains just as powerful and relevant to this very day. At approximately sixty-six pages, this is a short but impactful read that will leave a lasting impression. This is an important book, the kind of book that is meant to be read, shared, and never forgotten. In the introduction to this book , Margot Livesey aptly sums up the timelessness of the central theme of this thought-provoking novella. “How do we know what we know, and when do we know it? Why does a good person become a bad person? What power does a citizen have against the state?” ...more |
Notes are private!
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Feb 03, 2022
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Feb 04, 2022
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Feb 04, 2022
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Paperback
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| 0812982614
| 9780812982619
| 0812982614
| 4.00
| 22,441
| Nov 2001
| Dec 06, 2011
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it was amazing
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In 1967, our unnamed narrator meets Jacques Austerlitz for the first time at Antwerp Central Station where they share a discussion on the finer points
In 1967, our unnamed narrator meets Jacques Austerlitz for the first time at Antwerp Central Station where they share a discussion on the finer points of the architectural structure and historical significance of the same. Austerlitz is a lecturer of art history at a college in London with a passionate interest in the architectural history of heritage sites and buildings which is made more obvious through the numerous lengthy and detailed descriptions of the buildings and places visited throughout the narrative. Over the next thirty years they continue to meet irregularly in different locations throughout Europe and Austerlitz shares fragments of the story of his life and background with our narrator. In 1939, four-year-old Jacque Austerlitz arrived in Britain on kindertransport from Czechoslovakia and was taken in by Calvinist preacher and former missionary, Emyr Elias and his wife who lived in a manse in Bala, Wales. He has almost no memories of his life before that and is only made aware of this part of his origin in 1949 by the headmaster of the private school near Oswestry he had been attending since 1946. He is told that his real name is Jacques Austerlitz and not Dafydd Elias, the name given to him by his foster parents. Unfortunately, his foster parents pass on before he can garner any further details from them. “No one can explain exactly what happens within us when the doors behind which our childhood terrors lurk are flung open.” Jacques finds support and companionship in André Hilary , teacher of history at his school who later assists in his naturalization process and a younger student, Gerald Fitzpatrick , their friendship lasting the duration of Gerald’s lifetime till his untimely death many years later. He holds fond memories of his many visits to the Andromeda Lodge in Barmouth with Gerald where Gerald’s naturalist Uncle and Grand-uncle fuel his fascination with landscapes and nocturnal insects and birds, moths in particular. “Newton really thought that time was a river like the Thames, then where is its source and into what sea does it finally flow? Every river, as we know, must have banks on both sides, so where, seen in those terms, where are the banks of time? What would be this river’s qualities, qualities perhaps corresponding to those of water, which is fluid, rather heavy, and translucent? In what way do objects immersed in time differ from those left untouched by it?” Much of the prose is dedicated to our protagonist Austerlitz’s fascination with and descriptions of old buildings, railway stations and heritage sites. Throughout the narrative, the author gives subtle hints to the protagonist’s search for links to his past as he describes the history of the various places and buildings he visits in Europe. When he finds an unused waiting room in Liverpool Station he experiences a vivid flash of memory of a younger version himself in that waiting room with his rucksack (he is seen to carry a rucksack with him on all his travels) and his foster parents receiving him at the station. When he hears a radio broadcast about children brought to Britain via kindertransport he starts piecing his family history together. His search leads him to Prague where he finds Vera, who had been his nanny while a student at Prague University and was also his mother’s friend and neighbor. Speaking to Vera, he starts to recollect fragmented memories of his childhood, the adjoining area and the language. Vera informs him that his father, Maximilian Aychenwald, had left for Paris just before the Nazi occupation of Prague preceding his family who was to join him later but was never heard from again. His mother, Agata, a singer and actress from an affluent family had stayed on after he was sent to Britain only to have all her assets confiscated and herself transported with others to Theresienstadt. The narrative progresses with Austerlitz’s travels and research into the fate of his parents and the toll of his discoveries on his mental and physical well-being as is shared with the narrator. “We take almost all the decisive steps in our lives as a result of slight inner adjustments of which we are barely conscious.” Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald is not an easy book to review. To be honest, I find reviewing the book more complicated than it was to read. At the center of the novel is the Holocaust and Jacques Austerlitz , displaced from his family in an effort to save him from a far worse fate. Combining fact and fiction, the author, instead of going into graphic detail about the horrors of the death camps and the plight of the detainess , discusses the injustices of that period and the impact of the same in post war Europe , but in a more restrained tone. Life in the ghettos and camps , looting of possessions, displacement of families and the ultimate fate of those sent to locations further “east” are alluded to but in connection to Jacque Austerlitz’s story and his research into existing records and documentation that would give him more information on his parents’ respective fates, which takes place almost half a century after the events. Particularly poignant was his discovery of an abridged version of a Nazi propaganda film on the Theresienstadt ghetto to which his mother had been sent and his remastering of it to a fourth of its original speed in which he searches for a glimpse of his mother of whom he has faint recollection. Austerlitz is a deep, meditative and thought-provoking novel about a man searching for his true identity and his exploration of past events of which he has but a fleeting memory. We bear witness to the protagonist’s efforts in finding a sense of belongingness in a world that he observes and interprets but more often than not feels detached from. The narrative progresses at a slow pace, at times excruciatingly slow, with a deep melancholic tone that is reinforced by old black and white photographs of landscapes, ruins, architecture and much more interspersed throughout the prose. The passages are long and the complex sentences are often hard to follow. I did have to go back and reread parts of the narrative more than once. The longest sentence spanning roughly eight pages is that in which the protagonist shares his description of , and observations on, his visit to Theresienstadt. Brilliant and beautiful in its complexity, Austerlitz, the novel, is an immersive experience that is well worth the time invested. ...more |
Notes are private!
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Jan 19, 2022
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Jan 22, 2022
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Jan 19, 2022
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Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile)
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