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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I love the way Karen White tells a story. The interweaving story lines and, rich descriptions keep me engrossed. The story line made me suspend disbelief (an abusive man whose grandmother kept a suitcase from a plane crash seeks out the woman whose grandmother caused the crash?). The characters were also cliched. But that's fine. They all made for an enjoyable read. How could you not warm to sensitive pediatrician Gibbes, beautiful down home Loralee, smart and bullied Owen and, broken Merritt? Although Loralee quoting her mother every two minutes did grate on me a little.
While it does border on sappy sometimes and, I felt like there was so much that wasn't said... All in all a very engaging read.
While it does border on sappy sometimes and, I felt like there was so much that wasn't said... All in all a very engaging read.
I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this book. The narrator was fabulous and put so much emotion into every character. I especially loved Loralee. She had such wisdom and was such an inspiring character. The story really is a slow burn mystery that takes place in the 1950's and present day. It deals with physical abuse and the painful legacy it leaves.
Heartbreaking & Beautiful! This story of two women who start out with a tenuous family connection and then become friends so touched my heart. First there’s Merritt, who has allowed bitterness and fear to close off her heart. But the new people who push their way into her life change her forever. By the end she has known two mothers who sacrifice all for their children, a compassionate, gentle man who did not let the anger in his home poison him, and a remarkable little boy who should be based on a real life kid. Then there’s unforgettable, big-hearted Loralee, who faces the dark parts of life in makeup, high heels & lipstick and thinks of others first—no matter what she’s experiencing. She reminded me of a dear real-life sister/friend who faced similar situations the same way & also changed me. Yes, I used many tissues while reading this story. Loved this book!
3.5 stars but rounding up because I really liked some of the characters
I think I need to add a shelf to my goodreads for all the fiction books that travel back and forth through time. Maybe I'll call it my "Kate Morton-esque" shelf because she has made this literary trend quite popular. While not quite up to the Kat Morton standard, The Sound of Glass would fit in nicely on this shelf.
I think Karen White's strength as an author are in her descriptions of places and her memorable secondary characters. While her plot suffers from some small holes and a few issues with reader suspension of disbelief, it is still a good story of personal growth and survival. Overall, White has a distinct style that, when she hits it right, creates a place in the reader's mind where we can escape and find ourselves in a place that feels like home with ocean breezes, the sunlight on our face, and the sound of waves in our ears.
I think I need to add a shelf to my goodreads for all the fiction books that travel back and forth through time. Maybe I'll call it my "Kate Morton-esque" shelf because she has made this literary trend quite popular. While not quite up to the Kat Morton standard, The Sound of Glass would fit in nicely on this shelf.
I think Karen White's strength as an author are in her descriptions of places and her memorable secondary characters. While her plot suffers from some small holes and a few issues with reader suspension of disbelief, it is still a good story of personal growth and survival. Overall, White has a distinct style that, when she hits it right, creates a place in the reader's mind where we can escape and find ourselves in a place that feels like home with ocean breezes, the sunlight on our face, and the sound of waves in our ears.
2/5 ⭐️ This book was okay. The plot had no weight and it just felt like she had to keep the story going by adding things that really made no sense. Not going to keep this book and will be donating it.
Absolutely loved the characters and was like a breath of fresh air to read! Looking forward to hearing the back story at book club when Karen comes to speak.
I admit to having been attracted to this book by the rather beautiful cover, but there was such a beautifully told story within its pages that it is fair to judge this particular book by its cover. Initially the two main female characters seem to be polar opposites. Merritt with her New England reserved ways seems closed off and has learned self-preservation. Loralee seems to be the typical Southern belle, very open and concerned with her appearance. We learn that both have hidden reasons to be this way and Loralee is a much deeper, wiser character than she would first appear. I loved her Journal of Truths and one in particular applies to this book: "we rarely know everything about those whose lives we share". This is true of many of the characters we meet in this novel, including Edith, Merritt's late husband's grandmother, through whose voice in a few of the chapters we learn of the secrets at the heart of this story. Karen White writes convincingly about her characters, creating a great sense of place as well and weaves the many strands of the story together skillfully. It is a very emotional book, particularly towards the end - you may need your hankies! What Merritt discovers at the end is summed up neatly in another of Loralee's truths "Life doesn't get easier. We just get stronger'.
This was a great read. I think that anyone who likes writers like Anita Shreve and Dorothy Koomson would enjoy it. I really couldn't put it down and it will be one of my books of the year I am sure.
This was a great read. I think that anyone who likes writers like Anita Shreve and Dorothy Koomson would enjoy it. I really couldn't put it down and it will be one of my books of the year I am sure.