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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
There aren’t enough books written about the 1930s, but this one is an interesting take on women of this time period. Connected by chance through the men in their lives, three women in Key West experience the worst storm in history in very different circumstances. There are mysteries at every turn, and the historical context is fascinating.
This is the first book I read by Chanel Cleeton and plan to read others. The characters are interesting and develop from the start holding my interest. The story was interesting and the ways they came together surprised me at times. I flew through the last half of the book once the storm hit as I wanted to know what happened. Living in Miami and haven't been through a hurricane I found the storm aspects accurate and interesting and of course terrifying. Recommend it, a great beach/travel read to keep you focused!
Quick read about a weather event I never knew about.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and enjoyed the voice actors' portrayal of the three women in the book. The author wove the lives of three very different women living different lives, who suddenly have their paths cross each other in ways that seem not able to happen, but that's the joy of books isn't it? And I indeed was surprised by one of the twists late in the book. Kudos to the author!
Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads.
When I pick up one of Chanel's historical fiction books, I find myself sucked right into the world immediately. Her writing paints a vivid picture and I feel as though I'm walking through the streets alongside the characters. Her passion for history and the characters whose stories she's telling comes through in every single word. In The Last Train to Key West, she weaves the story of three very different women together in an absolutely exquisite way.
The backdrop for this book is the Labor Day holiday weekend of 1935. History has never been my strong suit so I didn't know this going in, but the hurricane that devastated the Florida Keys that weekend is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. If I'd been aware, I'd likely have been more prepared for just how intense this book was at times. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would go for Helen, Mirta and Elizabeth. I was equally invested in each of their lives (and loves) and I couldn't get enough.
If you're a romance reader who is thinking about branching out into historical fiction, I can't recommend Chanel's books highly enough. While Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba and The Last Train to Key West are all standalones, I'd still suggest reading all of them in order. If you're an audio reader, the audios are fantastic. Or at least the two I've listened to have been. I'm going to need to reread this book soon and I plan to do it via audiobook. Chanel's words, characters and world-building are like no other.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Favorite Quotes:
Leaving seems impossible when you're walking away from all you've known, when the stakes are life and death.
"The running of this world is left to men, and quite frankly, I'm not impressed with what they've done with it."
"I hate to tell you, but there's no such thing as a 'right time' in life. Things happen when they need to happen. The rest sort of falls into place."
"There's so much broken around us; maybe all we can do is try to fix each other, do what we can to preserve these precious moments in a world where there is so much sadness and loss."
I loved the storyline and the connections of the main characters.
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank goodness for book clubs. I read books I would never have given a second glance to in the past. The first sentence, "I've imagined my husband's death a thousand times.", was pulled me in immediately. Three women, all with a past and a not very bright future, 1935, Key West. Their lives a tumultuous enough without the threat of a hurricane. The author's ability to weave these three women's lives together was excellent. It took finishing the book to be able to truly see it all. I look forward to reading another book by this author.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the third book I have read by Chanel Cleeton. I like the way she describes Cuba and the Florida Keys. Key West is one of my happy places and it was a treat to hear it described pre-WWII and the tourist boom.
The hurricane of 1935 still ranks as one of the worst to ever make landfall in the US. The female characters in this book appear to be 'damsels in destress' but prove otherwise. The males are the strong silent types and live up to that description.
WWI veterans were screwed by the government when they returned home from fighting The Great War and were screwed again by the government when they went to work on the railroad. Some things never change.
The hurricane of 1935 still ranks as one of the worst to ever make landfall in the US. The female characters in this book appear to be 'damsels in destress' but prove otherwise. The males are the strong silent types and live up to that description.
WWI veterans were screwed by the government when they returned home from fighting The Great War and were screwed again by the government when they went to work on the railroad. Some things never change.