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A review by skconaghan
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
(Oh, please let me I finish this before the votes for the historical fiction of the year open up… I need Quinn to WIN…)
SIX BLOODY STARS.
Kate Quinn is the best American author of our time. My admiration is turning into a bit of hero worship now; I’d geek out to meet this woman. I don’t love the idea of unchecked capitalism, though I understand a foreigner’s draw towards America enough. But this woman ignites a love for an America that could be beneath all the conflict and racism and nationalism and the confused politics…and wow…
A sharp-witted commentary on America’s starkly differing ideologies and philosophies and religions, the borrowed mismatched commentary of new immigrants and generations of American-born original immigrants— told through the lives of several women as they rub shoulders living in the same Washington DC boarding house in 1950-1954; the backdrop for a murder case that weaves its way through and acts as bookends to their irresistible stories. These women (and a few men) are all grateful for the America that saved them, that welcomed them, that opened its doors to giving them a new life—even if it had been somewhat reluctantly … and an America that allows for differing ideologies to come together at the table and talk about their ideas and learn to live with differences of opinion amid religious and cultural diversity. And each character speaks with a unique individual voice, every distinct personality peppers the pages in a way that sparks and carries your interest.
These intertwined stories are heartbreaking and empowering and beautiful. I loved the recipes—and now I need to buy the book. What a big bountiful caress for all the wonderful multifaceted varietals the bowl of America contains…
Yes, Kate, keep your wrists healthy and active—and Saskia is LONG OVERDUE for an Audie. Long overdue.
One of the many good quotes: ‘This country did take me in. She’s my country now, yes, but does that mean she gets a pass on criticism forever, even when she’s wrong? Wouldn’t that go against freedom of speech and all that?’