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bookwormsandbiblios's reviews
22 reviews
Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
TW:
Disgraced investigator Evander (Andy) Mills is trying to lose himself in the bottom of a bottle when he's approached by a wealthy woman, Pearl, in a bar. It turns out she wants to hire him to solve a case - the mysterious death of Irene Lamontaine, the owner and head of a soap empire.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, and the narration is absolutely stunning. It would be easy for the narrator to fall into sounding like a parody of the era, but instead, the main character's gruff, gravelly voice and cadence transport you back to the 1950s. Equally impressive was the distinct voicing of all the characters that Andy meets. It felt immersive and like I was listening to a full cast. (As someone who usually has to do other things and up the speed for an audiobook to keep my attention, I found myself sitting and doing nothing for two hours while I fell into the world of the Lamontaines'.)
The story itself is very layered. On the surface, it's a murder mystery, but really, it's a commentary on human nature, queer identity, and class politics. We watch Andy navigate not only his complicity in unjust systems but also his newly revealed identity. We see him struggle with his own internalized biases and the "what ifs" of his life. I loved the subtle way that each character was explored. There was a complexity to all of them, no sterility of "goodness" or outright evil. They were just people caught up in an event and acted in kind based on their personalities. I loved that the book took on topics like this in a way that didn't feel heavy-handed or preachy.
The fun of whodunits is generally figuring out who did it. This is true of this novel, but without giving too much away, it was the motive that truly hooked me. I won't say that you can't see the end coming, but there was an authenticity there that I'm glad the author didn't shy away from. The twists and turns that the story takes kept me dying to know what happens next.
A super enjoyable read, and I hope to read about more mystery-solving escapades of Andy Mills in the future!
Spoiler
This book has period-typical homophobia that sometimes results in violence.Disgraced investigator Evander (Andy) Mills is trying to lose himself in the bottom of a bottle when he's approached by a wealthy woman, Pearl, in a bar. It turns out she wants to hire him to solve a case - the mysterious death of Irene Lamontaine, the owner and head of a soap empire.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, and the narration is absolutely stunning. It would be easy for the narrator to fall into sounding like a parody of the era, but instead, the main character's gruff, gravelly voice and cadence transport you back to the 1950s. Equally impressive was the distinct voicing of all the characters that Andy meets. It felt immersive and like I was listening to a full cast. (As someone who usually has to do other things and up the speed for an audiobook to keep my attention, I found myself sitting and doing nothing for two hours while I fell into the world of the Lamontaines'.)
The story itself is very layered. On the surface, it's a murder mystery, but really, it's a commentary on human nature, queer identity, and class politics. We watch Andy navigate not only his complicity in unjust systems but also his newly revealed identity. We see him struggle with his own internalized biases and the "what ifs" of his life. I loved the subtle way that each character was explored. There was a complexity to all of them, no sterility of "goodness" or outright evil. They were just people caught up in an event and acted in kind based on their personalities. I loved that the book took on topics like this in a way that didn't feel heavy-handed or preachy.
The fun of whodunits is generally figuring out who did it. This is true of this novel, but without giving too much away, it was the motive that truly hooked me. I won't say that you can't see the end coming, but there was an authenticity there that I'm glad the author didn't shy away from. The twists and turns that the story takes kept me dying to know what happens next.
A super enjoyable read, and I hope to read about more mystery-solving escapades of Andy Mills in the future!
Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
5.0
Disgraced investigator Evander (Andy) Mills is trying to lose himself in the bottom of a bottle when he's approached by a wealthy woman, Pearl, in a bar. It turns out she wants to hire him to solve a case - the mysterious death of Irene Lamontaine, the owner and head of a soap empire.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, and the narration is absolutely stunning. It would be easy for the narrator to fall into sounding like a parody of the era, but instead, the main character's gruff, gravelly voice and cadence transport you back to the 1950s. Equally impressive was the distinct voicing of all the characters that Andy meets. It felt immersive and like I was listening to a full cast. (As someone who usually has to do other things and up the speed for an audiobook to keep my attention, I found myself sitting and doing nothing for two hours while I fell into the world of the Lamontaines'.)
The story itself is very layered. On the surface, it's a murder mystery, but really, it's a commentary on human nature, queer identity, and class politics. We watch Andy navigate not only his complicity in unjust systems but also his newly revealed identity. We see him struggle with his own internalized biases and the "what ifs" of his life. I loved the subtle way that each character was explored. There was a complexity to all of them, no sterility of "goodness" or outright evil. They were just people caught up in an event and acted in kind based on their personalities. I loved that the book took on topics like this in a way that didn't feel heavy-handed or preachy.
The fun of whodunits is generally figuring out who did it. This is true of this novel, but without giving too much away, it was the motive that truly hooked me. I won't say that you can't see the end coming, but there was an authenticity there that I'm glad the author didn't shy away from. The twists and turns that the story takes kept me dying to know what happens next.
A super enjoyable read, and I hope to read about more mystery-solving escapades of Andy Mills in the future!
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, and the narration is absolutely stunning. It would be easy for the narrator to fall into sounding like a parody of the era, but instead, the main character's gruff, gravelly voice and cadence transport you back to the 1950s. Equally impressive was the distinct voicing of all the characters that Andy meets. It felt immersive and like I was listening to a full cast. (As someone who usually has to do other things and up the speed for an audiobook to keep my attention, I found myself sitting and doing nothing for two hours while I fell into the world of the Lamontaines'.)
The story itself is very layered. On the surface, it's a murder mystery, but really, it's a commentary on human nature, queer identity, and class politics. We watch Andy navigate not only his complicity in unjust systems but also his newly revealed identity. We see him struggle with his own internalized biases and the "what ifs" of his life. I loved the subtle way that each character was explored. There was a complexity to all of them, no sterility of "goodness" or outright evil. They were just people caught up in an event and acted in kind based on their personalities. I loved that the book took on topics like this in a way that didn't feel heavy-handed or preachy.
The fun of whodunits is generally figuring out who did it. This is true of this novel, but without giving too much away, it was the motive that truly hooked me. I won't say that you can't see the end coming, but there was an authenticity there that I'm glad the author didn't shy away from. The twists and turns that the story takes kept me dying to know what happens next.
A super enjoyable read, and I hope to read about more mystery-solving escapades of Andy Mills in the future!
The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan
4.0
*3.5 Stars*
The Naughty or Nice Clause is a lighthearted read, perfect for those who want to get into the romantic Christmas spirit and view details as background noise.
Mason is the son of Santa Clause. Lyla is the daughter and recent inheritor of a toy-making business. They are thrown together when Lyla's father sells his portion of the company to Mason, giving him a controlling share. Unfortunately, Mason seems to be a Scrooge for all intents and purposes, and he and Lyla's personalities clash immediately.
This book features the tropes: enemies to loves, sharing a bed, and fake dating, with a dash of damsel in distress. I'm a big fan of enemies to lovers and fake dating, so I loved the banter between Lyla and Mason. However, there's not a lot of tension between the characters because the pacing is somewhat off, especially toward the end of the book. The author could have spent a bit more time fleshing out the story's villain and supporting characters so that the ending didn't feel rushed.
This definitely reads like fluffy fanfiction or a Hallmark movie on the printed page, by which I mean the reader knows that this is a low-stakes read. There's not much for plot drama, and when it does happen, it resolves itself fairly quickly. I happen to enjoy this sort of book. If that's not your thing, you should probably skip this one. As an avid high fantasy reader, the world-building leaves much to be desired, but I'm also not going into a book like this to read about the magical world of Yule. I'm in it to scream at these two idiots to 'kiss already!' And you get plenty of that in this novel.
The Naughty or Nice Clause is a lighthearted read, perfect for those who want to get into the romantic Christmas spirit and view details as background noise.
Mason is the son of Santa Clause. Lyla is the daughter and recent inheritor of a toy-making business. They are thrown together when Lyla's father sells his portion of the company to Mason, giving him a controlling share. Unfortunately, Mason seems to be a Scrooge for all intents and purposes, and he and Lyla's personalities clash immediately.
This book features the tropes: enemies to loves, sharing a bed, and fake dating, with a dash of damsel in distress. I'm a big fan of enemies to lovers and fake dating, so I loved the banter between Lyla and Mason. However, there's not a lot of tension between the characters because the pacing is somewhat off, especially toward the end of the book. The author could have spent a bit more time fleshing out the story's villain and supporting characters so that the ending didn't feel rushed.
This definitely reads like fluffy fanfiction or a Hallmark movie on the printed page, by which I mean the reader knows that this is a low-stakes read. There's not much for plot drama, and when it does happen, it resolves itself fairly quickly. I happen to enjoy this sort of book. If that's not your thing, you should probably skip this one. As an avid high fantasy reader, the world-building leaves much to be desired, but I'm also not going into a book like this to read about the magical world of Yule. I'm in it to scream at these two idiots to 'kiss already!' And you get plenty of that in this novel.
Pier Pressure by Anyta Sunday
4.0
Pier Pressure is a fun, light book. It's more of a romp than anything else, but that doesn't mean it's not an enjoyable read.
Leon, our main character, is hiding out in his hometown after a nasty breakup with his ex-boyfriend Karl. But, as fate would have it, he's about to be thrown together with a former fling, Damon. Romance on the brain, Leon decides to visit the town matchmaker and discovers his prospects are minimal. Chaos ensues as Leon tries to reinvent himself with Damon as his trusty wingman. Sort of.
There are quite a few characters to keep track of, which can feel a bit harried with the frequency at which they are introduced to the reader. That, coupled with the briefness of most encounters, can leave the plot feeling a bit disjointed as you try to recall who is who.
What I liked most about this book was that the situations Leon finds himself in are often ridiculous, which makes for a perfect comedy of errors. The villain, Karl, is cartoonishly evil, Leon is painfully oblivious, and Damon is the embodiment of golden retriever energy. It manages to fit in a good amount of tropes without the narrative feeling forced. It's funny in that way that only cheesy rom-coms can be—the kind where the plot is intentionally ridiculous. I found myself giggling and fondly rolling my eyes at the characters and their increasingly ludicrous antics.
If you're looking for intricate plot development, complex characters, and spice peppered throughout the novel, you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for a low-stakes slow-burn second-chance romance with a HEA, then this is perfect.
Leon, our main character, is hiding out in his hometown after a nasty breakup with his ex-boyfriend Karl. But, as fate would have it, he's about to be thrown together with a former fling, Damon. Romance on the brain, Leon decides to visit the town matchmaker and discovers his prospects are minimal. Chaos ensues as Leon tries to reinvent himself with Damon as his trusty wingman. Sort of.
There are quite a few characters to keep track of, which can feel a bit harried with the frequency at which they are introduced to the reader. That, coupled with the briefness of most encounters, can leave the plot feeling a bit disjointed as you try to recall who is who.
What I liked most about this book was that the situations Leon finds himself in are often ridiculous, which makes for a perfect comedy of errors. The villain, Karl, is cartoonishly evil, Leon is painfully oblivious, and Damon is the embodiment of golden retriever energy. It manages to fit in a good amount of tropes without the narrative feeling forced. It's funny in that way that only cheesy rom-coms can be—the kind where the plot is intentionally ridiculous. I found myself giggling and fondly rolling my eyes at the characters and their increasingly ludicrous antics.
If you're looking for intricate plot development, complex characters, and spice peppered throughout the novel, you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for a low-stakes slow-burn second-chance romance with a HEA, then this is perfect.
Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina
4.0
*3.75 Stars*
Your Table is Ready is almost an amazing book, but it lacks clarity in storytelling. If you were to ask what the book is about, the reader would have a hard time articulating a succinct narrative. The overall storyline is disjointed, with the timeline of events shifting in such a way that you aren't really sure if the story is linear or stream of consciousness. There are plot points that were picked up, only never to be revisited. Major life events, such as addiction, children, marriage, etc., are breezed by, leaving you scratching your head as to why they were added in at all. Other parts are told with such detail and pizzazz that they elicited raucous laughter from me. There are stories with an incredulous air as only wild tales of the 70s and 80s can have for those who didn't live through them. (And I didn't.)
Michael Cecchi-Azzolina is clearly a relic of a bygone era, and the language in this book reflects that. There are slurs, and f-words abound, so consider yourself warned. For me, it makes the book atmospheric, indicative of the time. For others, the language will be downright offensive, and I suspect it will take them out of the book and have them relegate it to a DNF pile. But what makes the book disjointed is also part of its charm. It feels like a conversation (albeit one-sided) with a patron that you might meet in one of the very bars and restaurants he talks about. Regaling you with the good old days of service, peppered with strong opinions on how everything now has gone to crap.
While Cecchi-Azzolina's story is rough around the edges, one thing that truly shines through is how much he cared (and still cares) about the restaurant industry and its people. Every chance he gets, he reminds the reader of the diligence, drudgery, and dedication it takes to day in a day out serve the public. Especially when a goodly portion of people believe the profession and the people doing it are beneath them. He humanizes the positions in a way that so many overlook if you have never worked in food service. And if for no other reason, that makes this worth the read, or in my case, the listen.
Your Table is Ready is almost an amazing book, but it lacks clarity in storytelling. If you were to ask what the book is about, the reader would have a hard time articulating a succinct narrative. The overall storyline is disjointed, with the timeline of events shifting in such a way that you aren't really sure if the story is linear or stream of consciousness. There are plot points that were picked up, only never to be revisited. Major life events, such as addiction, children, marriage, etc., are breezed by, leaving you scratching your head as to why they were added in at all. Other parts are told with such detail and pizzazz that they elicited raucous laughter from me. There are stories with an incredulous air as only wild tales of the 70s and 80s can have for those who didn't live through them. (And I didn't.)
Michael Cecchi-Azzolina is clearly a relic of a bygone era, and the language in this book reflects that. There are slurs, and f-words abound, so consider yourself warned. For me, it makes the book atmospheric, indicative of the time. For others, the language will be downright offensive, and I suspect it will take them out of the book and have them relegate it to a DNF pile. But what makes the book disjointed is also part of its charm. It feels like a conversation (albeit one-sided) with a patron that you might meet in one of the very bars and restaurants he talks about. Regaling you with the good old days of service, peppered with strong opinions on how everything now has gone to crap.
While Cecchi-Azzolina's story is rough around the edges, one thing that truly shines through is how much he cared (and still cares) about the restaurant industry and its people. Every chance he gets, he reminds the reader of the diligence, drudgery, and dedication it takes to day in a day out serve the public. Especially when a goodly portion of people believe the profession and the people doing it are beneath them. He humanizes the positions in a way that so many overlook if you have never worked in food service. And if for no other reason, that makes this worth the read, or in my case, the listen.
Mrs Hudson and The Christmas Canary by Martin Davies
4.0
*3.5 Stars*
I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of Christmas. I love all things yuletide-related, whether it be a trope-laden holiday romance or, in this case, a simple Sherlockian-style mystery with slushy London as the background. Mrs. Hudson and the Christmas Canary by Martin Davies surprisingly has very little to do with Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes, or John Watson. Instead, the story follows Flotsam, better known as Flottie, in her work for the famous detective, which sometimes includes solving mysteries.
This is the sixth installment in the series, which finds Flottie investigating the disappearance of a famous violinist. It is coupled with the fact that someone has been sending chickens to men of society with seemingly no connection to one another. Not to mention the cold case of a bejeweled canary that was stolen many years prior. (And surely the Christmas season can't pass without a bit of romance, as well). So what's a former orphan turned assistant to one of the most famous detectives to do? Why solve the mystery, of course!
It's been at least a decade since I last read Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, but to my recollection, the style feels similar. There are no spoilers for the original novels, so you'll not be ruining a plot twist if you decide to try this book. The central mystery is a bit convoluted, and the physical description of where one of the main capers takes place makes no sense. Try as I might, even rereading the passage serval times, I could not picture what Davies was trying to convey. It would have also been nice if more prequel information had been peppered throughout the narrative. Although, not knowing precisely what happened in the previous novels doesn't detract from the current story. Watson, although his appearance brief, was my favorite character. Rather than the oafish portrayal that sometimes accompanies his character, he gives the reader stodgy comedic interludes.
My biggest qualm with this novel will likely be why some love it: it's simply not that gripping. I found myself with just a general curiosity about what was to come, lackadaisically guessing at whodunit and internally shrugging at the big reveal. This mystery has little thrill, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a lighter read. The low-stakes nature of the book makes it perfect for those who like the idea of mysteries but without the high tension. The characters are also incredibly likable and fun to read.
Overall, this was a solid mystery and good for someone looking for a touch of romance where Christmas themes are imbued throughout but hardly a main character.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC!
I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of Christmas. I love all things yuletide-related, whether it be a trope-laden holiday romance or, in this case, a simple Sherlockian-style mystery with slushy London as the background. Mrs. Hudson and the Christmas Canary by Martin Davies surprisingly has very little to do with Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes, or John Watson. Instead, the story follows Flotsam, better known as Flottie, in her work for the famous detective, which sometimes includes solving mysteries.
This is the sixth installment in the series, which finds Flottie investigating the disappearance of a famous violinist. It is coupled with the fact that someone has been sending chickens to men of society with seemingly no connection to one another. Not to mention the cold case of a bejeweled canary that was stolen many years prior. (And surely the Christmas season can't pass without a bit of romance, as well). So what's a former orphan turned assistant to one of the most famous detectives to do? Why solve the mystery, of course!
It's been at least a decade since I last read Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, but to my recollection, the style feels similar. There are no spoilers for the original novels, so you'll not be ruining a plot twist if you decide to try this book. The central mystery is a bit convoluted, and the physical description of where one of the main capers takes place makes no sense. Try as I might, even rereading the passage serval times, I could not picture what Davies was trying to convey. It would have also been nice if more prequel information had been peppered throughout the narrative. Although, not knowing precisely what happened in the previous novels doesn't detract from the current story. Watson, although his appearance brief, was my favorite character. Rather than the oafish portrayal that sometimes accompanies his character, he gives the reader stodgy comedic interludes.
My biggest qualm with this novel will likely be why some love it: it's simply not that gripping. I found myself with just a general curiosity about what was to come, lackadaisically guessing at whodunit and internally shrugging at the big reveal. This mystery has little thrill, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a lighter read. The low-stakes nature of the book makes it perfect for those who like the idea of mysteries but without the high tension. The characters are also incredibly likable and fun to read.
Overall, this was a solid mystery and good for someone looking for a touch of romance where Christmas themes are imbued throughout but hardly a main character.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC!
Once Upon A Royal Christmas by Teri Wilson
4.0
The story centers around Gracie, a princess -- party princess, that is. She trying (and failing) to come up with the capital to expand her princess party business, which she runs with her best friend, Clara. Not having much luck securing loans by traditional means, Clara enters Gracie into The Royal Winter Wonderland contest. The winner gets a stay in the fairytale-esque kingdom of (the fictitious) San Glacera and $30,000. Once she arrives, she meets the frosty Prince Nickolas, who is less than thrilled with the idea of the contest.
On the surface, this is a cute Cinderella retelling. It's predictable fluff, but there was more than that. The part I truly loved was how unrepentant Gracie was about being a character actor for children's parties. Too often, things geared toward women and children are viewed as not valid. Yet, she loves her job and sees her work as meaningful. Nick isn't the type of grumpy that leaves you having to put aside how awful he was initially to root for them as a couple.
The writing style is simple and straightforward, but the descriptions are picturesque. It was so easy to envision a snowy kingdom sitting foot of the Alps, complete with hot cocoa and a cozy chalet. The pacing was fine, although the ending came on very quickly. I would have liked to see a couple of loose ends wrapped up.
If you are the type who rolls their eyes at cheesy romcoms, skip this. However, if you look forward to over-the-top scenarios, snowy wonderlands, and happily ever after, this book is perfect. As this was published by Hallmark, it should surprise no one that this is a clean romance, so if you are searching for spice, look elsewhere.
Thanks to Netgally and Hallmark Publishing for a free copy of this ebook!
On the surface, this is a cute Cinderella retelling. It's predictable fluff, but there was more than that. The part I truly loved was how unrepentant Gracie was about being a character actor for children's parties. Too often, things geared toward women and children are viewed as not valid. Yet, she loves her job and sees her work as meaningful. Nick isn't the type of grumpy that leaves you having to put aside how awful he was initially to root for them as a couple.
The writing style is simple and straightforward, but the descriptions are picturesque. It was so easy to envision a snowy kingdom sitting foot of the Alps, complete with hot cocoa and a cozy chalet. The pacing was fine, although the ending came on very quickly. I would have liked to see a couple of loose ends wrapped up.
If you are the type who rolls their eyes at cheesy romcoms, skip this. However, if you look forward to over-the-top scenarios, snowy wonderlands, and happily ever after, this book is perfect. As this was published by Hallmark, it should surprise no one that this is a clean romance, so if you are searching for spice, look elsewhere.
Thanks to Netgally and Hallmark Publishing for a free copy of this ebook!
A Tale of Two Princes by Eric Geron
4.0
A Tale of Two Princes is a queer mashup of The Prince and The Pauper with a sprinkle of The Parent Trap. Billy is a rancher from a small town in Montana who's been out for a while. But secretly, he dreams of leaving it all behind to study music at Julliard. Edward is the Crown Prince of the Canadian monarchy who is firmly in the closet because of his position in life. Hijinx ensues when the two unexpectedly meet in New York City.
As an adult reader, this book was fun but flawed. Once I put on my middle-grade hat (I think this book is miscategorized as a YA novel), the read became much more enjoyable. For example, what I consider poor world-building are most likely details that a ten-year-old cares nothing about. As an adult, I'm taken out of the story when seventeen-year-olds stay at a Hilton in New York City sans chaperone. I doubt that sort of thing would even register with a young audience. I want to know why Canada instated a monarchy; a middle-grade reader will probably take it at face value that a Canadian monarchy exists.
The events in this book are often outrageous, but there is also a certain authenticity. The characters respond to things in ways that make sense based on who they are and what they've been through. Edward's feelings about being replaced are valid and understandable, especially given his initial role in upholding the monarchy. Billy has been given the freedom to be who he is, partially because he wasn't famous. While Billy was undeniably more likable as a character, there was a certain relatability to Edward. Most readers won't ever experience what it's like to be royalty. Still, the feeling of trying to find your footing while being your authentic self is something most have experienced at one point or another.
The pacing is good, although the argument could be made the ending was a bit rushed. I thought the "Maple Rules" were a great way to clue the reader into royal expectations without being pedantic. I liked that the supporting characters were diverse without feeling forced. The author did an excellent job exploring identity language and changes that might take place during that self-discovery.
All in all, this was a good read with a touch of humor and a great message about being true to yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As an adult reader, this book was fun but flawed. Once I put on my middle-grade hat (I think this book is miscategorized as a YA novel), the read became much more enjoyable. For example, what I consider poor world-building are most likely details that a ten-year-old cares nothing about. As an adult, I'm taken out of the story when seventeen-year-olds stay at a Hilton in New York City sans chaperone. I doubt that sort of thing would even register with a young audience. I want to know why Canada instated a monarchy; a middle-grade reader will probably take it at face value that a Canadian monarchy exists.
The events in this book are often outrageous, but there is also a certain authenticity. The characters respond to things in ways that make sense based on who they are and what they've been through. Edward's feelings about being replaced are valid and understandable, especially given his initial role in upholding the monarchy. Billy has been given the freedom to be who he is, partially because he wasn't famous. While Billy was undeniably more likable as a character, there was a certain relatability to Edward. Most readers won't ever experience what it's like to be royalty. Still, the feeling of trying to find your footing while being your authentic self is something most have experienced at one point or another.
The pacing is good, although the argument could be made the ending was a bit rushed. I thought the "Maple Rules" were a great way to clue the reader into royal expectations without being pedantic. I liked that the supporting characters were diverse without feeling forced. The author did an excellent job exploring identity language and changes that might take place during that self-discovery.
All in all, this was a good read with a touch of humor and a great message about being true to yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal Malhotra
4.0
The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal Malhotra may be romantic, but it is far from a romance book. Instead, it is a novel that challenges the reader to witness the beauty of grief.
Apprenticing under his uncle as a perfumer, Samir falls instantly and wholeheartedly in love with Firdaus, who is studying to be a calligrapher under her father's tutelage. Broken into five parts, their stories span decades of their lives. When their story begins to unravel, we see the many threads of the past that brought them to this point.
Overall this was a beautiful and enjoyable read. However, there were a few items that made the experience tedious. I listen to the audiobook version courtesy of NetGalley. The narrator's voice was pleasant and evocative, but her French accent left much to be desired. The story gets a little lost in itself around the halfway point. And while overall, I enjoy the repetition as a literary device, the author's repeated use of "pistachio eyes" felt unimaginative and indolent, especially in such an otherwise lush story.
Samir and Firdaus are undoubtedly the novel's focus. However, the other characters allow us (the reader) differing perspectives and examine how history is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. But, more importantly, it reveals the power of love, time, and distance to heal. It is a story about love and loss but also about what it means to be human in times of war and political upheaval.
It was an interesting decision by the author to devote such a short amount of time to the actual Partition. It felt like an eye blink in the narrative; then I realized it was because it would have been in Firdaus and Samir's life span. The cascade of the effects of one act changed their lives irrevocably.
The historical moments of this book are used to fuel the human elements. It delivers to the reader the interwoven threads of generational trauma and generational memory. We have a front-row seat in attempting to balance individual identity with cultural identity. Firdaus fell forward into her grief, persistently ignoring her trauma but carrying the burden of shame. Samir finds himself stuck in the past, often losing sight of the present.
After their paths diverge, the theme that both stories share is the ebb and flow of sorrow. We see that Firdous and Samir's entire existence is not mired in loss; there are moments of great joy, but they never lose the profound longing for a life stolen from them. While separated by thousands of miles, their lives often mirror each other, particularly when it comes to their relationship with their grandchildren. And so, while the ending might break your heart, there is also authentic hopefulness. The repetition in the narrative, the idea that history and the universe will repeat the lesson until you learn it, the cycle, will be broken.
Apprenticing under his uncle as a perfumer, Samir falls instantly and wholeheartedly in love with Firdaus, who is studying to be a calligrapher under her father's tutelage. Broken into five parts, their stories span decades of their lives. When their story begins to unravel, we see the many threads of the past that brought them to this point.
Overall this was a beautiful and enjoyable read. However, there were a few items that made the experience tedious. I listen to the audiobook version courtesy of NetGalley. The narrator's voice was pleasant and evocative, but her French accent left much to be desired. The story gets a little lost in itself around the halfway point. And while overall, I enjoy the repetition as a literary device, the author's repeated use of "pistachio eyes" felt unimaginative and indolent, especially in such an otherwise lush story.
Samir and Firdaus are undoubtedly the novel's focus. However, the other characters allow us (the reader) differing perspectives and examine how history is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. But, more importantly, it reveals the power of love, time, and distance to heal. It is a story about love and loss but also about what it means to be human in times of war and political upheaval.
It was an interesting decision by the author to devote such a short amount of time to the actual Partition. It felt like an eye blink in the narrative; then I realized it was because it would have been in Firdaus and Samir's life span. The cascade of the effects of one act changed their lives irrevocably.
The historical moments of this book are used to fuel the human elements. It delivers to the reader the interwoven threads of generational trauma and generational memory. We have a front-row seat in attempting to balance individual identity with cultural identity. Firdaus fell forward into her grief, persistently ignoring her trauma but carrying the burden of shame. Samir finds himself stuck in the past, often losing sight of the present.
After their paths diverge, the theme that both stories share is the ebb and flow of sorrow. We see that Firdous and Samir's entire existence is not mired in loss; there are moments of great joy, but they never lose the profound longing for a life stolen from them. While separated by thousands of miles, their lives often mirror each other, particularly when it comes to their relationship with their grandchildren. And so, while the ending might break your heart, there is also authentic hopefulness. The repetition in the narrative, the idea that history and the universe will repeat the lesson until you learn it, the cycle, will be broken.