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laurieb755's reviews
755 reviews
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.75
Whoa. There is so much about this story that could be discussed but I will focus on just two items. First, the Eastwood Sisters (Juniper, Bella and Agnes), who are impressive, fiery, strong, determined and - especially given the current situation in the United States - a role model for remembering what it means to stand up for oneself. Second, the question - is (was) a witch simply a person who wants (wanted) for themself to be treated kindly, fairly and with respect as a co-equal to others?
—
I read Alix Harrow’s previous book The Ten Thousand Doors of January but did not reread my review (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4e2e7e40-d48d-4217-afd4-10268049d2f0) till just now. Harrow’s imagination continues to soar, her rendering of people and place being highly evocative; I watched this story as the movie played out in my mind’s eye. As with her previous book, at times it seemed like chunks of words could be chopped from the narrative with no harm done to the flow of story. Likewise, just when I thought I knew what would happen next, something else occurred instead. I find much reading enjoyment in not being able to discern the plot in advance!
Back to the idea of witching…a third question arises - if one is treated as lesser than whole, does one have not only the right but the responsibility to stand up for oneself and also find a way to stop that 'lessering behaviour' being inflicted again as well as against others? If yes, is that responsibility to oneself only or to others, as well. Throughout my reading of this 513 page book I could not help but think of all that is happening in my country, it being April 2025. Spurred on by the book’s dedication, ending, and the author’s Acknowledgments I will take hope, gather strength, and recite the words. :-)
Finally, I look forward to seeing what Alix E Harrow (https://alixeharrow.wixsite.com/author) turns out next! (PS I started another of her books, Starling House, but even for me it was a bit too gothic a tale to finish. Nonetheless, it did speak to her phenomenal imagination!)
—
I read Alix Harrow’s previous book The Ten Thousand Doors of January but did not reread my review (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4e2e7e40-d48d-4217-afd4-10268049d2f0) till just now. Harrow’s imagination continues to soar, her rendering of people and place being highly evocative; I watched this story as the movie played out in my mind’s eye. As with her previous book, at times it seemed like chunks of words could be chopped from the narrative with no harm done to the flow of story. Likewise, just when I thought I knew what would happen next, something else occurred instead. I find much reading enjoyment in not being able to discern the plot in advance!
Back to the idea of witching…a third question arises - if one is treated as lesser than whole, does one have not only the right but the responsibility to stand up for oneself and also find a way to stop that 'lessering behaviour' being inflicted again as well as against others? If yes, is that responsibility to oneself only or to others, as well. Throughout my reading of this 513 page book I could not help but think of all that is happening in my country, it being April 2025. Spurred on by the book’s dedication, ending, and the author’s Acknowledgments I will take hope, gather strength, and recite the words. :-)
Finally, I look forward to seeing what Alix E Harrow (https://alixeharrow.wixsite.com/author) turns out next! (PS I started another of her books, Starling House, but even for me it was a bit too gothic a tale to finish. Nonetheless, it did speak to her phenomenal imagination!)
Merchant Trader by Peter M. Fellows
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.25
review for Merchant Trader by Peter Fellows, amateur historian and President of the Mamaroneck Historical Society. (https://www.mamaroneckhistoricalsociety.org/)
We have lived in Mamaroneck, NY for the past 39 years, raised our children here and grown very comfortable in this walkable Village. I was delighted to learn of this book by Peter Fellows that documents - quite literally the story of John Richbell, the man credited with beginning Mamaroneck.
Along the way we learn the history not only of Mamaroneck but a bit about Larchmont, New Rochelle, Scarsdale and Rye history coupled with Connecticut, the British and the Dutch. This story begins in the late 1650s, truly a long time ago!
Peter Fellows introduces himself with “Don’t believe a word I wrote. Please. I am not a historian. I live in Mamaroneck, and I am insatiably curious about our daily history.” Not only is he an amateur historian, he is also President of the Mamaroneck Historical Society (https://www.mamaroneckhistoricalsociety.org/)
Fellows pieces together as best he can the chronological history of the founding of Mamaroneck. To aid him in this endeavor he has multiple original source documents, some which are replicated in the book. In addition he provides verbatim (and in the olde style of English and Dutch) deeds and other documents. At the beginning I found these fascinating to read, but given how many are included I began to tire of the differences in language and preferred to simply go with Peter’s narrative.
I quite enjoyed his folksy approach, presenting facts as he uncovered them, posing questions when there was insufficient information, and challenging the reader to wonder for themselves might have been taking place way back when. I also greatly enjoyed seeing the various maps but given how small they are it necessitated using a magnifying glass! I have it on my mental checklist to eventually see if it is possible to view the maps in larger size.
If you enjoy local history and live in Westchester County, NY, or are interested in getting into the nitty gritty of English and Dutch ‘ownership’ of portions of New York and Connecticut, this book might interest you. Indeed, if you are considering being a local amateur historian for your own neighborhood the approach taken by Petter Fellows might inspire a unique approach of your own!
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
adventurous
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
I am betwixt and between on my thoughts about Georgia Hunter's story, which grabbed me from the start. This is her second (I have not read her first) novel and both have to do with the Holocaust.
This is the story of Lili and Esti, very close friends who met at University in Ferrara, Italy, and bonded like sisters, only theirs is perhaps a stronger bond because it's one of choice. Lili is an Italian, and Esti and her husband are Greek. Nationalities usually might not matter so much but this is a time of war and Mussolini's Racial Laws, designed to strike fear into the hearts of Jews. Soon after their son, Theo, is born Esti's husband makes his way to Greece to try and assist his parents in emigrating to Italy, which at the time felt like a safer option than remaining in Greece. However, it's not long before German troops occupy Italy, changing whatever plans Lili and Esti had for remaining in Ferrara.
Unsure of what will happen with Niko and his parents, the ever-adventurous and daring Esti convinces Lili to accompany her and Theo on a flight to assist refuges, eventually landing them all in a convent in Florence where Esti and Lili pose as nuns.
What happens next is what forms the heart of this at times wrenching story. Lili and Theo (this is not necessarily a spoiler as we don't find out the culmination of Esti's story still much later), with Esti's strong request, leave Florence and gradually make their way to Rome and then Naples. There is a helpful map at the beginning of the book and I found myself referencing it multiple times throughout, particularly because each chapter is titled with the name of the city and the date, the combination (with the map) making it easy to follow and envision their journey.
Besides documenting a journey that is at times harrowing and frightening, at times uplifting and filled with pleasant surprises, at times an adventure and at times an urgent flight, you may find yourself wondering what you would have done if you were in Lili's (or perhaps also Esti's) positions. Lili will learn much about herself, and Theo will have a childhood (he is 4 by the story's end) that we wouldn't wish on any child, and yet the people they meet along the way will enrich them both in myriad ways.
So why my 'betwixt and between' – well, without giving away any spoilers, I wanted the ending to turn out the way it did but at the same time I questioned if it was too easy an ending. On the other hand, why shouldn't Lili and Theo have a special ending?
This is classic historical fiction and I urge you to read both the author's Acknowledgments and Author's Note at the conclusion of the book for further context. For more about Georgia Hunter visit her site: https://georgiahunterauthor.com/
This is the story of Lili and Esti, very close friends who met at University in Ferrara, Italy, and bonded like sisters, only theirs is perhaps a stronger bond because it's one of choice. Lili is an Italian, and Esti and her husband are Greek. Nationalities usually might not matter so much but this is a time of war and Mussolini's Racial Laws, designed to strike fear into the hearts of Jews. Soon after their son, Theo, is born Esti's husband makes his way to Greece to try and assist his parents in emigrating to Italy, which at the time felt like a safer option than remaining in Greece. However, it's not long before German troops occupy Italy, changing whatever plans Lili and Esti had for remaining in Ferrara.
Unsure of what will happen with Niko and his parents, the ever-adventurous and daring Esti convinces Lili to accompany her and Theo on a flight to assist refuges, eventually landing them all in a convent in Florence where Esti and Lili pose as nuns.
What happens next is what forms the heart of this at times wrenching story. Lili and Theo (this is not necessarily a spoiler as we don't find out the culmination of Esti's story still much later), with Esti's strong request, leave Florence and gradually make their way to Rome and then Naples. There is a helpful map at the beginning of the book and I found myself referencing it multiple times throughout, particularly because each chapter is titled with the name of the city and the date, the combination (with the map) making it easy to follow and envision their journey.
Besides documenting a journey that is at times harrowing and frightening, at times uplifting and filled with pleasant surprises, at times an adventure and at times an urgent flight, you may find yourself wondering what you would have done if you were in Lili's (or perhaps also Esti's) positions. Lili will learn much about herself, and Theo will have a childhood (he is 4 by the story's end) that we wouldn't wish on any child, and yet the people they meet along the way will enrich them both in myriad ways.
So why my 'betwixt and between' – well, without giving away any spoilers, I wanted the ending to turn out the way it did but at the same time I questioned if it was too easy an ending. On the other hand, why shouldn't Lili and Theo have a special ending?
This is classic historical fiction and I urge you to read both the author's Acknowledgments and Author's Note at the conclusion of the book for further context. For more about Georgia Hunter visit her site: https://georgiahunterauthor.com/
Bird of a Thousand Stories by Kiyash Monsef
4.75
Ooo la la, Kiyash Monsef continues his masterful story telling of Marjan, a veterinarian by default of her father bequeathing her his business upon his death, her friends Grace, Carrie and Malloryn, and the animals Marjan encounters due to her unique abilities. She is no ordinary veterinarian and the creatures she encounters are no ordinary animals.
If you join Marjan on her journey in search of the Bird of a Thousand Stories I urge you to begin the story with Once There Was, the book prior to this one. You will learn how Marjan came to be who she is.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers but since the controls for writing a review have a “Spoiler” button let’s see how that works.
Marjan will meet her reticent relative Amu Reza. He will continue the stories begun by her father and along the way provide more history and background for Marjan. The Fells will continue to buy and sell magical creatures, not seeming to care what havoc they may wreck on any particular creature or the life cycle of the world. Along the way Malloryn will introduce her ‘friend’ Millmallow, and Karl (of the Fells) may possibly begin to think about the ramifications of what he does (maybe).
Amu, Malloryn, Millmallow and Marjan will log many miles in search of the Bird of a Thousand Stories.
I, for one, hope that Kiyash, perhaps with a little assist from the Bird of a Thousand Stories, has more tales within him!
If you join Marjan on her journey in search of the Bird of a Thousand Stories I urge you to begin the story with Once There Was, the book prior to this one. You will learn how Marjan came to be who she is.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers but since the controls for writing a review have a “Spoiler” button let’s see how that works.
Amu, Malloryn, Millmallow and Marjan will log many miles in search of the Bird of a Thousand Stories.
I, for one, hope that Kiyash, perhaps with a little assist from the Bird of a Thousand Stories, has more tales within him!
Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef
4.0
Kiyash Monsef (https://www.kiyash.com/) has written a thoroughly engrossing fantasy that draws from his Iranian background, his childhood interests and the place where he both grew up and made his home as an adult with a family. His name sounded familiar to me and then I saw his dedication: To Jane McGonigal. Bingo, it all clicked! Years and years ago (2012) I discovered Jane McGonigal thanks to her TED Talk about the game she created to help deal with her concussion. One web search led to another and connections were made.
Searching for connections is not unlike Marjan’s journey to find out what, exactly, happened to her father; what, exactly, is it that he really and truly did as a veterinarian; what, exactly, is the connection between the stories he used to tell her (weren’t they just tales?) and the mysterious life he led; and what, exactly, is the ‘thing’ that is causing her to feel that she is missing something within her. That’s a lot for a teenager to deal with as she tries to cope with the sudden death of her father after losing her mother a number of years earlier.
Marjan will have to trust herself, think on her feet, and open her eyes to the wonder of the magical creatures that need her help. It turns out that taking over her father’s veterinary practice isn’t quite as straight forward and simple as one might expect. Throughout her journey of discovery (which includes learning about herself), Marjan will find her friendships with Grace and Carrie tested, meet a self-described white witch, Malloryn, who becomes a friend, and have an adventure with Sebastian.
Once was, once wasn’t. So begins each tale shared by Marjan’s Dad. I could have read a book just of these legends, they were intriguing! Kiyash Monsef brings these worlds to life (the story and the legends within) with his beautiful writing, using just the right amount of words to paint pictures of a place that, if you are willing to suspend belief in the known, brings to life a fantastic world of the unknown. I’ve already placed his next book on reserve at my local Library.
Searching for connections is not unlike Marjan’s journey to find out what, exactly, happened to her father; what, exactly, is it that he really and truly did as a veterinarian; what, exactly, is the connection between the stories he used to tell her (weren’t they just tales?) and the mysterious life he led; and what, exactly, is the ‘thing’ that is causing her to feel that she is missing something within her. That’s a lot for a teenager to deal with as she tries to cope with the sudden death of her father after losing her mother a number of years earlier.
Marjan will have to trust herself, think on her feet, and open her eyes to the wonder of the magical creatures that need her help. It turns out that taking over her father’s veterinary practice isn’t quite as straight forward and simple as one might expect. Throughout her journey of discovery (which includes learning about herself), Marjan will find her friendships with Grace and Carrie tested, meet a self-described white witch, Malloryn, who becomes a friend, and have an adventure with Sebastian.
Once was, once wasn’t. So begins each tale shared by Marjan’s Dad. I could have read a book just of these legends, they were intriguing! Kiyash Monsef brings these worlds to life (the story and the legends within) with his beautiful writing, using just the right amount of words to paint pictures of a place that, if you are willing to suspend belief in the known, brings to life a fantastic world of the unknown. I’ve already placed his next book on reserve at my local Library.
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was delighted that it wasn’t till almost the very end that the solution presented itself to me, indeed, it was at the same time that Harbinder, a Detective Sergeant, found the evidence that confirmed her suspicion of the culprit.
This was mostly Clare’s story, she being an attractive divorced English teacher with a teenage daughter, Georgia, who lives with her during the week and usually - but not always - spends weekends with her Dad (who remarried and has two young children.) In addition to teaching English (and the assorted extra responsibilities that come with the territory) Clare is working on a book about R.M. Holland. Holland not only wrote one of Clare’s favorite stories, The Stranger, but also happened to live in the building that forms one part of the school where Clare teaches. Holland is long-since dead but his attic office was kept intact and often receives tours. There were rumors that Holland’s wife, Alice, died by jumping from the upstairs to the floor below, as well as questions about whether or not Holland had a daughter. Apparently, given the right opportunity, one just might run into Alice’s ghost haunting the upstairs hall…
The story unfolds through four narrators – Clare, Harbinder, Georgia and The Stranger. As a reader we are treated to two stories, the “real” one and the short story by R.M. Holland (who, as far as research shows, is completely fictitious, as is his/this short story). The Stranger is by far and away the more gothic, spine tingling of the two tales. However, should you read this book, the question may arise in your mind as to whether or not you are reading one or two gothic tales…
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Elly Griffiths has written a wonderfully suspenseful murder mystery dressed as a modern day gothic tale. After arriving home from the Library with the book in hand I noticed that one of my favorite authors, Louise Penny, has a blurb on the back cover. She succinctly and accurately sums up my sense of the book so here are her words instead of mine (because why reinvent the wheel. ;-))
My heart is still pounding after finishing The Stranger Diaries…Fiercely intelligent, warm, human, and, at times, funny…It is goose-bump spooky, smart, and haunting in every sense. I loved this book! And you will too. Louise Penny
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was delighted that it wasn’t till almost the very end that the solution presented itself to me, indeed, it was at the same time that Harbinder, a Detective Sergeant, found the evidence that confirmed her suspicion of the culprit.
This was mostly Clare’s story, she being an attractive divorced English teacher with a teenage daughter, Georgia, who lives with her during the week and usually - but not always - spends weekends with her Dad (who remarried and has two young children.) In addition to teaching English (and the assorted extra responsibilities that come with the territory) Clare is working on a book about R.M. Holland. Holland not only wrote one of Clare’s favorite stories, The Stranger, but also happened to live in the building that forms one part of the school where Clare teaches. Holland is long-since dead but his attic office was kept intact and often receives tours. There were rumors that Holland’s wife, Alice, died by jumping from the upstairs to the floor below, as well as questions about whether or not Holland had a daughter. Apparently, given the right opportunity, one just might run into Alice’s ghost haunting the upstairs hall…
The story unfolds through four narrators – Clare, Harbinder, Georgia and The Stranger. As a reader we are treated to two stories, the “real” one and the short story by R.M. Holland (who, as far as research shows, is completely fictitious, as is his/this short story). The Stranger is by far and away the more gothic, spine tingling of the two tales. However, should you read this book, the question may arise in your mind as to whether or not you are reading one or two gothic tales…
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore, Blood