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theoverbookedbibliophile's reviews
1281 reviews
Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
In Still See You Everywhere, the third installment of Lisa Gardner’s Frankie Elkin series, we follow our protagonist to a remote atoll in the middle of the Pacific in her efforts to find the younger sister of serial killer Kaylee “Keahi” Pierson dubbed by the media as the “Beautiful Butcher” and guilty of eighteen proven murders.
Over twelve years ago, after a particularly violent episode involving her wealthy, influential and abusive boyfriend Sanders “Mac” MacManus left Keahi hospitalized, her younger sister Leilani “Lea” then only five years old, disappeared without a trace. When Keahi receives a letter she believes was written by Lea, she has reason to believe that Mac has been holding Lea against her will. Barely three weeks before her scheduled execution Keahi, who has had a tragic and violent past but shows no remorse for her actions, asks Frankie to save Lea, who she believes will be accompanying Mac to an isolated Hawaiian island, the site for his latest business venture. Aided by Keahi’s lawyer, Frankie secures employment on the isolated island. Surrounded by dangers- both natural and man-made- with limited outside communication and among strangers, some of whom are harboring their own secrets, Frankie just might be out of her depth.
Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner is an immersive, suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists and turns that keeps you hooked until the very last page. I was drawn to the premise of the novel and loved the setting. After an intriguing start, the novel slows down considerably as we meet the characters and are treated to a detailed description of the island’s flora and fauna before picking up again for an action-packed finale. Despite some minor repetition and pacing issues, there were enough surprises and red herrings along the way. I should mention that a few of the twists, though shocking, weren’t quite convincing. I don’t mind suspension of disbelief, but a few of the revelations bordered on absurd. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series and I do find the protagonist interesting, but I was disappointed with the lack of character development. I thought Frankie spent too much time brooding over her troubled past, wallowing in self-pity and lacked the sharpness that defined her character in the previous books.
Overall, despite the intriguing premise and atmospheric setting, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous installments but do look forward to reading more from Lisa Gardner in the future and will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
Over twelve years ago, after a particularly violent episode involving her wealthy, influential and abusive boyfriend Sanders “Mac” MacManus left Keahi hospitalized, her younger sister Leilani “Lea” then only five years old, disappeared without a trace. When Keahi receives a letter she believes was written by Lea, she has reason to believe that Mac has been holding Lea against her will. Barely three weeks before her scheduled execution Keahi, who has had a tragic and violent past but shows no remorse for her actions, asks Frankie to save Lea, who she believes will be accompanying Mac to an isolated Hawaiian island, the site for his latest business venture. Aided by Keahi’s lawyer, Frankie secures employment on the isolated island. Surrounded by dangers- both natural and man-made- with limited outside communication and among strangers, some of whom are harboring their own secrets, Frankie just might be out of her depth.
Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner is an immersive, suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists and turns that keeps you hooked until the very last page. I was drawn to the premise of the novel and loved the setting. After an intriguing start, the novel slows down considerably as we meet the characters and are treated to a detailed description of the island’s flora and fauna before picking up again for an action-packed finale. Despite some minor repetition and pacing issues, there were enough surprises and red herrings along the way. I should mention that a few of the twists, though shocking, weren’t quite convincing. I don’t mind suspension of disbelief, but a few of the revelations bordered on absurd. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series and I do find the protagonist interesting, but I was disappointed with the lack of character development. I thought Frankie spent too much time brooding over her troubled past, wallowing in self-pity and lacked the sharpness that defined her character in the previous books.
Overall, despite the intriguing premise and atmospheric setting, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous installments but do look forward to reading more from Lisa Gardner in the future and will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
Victory Parade by Leela Corman
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
5.0
*Many thanks to Pantheon Books for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book was published on April 02, 2024.*
Set in 1943, Victory Parade by Leela Corman is a brutal yet profoundly moving meditation on the horrors of war and trauma, the challenges faced by the women who contributed to the WWII effort back home while they waited for their men to return from the war front, Jewish refugees fleeing persecution and the physical and psychological scars left on those returning from home.
The narrative, presented in vivid watercolor, follows the cast of characters among whom are Rose, a married woman employed as a welder in Brooklyn who is involved in a relationship with a disabled veteran; Ruth, a German Jewish refugee taken in by Rose who finds a violent outlet to vent the simmering rage she harbors; and Sam, Rose’s husband who returns home destined to be haunted by visions of what he witnessed in the liberated concentration camps. Through haunting imagery illustrator Leela Corman presents their stories - perspectives from their past, present and beyond– real and surreal – cathartic, nightmarish and devastating.
Intense and dark yet brilliantly composed, this graphic novel is an experience that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who read WWII fiction.
Set in 1943, Victory Parade by Leela Corman is a brutal yet profoundly moving meditation on the horrors of war and trauma, the challenges faced by the women who contributed to the WWII effort back home while they waited for their men to return from the war front, Jewish refugees fleeing persecution and the physical and psychological scars left on those returning from home.
The narrative, presented in vivid watercolor, follows the cast of characters among whom are Rose, a married woman employed as a welder in Brooklyn who is involved in a relationship with a disabled veteran; Ruth, a German Jewish refugee taken in by Rose who finds a violent outlet to vent the simmering rage she harbors; and Sam, Rose’s husband who returns home destined to be haunted by visions of what he witnessed in the liberated concentration camps. Through haunting imagery illustrator Leela Corman presents their stories - perspectives from their past, present and beyond– real and surreal – cathartic, nightmarish and devastating.
Intense and dark yet brilliantly composed, this graphic novel is an experience that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who read WWII fiction.
The Funeral Cryer by Wenyan Lu
Set in contemporary China, The Funeral Cryer by Wenyan Lu is a thought-provoking novel. Our protagonist is a middle-aged woman who makes a living as a professional mourner – a profession she has been engaged in for ten years. With her husband unemployed, hers is their only income. Though enjoys the financial security her profession affords her, most of the villagers tend to avoid her as they believe that she brings bad luck and “smells of the dead”- a sentiment echoed by her husband who eagerly pockets her earnings, spending a substantial portion of same playing mahjong. He is disrespectful of his wife and emotionally abusive and it is hinted that he might be having an affair. Their grown daughter lives in Shanghai and from what we gather, she keeps her distance. The only person who shows the Funeral Cryer any kindness is the barber of their village.
Narrated in the first person by our protagonist, the tone of this novel is quiet and a tad detached for the most part. The writing is sparse yet evocative and the narrative is slow moving. Though this is not the first I heard of the tradition of hiring professional mourners (the “Rudaali” tradition in Rajasthan, India is one of the many variants of the same). I found the author’s detailed description of the role they play fascinating. There are several characters in and around our protagonist’s orbit, but the bulk of the novel revolves around her observations and reflections on her marriage, her relationships with other members of her family, life and death. We follow our protagonist as she goes about her daily life, attends her professional responsibilities with diligence, and her thoughts often drifting to past events. In her present life, the events we may perceive as significant, our protagonist takes in her stride. She tends to absorb much without visible reaction (though we are privy to her thoughts) and only toward the end of the novel do we notice a significant development in the way she perceives her life. I should mention that none of the characters are referred to by name ( including our unnamed protagonist). Though this aspect of the novel took a while to get used to, I thought it was congruous with the protagonist’s personality. Her observations are honest, heartfelt and laced with dry humor. The setting is vivid and I enjoyed getting to learn about the culture, customs and traditions described in this novel. The author has done a remarkable job of depicting the social dynamics and inequality within the community.
While there is a lot to like about this novel, I did feel that the narrative suffered from minor repetition and thought that the nature of the narrative is such that it should have been shorter to be more impactful. Though this is a character-driven novel, I thought the scope for character development was limited in that we were not allowed to explore certain crucial aspects of our protagonist's life deeper such as the dynamic between her and her daughter since it is evident that theirs is a complicated relationship. The ending is a tad ambiguous, but this does not detract from the overall reading experience.
Overall, I did find this to be an immersive and insightful read and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Set in contemporary China, The Funeral Cryer by Wenyan Lu is a thought-provoking novel. Our protagonist is a middle-aged woman who makes a living as a professional mourner – a profession she has been engaged in for ten years. With her husband unemployed, hers is their only income. Though enjoys the financial security her profession affords her, most of the villagers tend to avoid her as they believe that she brings bad luck and “smells of the dead”- a sentiment echoed by her husband who eagerly pockets her earnings, spending a substantial portion of same playing mahjong. He is disrespectful of his wife and emotionally abusive and it is hinted that he might be having an affair. Their grown daughter lives in Shanghai and from what we gather, she keeps her distance. The only person who shows the Funeral Cryer any kindness is the barber of their village.
Narrated in the first person by our protagonist, the tone of this novel is quiet and a tad detached for the most part. The writing is sparse yet evocative and the narrative is slow moving. Though this is not the first I heard of the tradition of hiring professional mourners (the “Rudaali” tradition in Rajasthan, India is one of the many variants of the same). I found the author’s detailed description of the role they play fascinating. There are several characters in and around our protagonist’s orbit, but the bulk of the novel revolves around her observations and reflections on her marriage, her relationships with other members of her family, life and death. We follow our protagonist as she goes about her daily life, attends her professional responsibilities with diligence, and her thoughts often drifting to past events. In her present life, the events we may perceive as significant, our protagonist takes in her stride. She tends to absorb much without visible reaction (though we are privy to her thoughts) and only toward the end of the novel do we notice a significant development in the way she perceives her life. I should mention that none of the characters are referred to by name ( including our unnamed protagonist). Though this aspect of the novel took a while to get used to, I thought it was congruous with the protagonist’s personality. Her observations are honest, heartfelt and laced with dry humor. The setting is vivid and I enjoyed getting to learn about the culture, customs and traditions described in this novel. The author has done a remarkable job of depicting the social dynamics and inequality within the community.
While there is a lot to like about this novel, I did feel that the narrative suffered from minor repetition and thought that the nature of the narrative is such that it should have been shorter to be more impactful. Though this is a character-driven novel, I thought the scope for character development was limited in that we were not allowed to explore certain crucial aspects of our protagonist's life deeper such as the dynamic between her and her daughter since it is evident that theirs is a complicated relationship. The ending is a tad ambiguous, but this does not detract from the overall reading experience.
Overall, I did find this to be an immersive and insightful read and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Audio Narration : 4⭐
Plot: 2.5⭐
Librarian Chloe Sampson has a lot on her plate. Legal guardian to her three younger siblings ever since their mother abandoned them, she juggles her job at the local library and her responsibilities at home. When she discovers a rare edition of an old book while clearing out the library basement, she decides to sell it for a decent price, hoping that the sale will temporarily ease her financial woes. The book in question has handwritten notes written in the margin – notes indicating a romantic relationship between two book-loving people ( “J” an “C”). When her grumpy elderly neighbor Jasper Holmes offers to buy the book for a handsome price Chloe begins to put two and two together and begins to search for more books in the library with similar messages on the pages. As the narrative progresses, Chloe’s quest marks the beginning of an unlikely friendship with Jasper, who helps her when she is at her wit’s end. We follow Chloe as her deep dive into the events from sixty years ago gives her a deeper look into Jasper’s past and a love story that isn’t quite over.
I love stories that revolve around books/ bookstores/libraries. It's always a joy to find stories that emphasize how books can be a reader’s best companion and how the love for reading can bring people together. I was drawn to the premise The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore for the same reasons. Told through multiple perspectives in dual timelines with a plot that includes a wonderful selection of literary references with scribbled messages in the margins of old books, a struggling librarian who is intent on solving the mystery behind the identity of the two lovers who used books as a way to communicate in the 1960s, a likable protagonist and a curmudgeonly neighbor who isn’t as gruff as he makes out be, this novel had a lot to offer.
Initially, I was enjoying the story and found both present and past storylines interesting, but as the narrative progressed, I found myself struggling to maintain my enthusiasm. Chloe is an endearing protagonist ( though as the story progressed, I did question some of her choices) and I liked her dynamic with her friends and siblings (Noodle was one of my favorite characters). But the story moved too slowly for my liking and I thought that the 1960s storyline left a lot to be desired. There were several subplots and characters woven into the narrative, and there was too much going on, much of which was eventually of no consequence. The predictable, weak and unconvincing plot points (a few of which left me with unanswered questions) made it difficult to stay engaged. I was particularly disappointed in how the subplot revolving around Chloe’s dynamic with her mother was depicted. In the end, I wasn't quite sold on how the author chose to end the story.
I listened to the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Leanne Woodward, Aven Shore, Joe Jameson and Bob Ball. I am glad that I opted for the audiobook, as I am sure that this would have been a tedious read.
This was my second Lucy Gilmore novel. The Lonely Hearts Book Club wasn’t an entirely satisfying read for me and unfortunately, this time was no different. However, many have enjoyed this book more and I would request you peruse other reviews before you decide on reading this novel.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Plot: 2.5⭐
Librarian Chloe Sampson has a lot on her plate. Legal guardian to her three younger siblings ever since their mother abandoned them, she juggles her job at the local library and her responsibilities at home. When she discovers a rare edition of an old book while clearing out the library basement, she decides to sell it for a decent price, hoping that the sale will temporarily ease her financial woes. The book in question has handwritten notes written in the margin – notes indicating a romantic relationship between two book-loving people ( “J” an “C”). When her grumpy elderly neighbor Jasper Holmes offers to buy the book for a handsome price Chloe begins to put two and two together and begins to search for more books in the library with similar messages on the pages. As the narrative progresses, Chloe’s quest marks the beginning of an unlikely friendship with Jasper, who helps her when she is at her wit’s end. We follow Chloe as her deep dive into the events from sixty years ago gives her a deeper look into Jasper’s past and a love story that isn’t quite over.
I love stories that revolve around books/ bookstores/libraries. It's always a joy to find stories that emphasize how books can be a reader’s best companion and how the love for reading can bring people together. I was drawn to the premise The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore for the same reasons. Told through multiple perspectives in dual timelines with a plot that includes a wonderful selection of literary references with scribbled messages in the margins of old books, a struggling librarian who is intent on solving the mystery behind the identity of the two lovers who used books as a way to communicate in the 1960s, a likable protagonist and a curmudgeonly neighbor who isn’t as gruff as he makes out be, this novel had a lot to offer.
Initially, I was enjoying the story and found both present and past storylines interesting, but as the narrative progressed, I found myself struggling to maintain my enthusiasm. Chloe is an endearing protagonist ( though as the story progressed, I did question some of her choices) and I liked her dynamic with her friends and siblings (Noodle was one of my favorite characters). But the story moved too slowly for my liking and I thought that the 1960s storyline left a lot to be desired. There were several subplots and characters woven into the narrative, and there was too much going on, much of which was eventually of no consequence. The predictable, weak and unconvincing plot points (a few of which left me with unanswered questions) made it difficult to stay engaged. I was particularly disappointed in how the subplot revolving around Chloe’s dynamic with her mother was depicted. In the end, I wasn't quite sold on how the author chose to end the story.
I listened to the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Leanne Woodward, Aven Shore, Joe Jameson and Bob Ball. I am glad that I opted for the audiobook, as I am sure that this would have been a tedious read.
This was my second Lucy Gilmore novel. The Lonely Hearts Book Club wasn’t an entirely satisfying read for me and unfortunately, this time was no different. However, many have enjoyed this book more and I would request you peruse other reviews before you decide on reading this novel.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Book of Witty Women: 15 New Laugh-out-loud Stories by Women Writers by Annemarie Cancienne, Kimberley Adams, Paula Lennon, Kathy Lette, Sadia Azmat, Josie Long, Lucy Vine, Kim Clayden, Jean Ende
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
With varied themes and interesting characters, The Book of Witty Women features an interesting mix of fifteen short stories written by women writers.
Given the title and description of this anthology, I was hoping for a light-hearted read, but unfortunately, “laugh-out-loud” funny or “witty” it was not. I won’t be sharing individual ratings for the fifteen stories in this anthology like I usually do in my other reviews, simply because I have mixed feelings about most of them (arising from my preconceived notions for which I blame the title and the description, once again) and had I not been expecting a stronger element of wit or humor, this anthology would have garnered a higher rating.
As with most anthologies, I did like some more than others. Double Date by Lucy Vine, Care Home Capers by Wendy Hood and Go Your Own Way by Kimberley Adams were entertaining reads and I was mildly amused by a few others (Jenny Bean, Calamity Queen by Julia Wood, Glue by Clare Shaw and Hapless by R. Malik). Shopping For England by Kim Clayden, The Art of Genital Persuasion by Kathy Lette and Sorry, Delivery by Paula Lennon featured interesting premises but needed to be explored further.
Two of these stories surprised me in that they just broke my heart, which I’m quite sure wasn’t the intent of this book. I’m sorry, but I can't be that person who finds any kind of humor/amusement in certain themes. [ A story that features a woman being fat-shamed and blamed for her childlessness by her mother-in-law ( Ways With Mince by Kathryn Simmonds) or one about a woman on a cathartic and emotionally draining journey as she coming to terms with her role in the dissolution of her friendship with her childhood best friend (Nothing Compared To You by Annemarie Cancienne) ]. Unbound by Jean Ende was a moving read, but You Can't Get There From Here by J.Y. Saville, Fake It Till You Hate It by Sadia Azmat and Poets Rise Again by Josie Long failed to make an impact.
Though I did like several of the stories in this anthology, I can't help feeling a tad disappointed. I respect the fact that the same book/story might evoke different reactions from its readers, and while I wouldn't discourage anyone from exploring this anthology, in my humble opinion it would be wise to approach it keeping in mind that it might not be as entertaining as the description suggests.
Many thanks to Farrago for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book was published on April 25, 2024.
Given the title and description of this anthology, I was hoping for a light-hearted read, but unfortunately, “laugh-out-loud” funny or “witty” it was not. I won’t be sharing individual ratings for the fifteen stories in this anthology like I usually do in my other reviews, simply because I have mixed feelings about most of them (arising from my preconceived notions for which I blame the title and the description, once again) and had I not been expecting a stronger element of wit or humor, this anthology would have garnered a higher rating.
As with most anthologies, I did like some more than others. Double Date by Lucy Vine, Care Home Capers by Wendy Hood and Go Your Own Way by Kimberley Adams were entertaining reads and I was mildly amused by a few others (Jenny Bean, Calamity Queen by Julia Wood, Glue by Clare Shaw and Hapless by R. Malik). Shopping For England by Kim Clayden, The Art of Genital Persuasion by Kathy Lette and Sorry, Delivery by Paula Lennon featured interesting premises but needed to be explored further.
Two of these stories surprised me in that they just broke my heart, which I’m quite sure wasn’t the intent of this book. I’m sorry, but I can't be that person who finds any kind of humor/amusement in certain themes. [ A story that features a woman being fat-shamed and blamed for her childlessness by her mother-in-law ( Ways With Mince by Kathryn Simmonds) or one about a woman on a cathartic and emotionally draining journey as she coming to terms with her role in the dissolution of her friendship with her childhood best friend (Nothing Compared To You by Annemarie Cancienne) ]. Unbound by Jean Ende was a moving read, but You Can't Get There From Here by J.Y. Saville, Fake It Till You Hate It by Sadia Azmat and Poets Rise Again by Josie Long failed to make an impact.
Though I did like several of the stories in this anthology, I can't help feeling a tad disappointed. I respect the fact that the same book/story might evoke different reactions from its readers, and while I wouldn't discourage anyone from exploring this anthology, in my humble opinion it would be wise to approach it keeping in mind that it might not be as entertaining as the description suggests.
Many thanks to Farrago for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book was published on April 25, 2024.
Murder Road by Simone St. James
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
As the novel begins, we meet newlyweds April & Eddie in 1995 en route to their honeymoon destination near Lake Michigan. They realize they have lost their way when they find themselves on a deserted stretch of road where they encounter a grievously injured hitchhiker, Rhonda Jean, whom they rush to the nearest hospital. Tragically, the young woman succumbs to her injuries and the police deem them persons of interest. It is revealed that Rhonda Jean’s death was not an isolated incident and several hitchhikers had been killed on Atticus Line in separate incidents over the last twenty years. Forced to stay back in Coldlake Falls as the local authorities investigate, Eddie and April embark on their own investigation into the town and the murders in an effort to clear their name.
I was intrigued by the premise Murder Road by Simone St. James. Atmospheric and suspenseful, this novel had a lot to offer. The paranormal element was interesting ( I don’t dabble much in this genre, but I do like the author’s way of incorporating the surreal elements into her plotlines!) and the sub-plots were well woven into the narrative which flows well. But after a strong start, I found aspects of the plot a tad too contrived to fully enjoy. While I can’t say that I disliked this novel in its entirety, guessing a large part of the “mystery” midway (it was rather obvious) left me less than engaged as the narrative progressed. I also found the outcome of one of the crucial plot points more than a tad underwhelming. I did enjoy the nineties' references, but somehow didn’t find the same integral to the story in any way. I have to admit that I found the supporting characters (The Snell sisters and Rose) more interesting than the main characters.
I paired my reading with the audiobook and I have to say that Brittany Pressley’s narration rendered this an entertaining immersion reading experience even though I wasn’t too taken with the execution of the novel overall.
However, I have enjoyed the author’s work in the past and hope to do so again in the future.
I was intrigued by the premise Murder Road by Simone St. James. Atmospheric and suspenseful, this novel had a lot to offer. The paranormal element was interesting ( I don’t dabble much in this genre, but I do like the author’s way of incorporating the surreal elements into her plotlines!) and the sub-plots were well woven into the narrative which flows well. But after a strong start, I found aspects of the plot a tad too contrived to fully enjoy. While I can’t say that I disliked this novel in its entirety, guessing a large part of the “mystery” midway (it was rather obvious) left me less than engaged as the narrative progressed. I also found the outcome of one of the crucial plot points more than a tad underwhelming. I did enjoy the nineties' references, but somehow didn’t find the same integral to the story in any way. I have to admit that I found the supporting characters (The Snell sisters and Rose) more interesting than the main characters.
I paired my reading with the audiobook and I have to say that Brittany Pressley’s narration rendered this an entertaining immersion reading experience even though I wasn’t too taken with the execution of the novel overall.
However, I have enjoyed the author’s work in the past and hope to do so again in the future.
A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
Set in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci revolves around a racially charged murder case and the lawyers representing the young Black man, a Vietnam War veteran, accused of murdering the affluent white couple who were his employers.
Representing Jerome Washington is criminal defense attorney, thirty-three-year-old John Robert “Jack” Lee, a White man and resident of Freeman County. Jack, despite being brought up to be respectful of everyone irrespective of the color of their skin or social class, has never done anything to raise his voice against racial discrimination and believes that this would be his chance to do the right thing – not an easy decision given the instant backlash he faces from his own community- both on the professional and personal front- and the threats directed toward him and his family members. Despite having Jerome’s best interests at heart, he is clearly out of his depth. He is approached by Desiree DuBose, an experienced Black lawyer from Chicago whose reputation precedes her. Desiree provides Jack with a much-needed reality check, helping him navigate the machinations of the prosecution who resort to every trick in the book to prevent Jerome from getting a fair trial. The narrative follows Jack and Desiree as they fight for justice for Jerome in the face of much adversity including personal threats from a racially divided community, political bigwigs who want to send a strong message to further their own agenda, and a corrupt criminal justice system that would readily convict an innocent Black man instead of searching for the real killer.
A long time in the making and a departure from his fast-paced action-packed thrillers, A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a brilliantly crafted, deeply thought-provoking novel that combines elements of literary fiction, legal and family drama, historical fiction and suspense. Though the premise might not strike you as completely new or original, the strength of this novel lies in its execution – the rich historical context, realistic characters, and intriguing murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. The author does a commendable job of establishing the setting – the racial tension in years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act, the volatile socio-political landscape and a legal system conveniently manipulated by those wielding political and judicial power. Several sub-plots featuring Jack and his family members are seamlessly woven into the narrative, allowing us to get to know Jack as a person and follow his personal journey throughout the events described in this novel. Both Jack and Desiree are well-defined characters, as are the supporting characters, each of whom has a significant role to play. Jack and Desiree’s partnership isn’t necessarily an easy one. They are from diverse backgrounds and despite being motivated to do the right thing it is expected that they would be wary of one another initially and I loved how the author addresses the differences in their convictions and life experiences and as they gradually grow to respect the other’s perspective even though they might not always agree with one another.
Please note that this is not light reading. The author captures a time and place where racial tensions are high and needless to say, which features several nasty characters, racially motivated violence and upsetting dialogue, heavy with racial slurs. Some moments will break your heart and some will leave you seething with anger. Despite the length of the novel and the large cast of characters, at no point does the narrative become repetitive or difficult to follow. Relatively slower paced but intense and immersive, this is an exceptionally well-written novel.
David Baldacci is a master storyteller and this novel will definitely be considered among his best works - the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I promptly ordered a personal copy for my collection as soon as I finished reading the ARC.
Do read the Author’s Note where he discusses his inspiration for this novel and the autobiographical elements that he incorporated into the narrative.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Representing Jerome Washington is criminal defense attorney, thirty-three-year-old John Robert “Jack” Lee, a White man and resident of Freeman County. Jack, despite being brought up to be respectful of everyone irrespective of the color of their skin or social class, has never done anything to raise his voice against racial discrimination and believes that this would be his chance to do the right thing – not an easy decision given the instant backlash he faces from his own community- both on the professional and personal front- and the threats directed toward him and his family members. Despite having Jerome’s best interests at heart, he is clearly out of his depth. He is approached by Desiree DuBose, an experienced Black lawyer from Chicago whose reputation precedes her. Desiree provides Jack with a much-needed reality check, helping him navigate the machinations of the prosecution who resort to every trick in the book to prevent Jerome from getting a fair trial. The narrative follows Jack and Desiree as they fight for justice for Jerome in the face of much adversity including personal threats from a racially divided community, political bigwigs who want to send a strong message to further their own agenda, and a corrupt criminal justice system that would readily convict an innocent Black man instead of searching for the real killer.
A long time in the making and a departure from his fast-paced action-packed thrillers, A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a brilliantly crafted, deeply thought-provoking novel that combines elements of literary fiction, legal and family drama, historical fiction and suspense. Though the premise might not strike you as completely new or original, the strength of this novel lies in its execution – the rich historical context, realistic characters, and intriguing murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. The author does a commendable job of establishing the setting – the racial tension in years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act, the volatile socio-political landscape and a legal system conveniently manipulated by those wielding political and judicial power. Several sub-plots featuring Jack and his family members are seamlessly woven into the narrative, allowing us to get to know Jack as a person and follow his personal journey throughout the events described in this novel. Both Jack and Desiree are well-defined characters, as are the supporting characters, each of whom has a significant role to play. Jack and Desiree’s partnership isn’t necessarily an easy one. They are from diverse backgrounds and despite being motivated to do the right thing it is expected that they would be wary of one another initially and I loved how the author addresses the differences in their convictions and life experiences and as they gradually grow to respect the other’s perspective even though they might not always agree with one another.
Please note that this is not light reading. The author captures a time and place where racial tensions are high and needless to say, which features several nasty characters, racially motivated violence and upsetting dialogue, heavy with racial slurs. Some moments will break your heart and some will leave you seething with anger. Despite the length of the novel and the large cast of characters, at no point does the narrative become repetitive or difficult to follow. Relatively slower paced but intense and immersive, this is an exceptionally well-written novel.
David Baldacci is a master storyteller and this novel will definitely be considered among his best works - the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I promptly ordered a personal copy for my collection as soon as I finished reading the ARC.
Do read the Author’s Note where he discusses his inspiration for this novel and the autobiographical elements that he incorporated into the narrative.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Rocks Will Echo Our Sorrow: The Forced Displacement of the Northern Sámi by Elin Anna Labba, Fiona Graham
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
5.0
Meticulously researched, vividly descriptive and beautifully written, The Rocks Will Echo Our Sorrow: The Forced Displacement of the Northern Sámi by Elin Anna Labba (translated by Fiona Graham) is a powerful read.
The award-winning author, whose grandparents were among the sirdolaččat (“the displaced”) paints an intimate portrait of the Bággojohtin,-the forced displacement of the Indigenous Sámi community between 1919 to the 1930s. The author states that approximately three hundred people were displaced during this period and the displacements continued even until the 1950s in Sweden as people were moved from one herding community to another.
“One of the most frequently quoted Sámi proverbs says that the downy birch doesn't break in two; It merely bends. You bear your hurt alone, for breaking down want to make your daily life any easier. Your tears should fall unseen on your shawl. The philosophy of life revolves around the word birget- surviving and coping. Each year the reindeer must survive the winter: that is what matters not people's feelings.”
Traditionally, the Sámi reindeer herding community divided their time between the Norwegian coast in the summers and then migrated inland to their winter pastures in Sweden. The Reindeer Grazing Conventions of 1919 signed between Sweden and Norway restricted the number of reindeer crossing the border, which marked the beginning of the displacement of the community for whom reindeer herding was their way of life. The Norwegian government wanted the land for agriculture and more importantly, wanted a country for Norwegian citizens and they viewed the Sámi as “a red rag to the Norwegian state” whom they believed didn’t belong despite having lived there for generations.
Considered a “burden on the country” and “a race on its way to extinction”, the community not only lost their land and homes, many were continuously displaced for years on end, forcibly separated from their extended families and those they left behind and their herd and made to settle on land where they had to struggle for their livelihood and were subjected to discrimination and humiliating “racial- biology examinations”. Children were stripped of their names, language and heritage, and sent to boarding schools where the main goal was assimilation. With the Lapp Bailiffs appointed to oversee the deportations, the Sami had no say in the matter, their appeals falling on deaf ears. Though financial incentives were offered, they were barely enough to sustain families who lost loved ones and large numbers of their herds en route to their appointed destinations. Those unwilling to move were coerced, fined, forcibly removed and threatened with slaughter of their herd if they did not comply.
The author not only shares her experiences from her travels to the land that was once home to her ancestors but also explores her own connection to the same and how a history of displacement and loss impacts the generations that follow. The author draws from several sources - through personal accounts from families and their descendants, pictures, joiks (traditional songs) and poetry as well as archival documents, and newspaper articles, in giving a voice to her people and sharing their history with readers across the globe. This is an insightful, emotional and heart-wrenching book that sends a strong message, emphasizing how important it is to preserve and share the stories of those who came before us and have been ignored and deliberately erased from history books, so that they are not forgotten.
“For many, recounting the tale is a way to heal. In the language I love best, to remember and to tell a story are almost the same word: muitit means to remember, and to tell or to recount is muitalit. We remember those whose story we retell.”
Many thanks to the University of Minnesota Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The award-winning author, whose grandparents were among the sirdolaččat (“the displaced”) paints an intimate portrait of the Bággojohtin,-the forced displacement of the Indigenous Sámi community between 1919 to the 1930s. The author states that approximately three hundred people were displaced during this period and the displacements continued even until the 1950s in Sweden as people were moved from one herding community to another.
“One of the most frequently quoted Sámi proverbs says that the downy birch doesn't break in two; It merely bends. You bear your hurt alone, for breaking down want to make your daily life any easier. Your tears should fall unseen on your shawl. The philosophy of life revolves around the word birget- surviving and coping. Each year the reindeer must survive the winter: that is what matters not people's feelings.”
Traditionally, the Sámi reindeer herding community divided their time between the Norwegian coast in the summers and then migrated inland to their winter pastures in Sweden. The Reindeer Grazing Conventions of 1919 signed between Sweden and Norway restricted the number of reindeer crossing the border, which marked the beginning of the displacement of the community for whom reindeer herding was their way of life. The Norwegian government wanted the land for agriculture and more importantly, wanted a country for Norwegian citizens and they viewed the Sámi as “a red rag to the Norwegian state” whom they believed didn’t belong despite having lived there for generations.
Considered a “burden on the country” and “a race on its way to extinction”, the community not only lost their land and homes, many were continuously displaced for years on end, forcibly separated from their extended families and those they left behind and their herd and made to settle on land where they had to struggle for their livelihood and were subjected to discrimination and humiliating “racial- biology examinations”. Children were stripped of their names, language and heritage, and sent to boarding schools where the main goal was assimilation. With the Lapp Bailiffs appointed to oversee the deportations, the Sami had no say in the matter, their appeals falling on deaf ears. Though financial incentives were offered, they were barely enough to sustain families who lost loved ones and large numbers of their herds en route to their appointed destinations. Those unwilling to move were coerced, fined, forcibly removed and threatened with slaughter of their herd if they did not comply.
The author not only shares her experiences from her travels to the land that was once home to her ancestors but also explores her own connection to the same and how a history of displacement and loss impacts the generations that follow. The author draws from several sources - through personal accounts from families and their descendants, pictures, joiks (traditional songs) and poetry as well as archival documents, and newspaper articles, in giving a voice to her people and sharing their history with readers across the globe. This is an insightful, emotional and heart-wrenching book that sends a strong message, emphasizing how important it is to preserve and share the stories of those who came before us and have been ignored and deliberately erased from history books, so that they are not forgotten.
“For many, recounting the tale is a way to heal. In the language I love best, to remember and to tell a story are almost the same word: muitit means to remember, and to tell or to recount is muitalit. We remember those whose story we retell.”
Many thanks to the University of Minnesota Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
It has been twenty-five years since Jessica, Norah, and Alicia left Port Agatha and Wild Meadows. the farming estate that had been their home where they lived under the care of their cruel and manipulative foster mother, Miss Fairchild. Their memories of those years are far from happy ones and though they are no longer the scared teenagers they were when they reported Miss Fairchild to the authorities all those years ago, their experiences have left an indelible imprint on their lives. But they had each other and together, they endured and survived their ordeal. Though not related by blood, they consider themselves sisters, and their love and unwavering support for one another has only grown stronger over the years. When a body is discovered under the farmhouse, the ensuing investigation draws the sisters back to Port Agatha, where they are forced to revisit their past and the memories that have haunted them.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. The narrative is shared from the perspectives of the three main characters with segments from sessions between a character, whose identity is revealed later on in the story, and a psychiatrist interspersed throughout the narrative. The author does a commendable job of depicting the flaws of the foster care system and the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. I really liked how the author defines the three main characters and their distinctive personalities – strong women who have survived, complex and flawed yet vulnerable, each battling their own demons. The author deftly weaves between past and present timelines into a consistently paced ( a tad on the slower side), suspenseful narrative with convincing characters (even the unlikable ones) and enough twists and turns that keep you turning the pages till you reach the final revelation, which did surprise me ( I always love that!).
I paired my reading with the audiobook and I have to say that I loved Jessica Clarke’s narration and thought she did a remarkable job of breathing life into this story and the characters.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. The narrative is shared from the perspectives of the three main characters with segments from sessions between a character, whose identity is revealed later on in the story, and a psychiatrist interspersed throughout the narrative. The author does a commendable job of depicting the flaws of the foster care system and the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. I really liked how the author defines the three main characters and their distinctive personalities – strong women who have survived, complex and flawed yet vulnerable, each battling their own demons. The author deftly weaves between past and present timelines into a consistently paced ( a tad on the slower side), suspenseful narrative with convincing characters (even the unlikable ones) and enough twists and turns that keep you turning the pages till you reach the final revelation, which did surprise me ( I always love that!).
I paired my reading with the audiobook and I have to say that I loved Jessica Clarke’s narration and thought she did a remarkable job of breathing life into this story and the characters.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Nothing But the Bones by Brian Panowich
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Nelson “Nails” McKenna has been working as an enforcer for the local crime boss Gareth Burroughs on Bull Mountain, Georgia, for almost a decade ever since he was sixteen years old. His initiation with the Burroughs clan was a result of a particularly violent episode that resulted in the grievous injury of a young man in Burrough’s employ. Loyal to a fault, he follows orders and is trusted by his employer. Despite his apparent toughness, he is a loner with an unhappy childhood behind him. When Nelson encounters Dallas one night at the local pub, he is immediately drawn to her and in a shocking turn of events he ends up killing a man who was abusing her with a room full of witnesses. Nelson’s boss instructs him to go to Jacksonville, Florida, where it is assumed that arrangements are being made for his escape from the law. When Clayton, Nelson’s childhood friend and Gareth's son who is not involved in his father’s criminal dealings, finds out that things aren't as they seem and Nelson could be in danger and decides to go looking for him. But Clayton isn’t the only one looking for Nelson and Dallas, who has partnered up with Nelson and harboring secrets that might get the both of them killed. The narrative follows Nelson and Dallas as they go on the run.
Dark, gritty and atmospheric, Nothing but the Bones by Brian Panowich is a gripping read. The complex characters, the setting, and the propulsive action-packed plot drew me in and kept me hooked till the very end. Perfectly paced with not a boring moment, I could not put this one down! I loved how the author describes the dynamics between the characters – the love, friendship, and family connections – the deep-rooted ties that bind people together as well as those that are fractured when loyalties are tested when push comes to shove. Each of the characters is well defined ( even the immensely unlikable ones) and I was invested in both Nelson’s and Dallas’s storylines and thought the author did a remarkable job of bringing all the threads of the story together in the end with plenty of surprises on the way. Though I haven’t read any of the books in the Bull Mountain series, I had no trouble following the narrative and now I’m eager to read the other books in this series.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Dark, gritty and atmospheric, Nothing but the Bones by Brian Panowich is a gripping read. The complex characters, the setting, and the propulsive action-packed plot drew me in and kept me hooked till the very end. Perfectly paced with not a boring moment, I could not put this one down! I loved how the author describes the dynamics between the characters – the love, friendship, and family connections – the deep-rooted ties that bind people together as well as those that are fractured when loyalties are tested when push comes to shove. Each of the characters is well defined ( even the immensely unlikable ones) and I was invested in both Nelson’s and Dallas’s storylines and thought the author did a remarkable job of bringing all the threads of the story together in the end with plenty of surprises on the way. Though I haven’t read any of the books in the Bull Mountain series, I had no trouble following the narrative and now I’m eager to read the other books in this series.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.