"In a field of wilted blue, she is the peace amid the madness, an extra weight in my pack that I would joyfully bear to where the world is bluer still."
-from Edgar's journal
This is another novel downloaded to my Kindle free from Amazon First Reads. It started out slowly but piqued my interest much more in the second half. The setting is post-WWI and primarily England. The Watts family is still grieving eldest son Edgar, lost in the war and presumed dead, when a young French woman, Mariette, shows up at the estate. She claims to have been Edgar's wife and the mother of his son, whom she has brought to present to his family. The matriarch, Abigail, is doubtful and when middle brother Lawrence finds out, he is even more skeptical of the relationship, thinking Mariette a gold-digger. Younger brother Rudy believes the young woman and quickly becomes fond of her and the child. When she mysteriously disappears, Rudy sets out to find her AND the truth of what has happened to Edgar.
This novel certainly reminds the reader of the horrors of war and particularly the invisible injuries to military men. What we today call post-traumatic stress disorder was then known as shell shock or "Soldier's Heart." Sometimes the ones affected were even called "malingerers," otherwise known as fakers! I am so glad those with PTSD can receive treatment nowadays.
I am rating the book a 3. It took a while to get into. It was around chapter 19 when Mariette begins telling her story that I became more involved in the plot.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Monday, January 20, 2020
The Names of the Dead by Kevin Wignall
"It doesn't matter that you don't believe. There's still so much for you to find inside....Here is your guide. And here is your sword of truth. Be sure to look at both before you leave this prison, and God will help you find a way, Wes."
-Patrice, upon giving Wes his Bible
This book was a quick read after finally trudging through World Without End---only a few days as opposed to weeks. A spy novel of sorts, it was pretty much a page-turner.
Protagonist James "Wes" Wesley, has been imprisoned in France as a result of having been framed for a crime. He receives early release after being informed his ex-wife, Rachel Richards, has been killed in an apparent terrorist attack in Spain and her young son, Ethan, is missing. Wes is subsequently surprised to learn that Ethan is his child. Predictably Wes sets out to avenge Rachel's death and find Ethan but it becomes evident quickly that he is on the hit list of those who betrayed him originally. After escaping the first hired killers, Wes meets Mia Pavic, a young autistic Croatian woman who becomes his driver and, in more ways than one, his savior.
I found Mia to be a very likeable character, more so than the central Wes who is a bitter man with violent tendencies. Fortunately, Mia's religious faith and simple philosophy have something of a calming influence on Wes. It was unique that Bible scriptures were noted through the novel, the Bible having been given to Wes by fellow inmate Patrice. (see quote above)
Several places where Mia and Wes found themselves were familiar to me, places I had visited recently---Malaga, Barcelona, Lisbon. Somehow that makes the story more personal.
I give a rating of 4 to The Names of the Dead. I liked it enough to look for another by this author.
-Patrice, upon giving Wes his Bible
This book was a quick read after finally trudging through World Without End---only a few days as opposed to weeks. A spy novel of sorts, it was pretty much a page-turner.
Protagonist James "Wes" Wesley, has been imprisoned in France as a result of having been framed for a crime. He receives early release after being informed his ex-wife, Rachel Richards, has been killed in an apparent terrorist attack in Spain and her young son, Ethan, is missing. Wes is subsequently surprised to learn that Ethan is his child. Predictably Wes sets out to avenge Rachel's death and find Ethan but it becomes evident quickly that he is on the hit list of those who betrayed him originally. After escaping the first hired killers, Wes meets Mia Pavic, a young autistic Croatian woman who becomes his driver and, in more ways than one, his savior.
I found Mia to be a very likeable character, more so than the central Wes who is a bitter man with violent tendencies. Fortunately, Mia's religious faith and simple philosophy have something of a calming influence on Wes. It was unique that Bible scriptures were noted through the novel, the Bible having been given to Wes by fellow inmate Patrice. (see quote above)
Several places where Mia and Wes found themselves were familiar to me, places I had visited recently---Malaga, Barcelona, Lisbon. Somehow that makes the story more personal.
I give a rating of 4 to The Names of the Dead. I liked it enough to look for another by this author.
World Without End by Ken Follett
"Caris had to fight back her own grief. Her loss was nothing compared with theirs. She did not know why God so often took the best people and left the wicked alive to do more wrong. The whole idea of a benevolent deity watching over everyone seemed unbelievable at moments such as this."
-from the novel
Wow! What an amazing story! Several years ago our group read Pillars of the Earth, the first in Follett's Kingsbridge series. It was well-liked, being rated 4.7. World Without End is a sequel set in the town of Kingsbridge, England in the 14th century, some 200 years after the original story. There are rare references to the building of the local cathedral from book one but this novel can be enjoyed in its own right.
At 1000+ pages, I hesitated to select it for the Page Turners but was influenced by a couple of factors: 1) I found a copy on my bookshelf which I'd forgotten about, 2) no meeting in December meant we had almost 2 months to read the novel, 3) polling the group showed some interest.
I thought I might give the book a 4 rating because it took me SO long to finish it---almost a month---very frustrating. However, I was fascinated by the story so I upgraded my rating to a 5. I am not sure why Follett could not have published the saga in 2 or 3 novels instead of one tome! I learned it took 3 years to write.
Early in the novel, 4 preteens---brothers Merthin and Ralph and friends Caris and Gwenda---while galivanting in the woods come upon a frightening scene. A knight has buried a mysterious letter and is subsequently attacked by several men. The story then revolves around the four as they grown into adulthood---one becoming a gifted architect, another a depraved nobleman, another a nun with a gift of healing and the last a farm wife working her fingers to the bone. Of course, numerous secondary characters come and go, including many who succumb to the Black Death, or plague.
It has been a long time since I read a novel set in the Middle Ages and I was jolted once again by the cruelty of punishments and the terrible lack of regard for women. It may be a long time before I take on such a lengthy book again but I really enjoyed World Without End. It remains to be seen how the Page Turners will react. I already have heard from a few they did not read it. More after the meeting this week......
____________________
We had a smaller number of folks at our meeting---only 12. People traveling, sick or simply did not want to read the book. Our average rating for World Without End was 3.8; it was liked by most but not really loved. Only one person other than me rated it a 5. It seemed we were all impressed with the amount of research done by the author but most were intimidated by 1000+ pages!
We could agree we learned a great deal about the 14th century, enough to be grateful we live NOW. Also we thought the women characters were strong and Ralph was the one we loved to hate. The discussion questions issued by the publisher, easily found on LitLovers.com, were very thought-provoking. "What does the book's title mean?" was especially appropriate. One member recalled Prior Godwyn saying, in a sermon, "...world without end, amen." Someone else thought the symbolism of the bridge and tower pointed to the lifting of Kingsbridge to a place of prominence in the world. As always the discussion was enlightening.
-from the novel
Wow! What an amazing story! Several years ago our group read Pillars of the Earth, the first in Follett's Kingsbridge series. It was well-liked, being rated 4.7. World Without End is a sequel set in the town of Kingsbridge, England in the 14th century, some 200 years after the original story. There are rare references to the building of the local cathedral from book one but this novel can be enjoyed in its own right.
At 1000+ pages, I hesitated to select it for the Page Turners but was influenced by a couple of factors: 1) I found a copy on my bookshelf which I'd forgotten about, 2) no meeting in December meant we had almost 2 months to read the novel, 3) polling the group showed some interest.
I thought I might give the book a 4 rating because it took me SO long to finish it---almost a month---very frustrating. However, I was fascinated by the story so I upgraded my rating to a 5. I am not sure why Follett could not have published the saga in 2 or 3 novels instead of one tome! I learned it took 3 years to write.
Early in the novel, 4 preteens---brothers Merthin and Ralph and friends Caris and Gwenda---while galivanting in the woods come upon a frightening scene. A knight has buried a mysterious letter and is subsequently attacked by several men. The story then revolves around the four as they grown into adulthood---one becoming a gifted architect, another a depraved nobleman, another a nun with a gift of healing and the last a farm wife working her fingers to the bone. Of course, numerous secondary characters come and go, including many who succumb to the Black Death, or plague.
It has been a long time since I read a novel set in the Middle Ages and I was jolted once again by the cruelty of punishments and the terrible lack of regard for women. It may be a long time before I take on such a lengthy book again but I really enjoyed World Without End. It remains to be seen how the Page Turners will react. I already have heard from a few they did not read it. More after the meeting this week......
____________________
We had a smaller number of folks at our meeting---only 12. People traveling, sick or simply did not want to read the book. Our average rating for World Without End was 3.8; it was liked by most but not really loved. Only one person other than me rated it a 5. It seemed we were all impressed with the amount of research done by the author but most were intimidated by 1000+ pages!
We could agree we learned a great deal about the 14th century, enough to be grateful we live NOW. Also we thought the women characters were strong and Ralph was the one we loved to hate. The discussion questions issued by the publisher, easily found on LitLovers.com, were very thought-provoking. "What does the book's title mean?" was especially appropriate. One member recalled Prior Godwyn saying, in a sermon, "...world without end, amen." Someone else thought the symbolism of the bridge and tower pointed to the lifting of Kingsbridge to a place of prominence in the world. As always the discussion was enlightening.
Friday, December 13, 2019
The Dark Heart by Joakim Palmkvist
"There are many people for me to thank for helping to bring this book into existence, but none more than Therese Tang, who cut through the veils of secrecy, took personal risks, and brought an impossible case to justice. There are more cases out there, Therese! Go get 'em!"
-Acknowledgments, by the author
This nonfiction is subtitled A True Story of Greed, Murder, and an Unlikely Investigator, who happens to be Therese Tang mentioned in the quote. Therese is not in law enforcement, is really only a citizen leading a branch of Missing People Sweden when she encounters the case of Goran Lundblad, a wealthy man who vanished without a trace in August, 2012. Although foul play is surmised and there are a few suspects, no body has been found---no corpus delecti, a new term I learned. Therese is relentless in her efforts to find a body and get a confession, not necessarily in that order, and even at personal risk.
At first I didn't really like the book. There were so many unfamiliar Swedish names of people and places and the sequence of events shifted around and left me confused at times. Once I was into the plot and emotionally involved with Therese, it was more of a page turner. It reminded me of some true crime shows I have seen on TV like "Dateline NBC" or "48 Hours" on CBS. I have rated the book a 3.
-Acknowledgments, by the author
This nonfiction is subtitled A True Story of Greed, Murder, and an Unlikely Investigator, who happens to be Therese Tang mentioned in the quote. Therese is not in law enforcement, is really only a citizen leading a branch of Missing People Sweden when she encounters the case of Goran Lundblad, a wealthy man who vanished without a trace in August, 2012. Although foul play is surmised and there are a few suspects, no body has been found---no corpus delecti, a new term I learned. Therese is relentless in her efforts to find a body and get a confession, not necessarily in that order, and even at personal risk.
At first I didn't really like the book. There were so many unfamiliar Swedish names of people and places and the sequence of events shifted around and left me confused at times. Once I was into the plot and emotionally involved with Therese, it was more of a page turner. It reminded me of some true crime shows I have seen on TV like "Dateline NBC" or "48 Hours" on CBS. I have rated the book a 3.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Every Thing You Are by Kerry Anne King
"Adventure Angels Manifesto
I herby commit to falling in love with life in all of its manifestations of trouble and triumph, joy and grief, boredom and excitement.
I will treat each day as an adventure, full of possibility, and I will seek to be present for every moment, whether pleasant or unpleasant....
I commit to becoming an ambassador for adventure, bringing new experiences into the lives of others while engaging in them myself.
And I solemnly promise to hold sacred the confidences and stories shared in this group, along with the identities of individuals who attend.
If I should fail, I commit to picking myself up and trying again...."
-excerpts of the Manifesto, from the novel
Ophelia MacPhee is a luthier in Seattle. Don't know that term? Neither did I. A luthier is a maker/repairer of stringed instruments such as violins or guitars. When her grandfather bequeaths his business to Phee, as she is called, she is forced to make a promise to him, one with which she is uncomfortable and which will literally haunt her for years.
Braden Healey, formerly a premiere cello player, has lost use of his hands in a tragic event, and shortly after, lost most of his family and fell into the clutches of alcoholism. Braden's daughter, 17-year-old Allie, also a gifted cellist, is also burdened by guilt. Phee, who has secretly loved Braden for years, sets out to reunite the two with each other and with the music so sadly missing in their lives.
I found the story compelling and well-written so I rate the book a 4. I believe anyone who is deeply involved in the world of instrumental music would LOVE the book. Having little musical ability, I had a harder time identifying with the cello obsession which drove the plot. The themes of family dysfunction, broken promises, and redemption were more universal, of course.
I herby commit to falling in love with life in all of its manifestations of trouble and triumph, joy and grief, boredom and excitement.
I will treat each day as an adventure, full of possibility, and I will seek to be present for every moment, whether pleasant or unpleasant....
I commit to becoming an ambassador for adventure, bringing new experiences into the lives of others while engaging in them myself.
And I solemnly promise to hold sacred the confidences and stories shared in this group, along with the identities of individuals who attend.
If I should fail, I commit to picking myself up and trying again...."
-excerpts of the Manifesto, from the novel
Ophelia MacPhee is a luthier in Seattle. Don't know that term? Neither did I. A luthier is a maker/repairer of stringed instruments such as violins or guitars. When her grandfather bequeaths his business to Phee, as she is called, she is forced to make a promise to him, one with which she is uncomfortable and which will literally haunt her for years.
Braden Healey, formerly a premiere cello player, has lost use of his hands in a tragic event, and shortly after, lost most of his family and fell into the clutches of alcoholism. Braden's daughter, 17-year-old Allie, also a gifted cellist, is also burdened by guilt. Phee, who has secretly loved Braden for years, sets out to reunite the two with each other and with the music so sadly missing in their lives.
I found the story compelling and well-written so I rate the book a 4. I believe anyone who is deeply involved in the world of instrumental music would LOVE the book. Having little musical ability, I had a harder time identifying with the cello obsession which drove the plot. The themes of family dysfunction, broken promises, and redemption were more universal, of course.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
2019 Page Turners Book Rankings
1.Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 4.4
2. Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King 4.2
3. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor 3.8
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover 3.8
4. A Gentleman
in Moscow by Amor Towles 3.7 5. Saints
for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan 3.6
The
Library Book by Susan Orlean 3.6
6. Standing
Alone in Mecca by Asra Nomani 3.5
7. Before
the Fall by Noah Hawley 3.4
8. Glass
Houses by Louise Penny 3.0
9. The
Orphan Mother by Robert Hicks 2.9
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
My Name Is Eva by Suzanne Goldring
"Well, to tell the truth, I am wondering how I'll feel when I see his face for the first time, as my hatred for the man who caused your death has not declined one tiny bit. But I've decided I'm going to absolutely do the best job I possibly can and while I'm doing it, if I see any glimpse of a chink in his armour or find any opportunity to make him pay dearly for his dreadful errors of judgement, I will do so, just you wait and see."
-Eva, in a letter to deceased husband Hugh, 1945
I selected this book for my Amazon First Reads recently and it was a winner! The rating is a 5.
Protagonist Evelyn Taylor-Clarke, an elderly resident at Forest Lawns Care Home in England, is a loveable and memorable character. Her story begins in 2016 but then flashes back to WWII era and just after, through narratives and also multiple letters to her husband, like the quote above. Throughout, the reader learns of a promise made to her beloved Hugh and secrets she guards of her time working in post-War Germany.
Evelyn's niece, Pat, visits her at the retirement home and is charged with taking some care of the family estate, Kingsley. There she finds a photo and a passport with a strange name and questions her aunt about them. Evelyn, though very sharp mentally, pretends dementia to avoid revealing her true past. When she is questioned by law enforcement about a mysterious disappearance, deception is a game she seems to enjoy.
An engaging plot with themes of love, courage, strength, determination and revenge make this a true page-turner! I recommend it, especially to those who love historical fiction as I do.
-Eva, in a letter to deceased husband Hugh, 1945
I selected this book for my Amazon First Reads recently and it was a winner! The rating is a 5.
Protagonist Evelyn Taylor-Clarke, an elderly resident at Forest Lawns Care Home in England, is a loveable and memorable character. Her story begins in 2016 but then flashes back to WWII era and just after, through narratives and also multiple letters to her husband, like the quote above. Throughout, the reader learns of a promise made to her beloved Hugh and secrets she guards of her time working in post-War Germany.
Evelyn's niece, Pat, visits her at the retirement home and is charged with taking some care of the family estate, Kingsley. There she finds a photo and a passport with a strange name and questions her aunt about them. Evelyn, though very sharp mentally, pretends dementia to avoid revealing her true past. When she is questioned by law enforcement about a mysterious disappearance, deception is a game she seems to enjoy.
An engaging plot with themes of love, courage, strength, determination and revenge make this a true page-turner! I recommend it, especially to those who love historical fiction as I do.
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