When a rich local landowner is found murdered, suspicion soon falls on one of his employees who he recently quarreled with. Sherrif Dern has his doubtWhen a rich local landowner is found murdered, suspicion soon falls on one of his employees who he recently quarreled with. Sherrif Dern has his doubts and even goes as far as to erase some evidence at the crime scene since the murdered man had many enemies, but the small-town 1950s Minnesota inhabitants turn against the Sioux WWII vet Bluestone and his Japanese wife. The author creates a fully realized town, with many characters that weave in and out of the narrative. Secrets are revealed, and mistakes that domino out of control occur.
This novel was an interesting mix of historical fiction, mystery and melodrama- with parts that reminded me of other books. I thought of The Reckoning by John Grisham when Bluestone refused to defend himself when it became doubtful he was the killer, and a few storylines were overwrought such as Angie's past and Quinn's wife's story that reminded me of stories by VC Andrews. Taken in parts, the story didn't work plus it dragged a bit, but surprisingly when braided together I came away liking the book. (Actual review 3.5/5)...more
I read Daddy-Long-Legs way back in the 80s when I was young, as I loved old-fashioned books by Louisa May Allcott, Lucy Maud Montgomery and Laura IngaI read Daddy-Long-Legs way back in the 80s when I was young, as I loved old-fashioned books by Louisa May Allcott, Lucy Maud Montgomery and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Remembering it fondly, I decided to give it a re-read and also read the sequel for the first time. Big mistake.
Daddy-Long-Legs
Published in 1912, the story is written in letter format as orphan Judy Abbott writes letters to her anonymous benefactor who pays her way through college. The letters detail her life as a budding writer, her new friendships and the possibility of two romances. That one of the men is secretly her benefactor comes as no surprise, despite the 14-year age gap and inequality of the relationship. Remember I grew up thinking it was romantic that the Prince of Wales became engaged to a teenage Diana, so I didn't question (too much) how Jervis manipulated Judy. I accept this story is a product of its time, and still enjoyed my re-read of it. Rating: 4/5
Dear Enemy
This sequel centers on Sallie McBride, Judy's best friend, who is surprisingly given the job of running the orphanage that Judy grew up in. Judy and her rich husband Jervis are patrons and support Sallie's reforms. This story is also written in letters, some to Sallie's "enemy" the staid local doctor, some to Judy and others to her fiance. Again, I tried to remember this story is a product of its time, but what Sallie shared about the "feebleminded", her support of euthenics and her joke about her wish to poison one of the girls completely took me out of the story and spoiled the entire narrative. In addition, her late-in-story romance with the doctor was unbelievable so I ended up hating on the second story. Rating: 1/5
Combining the two gives it a 2.5 rating, which I rounded up to a 3 (how I wish we could give half stars on Goodreads!)
Spanning decades, three Vietnamese American women and their complicated mother/daughter relationships are featured in this book of historical fiction.Spanning decades, three Vietnamese American women and their complicated mother/daughter relationships are featured in this book of historical fiction. In a non-linear timeline, we meet the grandmother Minh, her daughter Huong, and the granddaughter Ann who have secrets from one another that lead to a frustrating lack of communication. Minh's flashbacks take place during the Vietnam War but she and her family are far enough removed from the fighting that it seems more a nuisance than a tragedy. She later immigrates to America with Huong and her little brother and buys a rambling old Florida home called the Banyan House. A Vietnamese folktale ties into the narrative and parallels all the women raising their children as single mothers. Depending on your age and your familial relationships, you might understand or like one woman more than the others. In my case, it was Huong, for I found Ann ungrateful and spiteful, and Minh too selfish. Because I found two of the three women unlikable and thought the timeline was muddled with some additional plot holes, I didn't connect with the story as much as some women in my book club did. (Actual review 3.5/5)...more
What an unusual and surreal tale of historical fiction! The framework is that a remote wooded piece of land in western Massachusetts is revisited overWhat an unusual and surreal tale of historical fiction! The framework is that a remote wooded piece of land in western Massachusetts is revisited over the centuries, from colonial days to a possible apocalyptic future. The novel is organized chronologically in short stories, as vignettes are shared of the settlers who move there first in a cabin with apple orchards, and later in a large rambling yellow house. Some of the more interesting stories centers around a young mother kidnapped by Indians, a colonial soldier and his dysfunctional twin daughters, a runaway slave woman, a pair of artists, a young man with delusions and finally a botanist. Threads between these people weave in and out throughout the years, along with supernatural elements of a catamount, and connections to nature.
I read this novel for a book club, and the narrative took awhile to engage with me, despite my fondness for short stories and historical fiction. I felt it was indulgent at times, especially when the author waxed poetic about nature, such as the chapter about the beetles. However, I kept at it for it proved to be an intriguing story about our connections to one another and the natural world over the years.
Colson Whitehead painted a vivid picture of Harlem in the early 1960s, with excellent character studies, however it meandered and took long detours. TColson Whitehead painted a vivid picture of Harlem in the early 1960s, with excellent character studies, however it meandered and took long detours. The main character is Carney, a Black family man who is a furniture salesman, who likes to consider himself an upright citizen, but does some fencing of stolen goods on the side. The book is divided into three parts- 1959, 1961 and 1964- and in each he gets involved in a crime caper. His cousin Freddy drags him into trouble on most occasions, but Carney on his own wants revenge against a businessman who swindled him out of money when he was trying to get into a country club and was denied membership. The quote "Carney was only slightly bent when it came to be crooked..." was apt in the beginning but he became more crooked as the novel progressed, and it helped him to be upwardly mobile financially, so at least for him it seemed as if crime paid for him and his family. Overall, I give this story a thumbs up for the thoughtful insights on race and class, but too many characters and a slow pace made this a challenging book to listen to on audio. (Actual review 3.5/5)...more
Kristin Hannah has crafted another powerful story about strong women, this time set during the Vietnam War and afterward. Frankie is an idealistic youKristin Hannah has crafted another powerful story about strong women, this time set during the Vietnam War and afterward. Frankie is an idealistic young nurse who wants to make her family proud and serve alongside her soldier brother, so she signs up to be an Army nurse in 1965. Despite her brother dying early on in the war, she serves two tours of duty while enduring trauma, danger and a soul-crushing workload. She becomes lifelong best friends with two other nurses and is pulled romantically toward a doctor and then a pilot she knew from home. She endures further tragedies at the end of her tour and heads home broken just to have her family and community reject her service and downplay her role as a veteran. Years go by with Frankie suffering severe PTSD before the war finally ends and American society begins to appreciate the sacrifice of the Vietnam vets. There is a feel-good ending and an improbable meeting with someone from her past, yet it pleased me. This book was atypical in that only half of the narrative is set during the war, with the other half covering her years of recovery, but it contains a reckoning and formidable message about the horrors of war and supporting those in pain. ...more
Hello Beautiful takes inspiration from Little Women, in this multi-generational saga that spans from the 1980s to 2008. Julia, the eldest of the four Hello Beautiful takes inspiration from Little Women, in this multi-generational saga that spans from the 1980s to 2008. Julia, the eldest of the four Padavano sisters, meets William at college and takes a shine to the quiet basketball player. A practical woman, she engineers their future and they marry immediately after graduation. Her three younger sisters, Sylvie and twins Cecelia and Emeline welcome William into their close-knit Chicago family, but a tragedy and various domestic dramas start to divide the family. As Julia and William's marriage disintegrates, sides are taken and betrayals occur between the sisters.
I disliked much of the book, as I saw the rift between Julia and Sylvie a mile away, and was frustrated at how a lack of communication between many of the family members resulted in decades-long estrangement. Yet, the narrative made me ponder some of my family relationships, and books that make you think beyond the page are always worthwhile.
Set in 1937, John Clark is a talented young photographer who is employed by the Farm Security Administration to document life in Oklahoma and the horrSet in 1937, John Clark is a talented young photographer who is employed by the Farm Security Administration to document life in Oklahoma and the horrible Dust Bowl that is destroying the region. He is given a script of what to look for, so he travels to the barren state and diligently begins photographing what the FSA wants. But he doesn’t take into account the dignity of the people, and he realizes he is insulting many people and the pictures don’t tell the exact truth of the matter. He then meets Betty, a pregnant widow living with her extended family, and he instantly falls in love with the resilient young woman with eyes like oceans. Temporarily staying in a motel, he endures the dust storms and gets to know the locals. The story ends heartbreakingly, as John endures himself the anguish that many people faced.
Surprisingly, the author and illustrator Aimée de Jongh is from the Netherlands, as she captured an iconic time in America’s history so well. Still, she did her research with a trip to Oklahoma and visits to the Library of Congress and other history organizations. Thus her illustrations really captured the environmental devastation that was affecting Oklahoma and some surrounding states. Colored in sepia tones, with a mix of panel placements, readers will really get a sense of the era and people. There were some lovely full-page illustrations. I appreciated that reprints of real photographs taken during the Dust Bowl by FSA photographers Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Arthur Rothstein are included throughout the book.
I actually read this book last year when I was part of the 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Committee through the American Library Association. It made our Top 10 list, so I was determined to make sure I reviewed it before this year ended. This historical fiction gives a nuanced view of a devastating time for many American families, and its evocative illustrations bring the late 1930s to life.
What an outstanding book! Author Zoulfa Katouh who has Syrian roots has written a love letter to her family's war-torn country and brings the ongoing What an outstanding book! Author Zoulfa Katouh who has Syrian roots has written a love letter to her family's war-torn country and brings the ongoing conflict to an audience that may not know all the details of what has happened in Syria in the last dozen years.
Katouh evocatively brings her main character Salama to life and how she had to grow up too fast when the civil war began. Her fear has manifested into an imaginary companion and has guarded her from succumbing to immense grief when her loved ones die. Her best friend Layla's true fate was a gut punch, but it is balanced out by Salama's sweet love story with Kenan. It is a searing story of love and loss and finding the strength to persevere despite hardships. This is a beautiful debut novel, so I look forward to reading future books by Katouh!
The six wives of King Henry VIII all share their stories in this YA historical fiction collection of short stories written by different authors. SpannThe six wives of King Henry VIII all share their stories in this YA historical fiction collection of short stories written by different authors. Spanning the years of his reign from 1509-1547, we get a look at the cruel and self-centered king whose own insecurities led to the deaths of several of his queens and many others from the royal court. The audiobook was voiced very well by a large cast.
Katherine of Aragon- Henry wanted the regal and beautiful Spanish bride of his eldest brother for his own. Once Arthur died, he wed the older Katherine who was married to him for 24 years when he was young and healthy. But they never had a son live beyond infancy and he banished his pious wife for a younger woman. She died alone, separated from her daughter Mary, several years later. Anne Boleyn- At first Henry was bewitched by the worldly and scheming Anne but he soon tired of her after she too did not give birth to a son. Off with her head! Jane Seymour-She was a contrast to Anne, as she was meek, but she gave Henry a son. Because she died of childbirth complications, he never tired of her and thus he put her on a pedestal in later years. Anna of Cleves- A political marriage that did not work out, as she was not trained in the English courts, thus did not flatter the fat and ulcered Henry. He quickly discarded her by having the marriage annulled, but she avoided a deadly fate and was supported by the king afterward as a sister. Catherine Howard- Henry in his later years wanted a young wife to make him feel virile again, but Catherine never became pregnant and was indiscreet in her past love affairs. She lost her head also. Kateryn Parr- An educated woman who wrote books, she escaped death by learning from the past mistakes of former queens. A surprising choice for a queen as she was a widow who had never had children. She outlived the King, then remarried a cad but died after a surprise pregnancy.
As with any historical fiction novel, the framework is based on facts and research, but liberty is taken with fleshing out conversations and details that are unknown. I enjoyed going down the rabbit hole of Wikipedia articles about these historical figures, and plan to do further reading and perhaps watch Tudors or The Spanish Princess (both very inaccurate but fun) to see different interpretations of the life and times of Henry VIII....more
When I was a teen I adored the Sunfire historical fiction book series that centered on young women who had to choose between two suitors during a momeWhen I was a teen I adored the Sunfire historical fiction book series that centered on young women who had to choose between two suitors during a momentous time in American history, and this novel reminded me of these books. This story takes place in 1910 Chicago and centers on the Davenports, a rich Black family (based on a real Ohio family) and their friends who are all looking for love. First off there is Olivia, the oldest sensible daughter, her younger headstrong sister Helen, their friend Ruby who is interested in their older brother John, and Amy-Rose who is the Davenport's maid and who would like to open a hair salon. All four ladies, plus John, grapple with falling in love with someone that society or their parents will not approve of. As this is the first of a new series, the book ends with only one of the four lady's relationships being settled, while all the Davenports siblings are in romantic turmoil. This lighthearted novel is sure to appeal to romantics and the diversity showcased is welcome. (As an adult reader this was a 3/5 for me, but for YA readers it is a 4/5). ...more
I have been aware of this book for years but never picked it up until now, when my college son was reading it for a class and I read his copy. At firsI have been aware of this book for years but never picked it up until now, when my college son was reading it for a class and I read his copy. At first, I thought it was a memoir of the author's time as a soldier during the Vietnam War, but as I read into it I realized it was less non-fiction and more historical fiction. The linked short stories aim less to be an accurate retelling of his tour of duty but instead strive to achieve a greater storytelling arc.
Two stories stand out- On The Rainy River and the surreal Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong. The first seemed very autobiographical in nature about the author's decision to either serve or defect to Canada, and I imagined the wise elderly camp owner as my Uncle Tom, a WWII veteran. On the other hand, the second story about a soldier's girlfriend seems like an allegory, symbolizing a soldier's change from innocence to savagery. But now knowing how O'Brien plays fast and loose with facts, I wonder how much truth vs fiction was in either story.
O'Brien's stories achieved the desired effect, of showcasing the horrors of war, especially the soul-crushing effects of the Vietnam conflict. I imagine this is a book that I can revisit and gain deeper insight into with further reads. A fascinating book that deserves the acclaim it garnered....more
The Night Tiger is a lush historical fiction novel set in 1931 in Malaya that braids together several stories into one. The appealing Ji Lin is a younThe Night Tiger is a lush historical fiction novel set in 1931 in Malaya that braids together several stories into one. The appealing Ji Lin is a young woman who is finally out front under the thumb of her cruel stepfather, as she is a dressmaker and part-time dance hall girl. Orphaned eleven-year-old Ren is a houseboy who is sent to work for a new doctor once his original master dies. Ren has promised to find the amputated finger of the first doctor and return it to his grave so that his soul will not wander, and this quest ties into the entire narrative of magic and mythology. This magical realism tale has several murders occur, with a possibility of a weretiger being the culprit. There is an odd romance angle between Ji Lin and her stepbrother, and some of the connections between the characters defied credibility, but overall it was an interesting look into another culture and time period....more
After loving Salt to the Sea, I thought I'd enjoy this YA historical fiction novel about the fall of communism in Romania in 1989, as I myself was a tAfter loving Salt to the Sea, I thought I'd enjoy this YA historical fiction novel about the fall of communism in Romania in 1989, as I myself was a teen in that era and remember the dramatic changes that were occurring in Eastern Europe. However, this novel really fell flat for me, and I didn't connect with Christian or any other characters, as the entire narrative felt bloodless to me. Thus, when a few characters died, it didn't have any impact. The worst part was every short chapter ended with something dramatic or a mini cliffhanger. It felt, dare I say, very James Patterson-ish. While you can tell the author, Ruta Sepetys, did her research about the region I did not fully engage with the story at any point....more
This thin book written during the Harlem Renaissance in 1929 was an eye-opening look at identity and race. Clare is a light-skinned Black woman who maThis thin book written during the Harlem Renaissance in 1929 was an eye-opening look at identity and race. Clare is a light-skinned Black woman who married a racist white man, who does not know of her racial background. When Clare runs into a former childhood friend Irene, who can also pass but chooses not to, Clare is transfixed by the life and heritage she gave up. Clare fixates on Irene and begins to clandestinely attend events that Irene and her husband attend. Clare is now walking a tightrope, for if her husband discovers the truth the life she built will crumble, but she can't resist the temptation. Irene feels trapped by Clare's lies, and also worries that her husband is becoming seduced by Clare's carefree ways. The conclusion is tragic and leaves open enough questions that readers will not be positive about who truly caused the accident.
The author, Nella Larsen was also a mixed-race woman who married a white man, and thus the narrative takes on a deeper meaning, as the issues raised in the book surely were part of her life then. I look forward to watching the Netflix adaptation and thinking more about the complex issues of identity found in the story....more
Set in 1953, more than a decade has passed since the ending of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, and Cussy's daughter Honey is now sixteen. When CuSet in 1953, more than a decade has passed since the ending of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, and Cussy's daughter Honey is now sixteen. When Cussy, who is one of the last Blues of eastern KY, and her husband Jackson are arrested for being in a "colored marriage" their daughter is sent to live with a family friend during their imprisonment. Honey is also a Blue, a family that passed down the trait of blue-tinged skin due to a blood disorder, but isn't affected as much and can hide her blue-tinged hands and feet. When her guardian unexpectedly dies, Honey is able to become a pack librarian like her mother was years before, bringing books out to families who live in remote areas. This book is similar to the first, and Honey veers from one tragedy to the next, as she is skirting the law by living without her parents or a guardian. But this book isn't as bad, as she is given a good friend and a love interest, and ends with a hopeful conclusion.
I hadn't really liked the first novel, so it is surprising I picked up this sequel, but I appreciated that the narrative is a love letter to libraries and the salvation that books can bring to people. I also enjoyed the look into Appalachia during a pivotal time, when modern life was entering the region, yet some pockets remained old-fashioned for better or for worse, with life continuing for many as it had in the 1800s....more
This harrowing historical fiction story about a young slave woman is based on the real-life of slave Mary Lumpkin and her life at Lumpkin's jail in RiThis harrowing historical fiction story about a young slave woman is based on the real-life of slave Mary Lumpkin and her life at Lumpkin's jail in Richmond, Virginia. In this novel, Pheby is a mixed-race teen, the daughter of the white plantation owner and his medicine woman slave. Promised her freedom at 18, she has a relatively easy life as a slave, until her master marries a younger woman who is jealous of Pheby and her mother. When Essex, the fellow slave she loves is forced to run away due to a scandal with the master's wife, she is sold off when her father is away. Taken to the infamous slave auctions in Richmond, she is bought by the owner of the jail and forced to become his concubine. Pregnant with Essex's child, she later has five additional children in close succession with her master Rubin. She loves all her children but is most worried about her son from Essex, who Rubin threatens to sell anytime he is angry with Pheby. She is trapped-despite her desire for freedom for her and her children, she knows even her daughters that are beloved by Rubin are in danger, and there seems to be no way out. When Essex is captured and brought to the jail, Pheby is forced into making dangerous choices to get Essex and her son to safety without putting her daughters or the other slaves at the jail in danger. The resilient Pheby has to make some heartbreaking sacrifices for her children, and there were no guaranteed happy endings for all.
This story brings into sharp focus the malignancy of slavery. Families were torn asunder, with many families never knowing what happened to some of their loved ones. Women were turned against one another in jealousy, even when sexual relations were forced upon them, and they were not at fault for what the men forced them into. Relationships became warped, devolving into dysfunctional patterns that could bridge generations.
Despite the heartbreaking content of this novel, there were moments of joy and strength found in Pheby's life and those she knew. While the readers knows of the impending Civil War, most of the story takes place in the 1850s in a small claustrophobic part of Richmond, with Pheby not knowing much of what was happening in the outside world. We do get two small windows into her life after the war, wrapping up some details of her family, and many of those details are bittersweet but realistic to the era. I dearly wished I had read this book earlier this year when a friend and I had a weekend getaway in Richmond, for I would have looked up many of the locations mentioned in the book. ...more
In 1922 Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, is sentenced to house arrest at the luxurious Metropol Hotel in Moscow. As an aristocrat, he is saved from exilIn 1922 Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, is sentenced to house arrest at the luxurious Metropol Hotel in Moscow. As an aristocrat, he is saved from exile or even death, because of a revolutionary poem he had written years ago. Buoyed by a stash of gold coins, he is forced to move from his hotel suite to a cramped attic room but is able to maintain a certain standard of living. He early on meets Nina, a precocious nine-year-old girl staying at the hotel, and years later Nina leaves her daughter Sofia with her when Communism puts her and her husband in peril. The Count adapts to life within the walls of the hotel as an amazing transformation of Russia occurs outside. He goes from a gentleman of leisure who expects to be served by others, to a man of purpose who now serves others in his courtly manner. He becomes Head Waiter at the famed hotel restaurant, and in turn, becomes best friends with the Chef and Maitre'D who all get a close look at the Russian elite who still frequent the hotel even during regime changes. His relationship with his ward Sofia (who then becomes his adopted daughter when her parents are presumed dead), the seamstress Marina and his romance with the actress Anna add depth to his life. His 32-year confinement comes to a thrilling end as he engineers an escape for himself and Sofia, despite his nemesis the Bishop interfering.
Despite a slow start to the novel, I persevered as it had come recommended, and the audio edition I listened to was narrated well. While I had first viewed the Count as pretentious and out-of-touch, his life changed dramatically and he was able to bloom where planted. In fact, his life helped others and due to his confinement, he got to raise his much-loved daughter. As Russia is in the news right now, because of its aggressive push to take over Ukraine, this historical fiction narrative helped me understand Russian culture a bit more. For those ready for a layered look at one man's life during a tumultuous time in history, I recommend this book! ...more
