Anyone who has seen images on the news of immigrants not quite making it to a better life can't help but be moved by their fate and desperation. MichaAnyone who has seen images on the news of immigrants not quite making it to a better life can't help but be moved by their fate and desperation. Michael Robotham has set his series against this tragedy, and while this is the first I have read, it more than stood on its own. Psychologist Cyrus Haven and his charge Evie Cormac are present at a beach when tragedy strikes, and what follows is told from shifting points of view so the reader gets a full picture of the inner lives of these characters. Although this seems to be a resolution of the journey of their journey, I plan on reading the earlier books. Robotham is that good. He makes you want to learn everything you can about his characters and his intent....more
Perfect for the beach and just in time. All the elements that make it so -- many characters, all with secrets and regrets; intertwined coincidences, rPerfect for the beach and just in time. All the elements that make it so -- many characters, all with secrets and regrets; intertwined coincidences, romance and a whiff of a thriller. ...more
This really didn't work for me even as a sorbet. After a promising beginning in which the narrator shows evidence of being a complicated character, shThis really didn't work for me even as a sorbet. After a promising beginning in which the narrator shows evidence of being a complicated character, she devolved into damsel in distress without much color to keep her interesting. And there's a storm, and a purported treasure, and wicked sisters, and oh my, SECRETS. And revelations that shock EVERYONE.
I guess I'm just getting cranky and need more to my thrillers than just the cliched elements....more
Ann Cleeves is one of those writers I drop everything to pick up. She is managing to create two series each intriguing in its own way in its approach Ann Cleeves is one of those writers I drop everything to pick up. She is managing to create two series each intriguing in its own way in its approach to the crimes perpetuated, the investigators cracking the code, and, most importantly, the role the UK landscape plays in the proceedings. We are back in Northumberland with Vera Stanhope, familiar to those addicted to the BBC series starring Brenda Blethyn who embodies her to perfection, her no nonsense style, filthy Land Rover, piercing intelligence. Cleeves makes use of news sources for inspiration, in this case the treatment of unwanted kids in a halfway house and the complications of their care. ...more
This novel begins with a bang and never lets up, beginning with a prelude documenting the kidnapping of the head of a family-owned factory. The story This novel begins with a bang and never lets up, beginning with a prelude documenting the kidnapping of the head of a family-owned factory. The story then delves into the lives of his children, one of whom isn't even born at the time, but the crime itself was so traumatizing it became fused into the DNA of everyone involved. In this further excursion into contemporary Jewish life, Taffy Brodesser-Akner plumbs the depths of wealth, privilege, questioning through the characters whether extreme wealth is a burden or a blessing. Her facility with language is paramount, her characters, relatable, and the situations believable. Written in a style that almost feels as if you're hearing it from a resident of the (fictitious, wealthy) Middle Rock community on Long Island. ...more
I love how Kent Krueger keeps churning out book after book, all set in his beloved northern mid-west, many with the continuing story of Cork O'Connor I love how Kent Krueger keeps churning out book after book, all set in his beloved northern mid-west, many with the continuing story of Cork O'Connor and his family and neighbors, and lately with the same themes, and yet making them fresh and informative. His recurring themes are subjects close to his heart, the mistreatment of indigenous people by their colonizers and most particularly the vulnerability of young women trafficked, many times abused and murdered, and not given the same respect in their deaths as white women suffering the same fate. His rage at the system is placated by his good-guy protagonists....more
Entertaining, well researched investigation on entertaining subject (despite itself), At times it slogged a bit, taking its time, but that is just furEntertaining, well researched investigation on entertaining subject (despite itself), At times it slogged a bit, taking its time, but that is just further evidence of how deeply Nussbaum went into her subject. ...more
Thank heavens. When Kate Atkinson was asked if there were going to be any more novels featuring Jackson Brodie, she said that she was quitting at the Thank heavens. When Kate Atkinson was asked if there were going to be any more novels featuring Jackson Brodie, she said that she was quitting at the four she'd written to that point. Saying she'd followed his story as much as she felt necessary. Since then, she has written two more, this being the latest. Something about writing with Brodie brings out the best in Atkinson including her wicked sense of humor that caused me to laugh out loud in places. Also, her character development. This one, with art theft as its theme, probes many of her favorite subjects. ...more
Set in the late 1960's during the Nigerian war for freedom, this is probably the most vivid war novel I've ever read. A young apolitical university stSet in the late 1960's during the Nigerian war for freedom, this is probably the most vivid war novel I've ever read. A young apolitical university student gets caught up in the war while trying to save his crippled brother, and finds his life path changed forever. While the descriptions of life in wartime are not for the faint of heart, they bring an immediacy to the plot, not at all gratuitous. ...more
Initially I chose this because of my admiration for the author, who took the world by storm with her captivating memoir detailing the acquisition and Initially I chose this because of my admiration for the author, who took the world by storm with her captivating memoir detailing the acquisition and modernization of a structure in Tuscany, complete with sensual overloads of descriptions of meals taken outside in timeless settings. Under the Tuscan Sun set off an onrush of emigres hopeful to recreate her experience. However, as with another author whose foodie expertise has led to amazing memoirs, her fiction wallows in the shallows of romanticism, and while there are mouthwatering depictions of every meal and nosh and accompanying drink, the characters are two dimensional, the situations overwrought, and the dialogue improbable....more
Lisa Wingate's latest historical fiction novel is more personal than others she has produced, as she lived in Oklahoma and is more familiar with the sLisa Wingate's latest historical fiction novel is more personal than others she has produced, as she lived in Oklahoma and is more familiar with the setting. This presents yet another aspect of how indigenous populations were robbed of their rights, in this case, lands of the Chocktaw preserve that were legimately owned by children who, upon being orphaned,n had to take to the woods in order to survive. Based on actuality, Wingate's books, this one included, are well researched and immersive, and like the other of her books I've read, told in two time lines sharpening the crimes of the past and how they relate to the world today. ...more
According to the author's note, Wealth of Shadows is based on fact, populated with people who actually lived, but because of reconstruction of conversAccording to the author's note, Wealth of Shadows is based on fact, populated with people who actually lived, but because of reconstruction of conversations and personal details, has decided to designate this as fiction. Because of this, although a bit stodgy in style at times, the story is compulsively readable and intriguing with a fine sense of time. Moore displays a knowledge of economic forces and the power they hold over world events. I was particularly taken by the choice of introductory quotes that preceded each section, quoting every recognizable name from Adam Smith to Warren Buffett....more
I am a great fan of James Lee Burke, and the David Robicheaux series in particular, however, lately he has been dipping more into the surreal, confusiI am a great fan of James Lee Burke, and the David Robicheaux series in particular, however, lately he has been dipping more into the surreal, confusing the issue with more and more other worldly elements. In this first outing in which Clete is the major character, after a strong beginning,the story dissolved for me. It does, however contain, some of Burke's trademark evocative writing, which, as always is a pleasure to read. He does manage to speak with a different voice and point of view....more
A reissue of Ann Napolitano's first novel, Within Arm's Reach tells of a sprawling Irish-American family, told mostly through the inner lives of its wA reissue of Ann Napolitano's first novel, Within Arm's Reach tells of a sprawling Irish-American family, told mostly through the inner lives of its women. Each character is given a distinct voice, and the fact that Napolitano made use of her own family's history gives authenticity....more
Thanks to Judi Dench and Brandon O'Hea for this truly illuminating and highly original memoir of life in the theater. Dame Dench has a prodigious memoThanks to Judi Dench and Brandon O'Hea for this truly illuminating and highly original memoir of life in the theater. Dame Dench has a prodigious memory, can recall in many cases the Shakespearean roles she has embodied over the past seven decades. But more than that, her deep understanding of and reverence for Shakespeare, his poetry, his insights, his contributions to the English language, are all inspiring. She discusses the characters' motivations and inner lives, incorporating them into flesh and blood women and not just dusty facsimiles. It gave me a better understanding of Shakespeare and an appreciation of his work. Even to the rhythm of iambic pentameter and even how some works deliberately would shift between text and poetry to establish a character. Also how every emotion in human experience is delineated and timeless. Loved this even more than I thought I would....more
Although he had begun his research during the pandemic, it was the similarities with January 6 that spurred Erik Larson to complete his investigation Although he had begun his research during the pandemic, it was the similarities with January 6 that spurred Erik Larson to complete his investigation into the Civil War and most particularly the role that the attack on Fort Sumter played. Once again, he examines a large piece of history by examining the lives of the players behind it, and here the proponents of the Southern secession are given motivations and personalities of their own. Utilizing diaries and correspondence, he casts his historian's eye on those events, delineating ironies and making history come to life....more
As with all her previous work, Laura an den Berg writes like no other. Except maybe her husband, Paul Yoon. The fact that they are a "literary couple As with all her previous work, Laura an den Berg writes like no other. Except maybe her husband, Paul Yoon. The fact that they are a "literary couple like no other" explains a lot, with their shared expertise and imagination. State of Paradise is set in a place she knows well having lived there, but as with another Floridian (transplanted), she focuses on the native forces that impact the human population in weird and truly original ways. ...more
Richard Price writes of the City he knows. In Lush Life, it was the lower East Side, where he lived at the time. Far as I know, he now lives in HarlemRichard Price writes of the City he knows. In Lush Life, it was the lower East Side, where he lived at the time. Far as I know, he now lives in Harlem. As with other authors, he sets his story pre-2016 which avoids the changes wrought in that year.
The Lazarus Man is Anthony Walker, who is extricated from the rubble of a building that leveled itself 36 hours previously. The miracle of his being found alive sets off a media frenzy, and he finds another version of himself "blessed" (it is complicated) with the ability to inspire hope in those who listen to him. I did not for one minute forget that his words were forged by Price. What makes Price such a compelling writer is his ability to create characters that jump off the page and stand in front of you. With a few phrases, he creates an entire history and the personality that has been molded by it. The entire community is here, even the victims of the building's collapse as their stories are encapsulated in a memorial, similar to the New York Times's feature on the 911 victims, "The Lives They Led."
Another area in which Prince's talent reigns is dialogue. Years ago I had the privilege of being present at a lunch with him when he recounted the first table read of his first screenplay, in which his dialogue was informed by his experience as a novelist. After reading for what seemed an eternity, Robert deNiro looked up and asked "Am I still talkin' here?" It changed how Price's approach, and his novels and screenplays reflect his snappy, cinematic repartee.
What a pleasure in this second installment featuring Mud Sawpole. Although it follows hard on the heels of Winter Counts, there is enough reference toWhat a pleasure in this second installment featuring Mud Sawpole. Although it follows hard on the heels of Winter Counts, there is enough reference to the first book so that the series (hopefully there will be more) can begun with Silent are the Dead, but a richer experience of course would occur if the first one had been read. D. M. Rowell beautifully blends the dilemma of a former member of this Kiowa family who has successfully forged a life in Silicon Valley. One of my favorite shows, Reservation Dogs, was set and filmed in the same region of Oklahoma, so there was ease in the visual descriptions. This particular episode features a twisty mystery that incorporates Kiowa traditions, giving it a current sensibility.. Looking forward to more....more
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