Phenomenal prose.....highly recommended...
I absolutely love this book! In fact, I read it in just two sittings and simply could not put it down. Andre Aciman's writing is so unlike anything I've read - beautiful, touching, wrought with the gamut of human emotion, intensely powerful yet subtle....overall just superb.
This novel, and the raw emotion Elio expresses about Oliver is so relatable, so brutally true and honest, that I can't imagine any reader not being able to relate on some level. That throughout so much of the novel, he doesn't know if his feelings are mutual adds so much to the overall experience of the book and its relatability. What a tremendous accomplishment - a rare gem of a novel.
I cant offer up enough praise for this book and how masterfully it is written. I highly recommend it to all readers and look forward to reading more of Aciman's works.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Northern Light by Jennifer Connelly
Ok, but I prefer the "Roses".....
I discovered Jennifer Connelly's incredible writing talent with "The Tea Rose" and "The Winter Rose;" both novels have become favorites of mine which I always recommend to friends/family. When I saw this book, I had to get it, without reading what it was about, nor realizing it was written for a younger audience. Therefore, I was unprepared for the writing style which was so different from the "Rose" books, and did find it more gearer to a younger audience than my other two favorites of hers. I'm not saying it wasn't meant for adults as well, just that it didn't compare on a literary level to the two "Rose" novels. That being said, the book was indeed interesting and I recommend it, with the caveat not to compare it to the "Rose" novels.
I discovered Jennifer Connelly's incredible writing talent with "The Tea Rose" and "The Winter Rose;" both novels have become favorites of mine which I always recommend to friends/family. When I saw this book, I had to get it, without reading what it was about, nor realizing it was written for a younger audience. Therefore, I was unprepared for the writing style which was so different from the "Rose" books, and did find it more gearer to a younger audience than my other two favorites of hers. I'm not saying it wasn't meant for adults as well, just that it didn't compare on a literary level to the two "Rose" novels. That being said, the book was indeed interesting and I recommend it, with the caveat not to compare it to the "Rose" novels.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Same Kind of Different as Me- Ron Hall and Denver Moore
A heart-warming wonderful book about humanity...
I loved this book from the first sentence through the last and simply couldn't put it down. It was so deeply compelling and heart-warming and I admit I cried through a lot of it. It is a book about humanity, love, friendship, compassion, open-mindedness and service unto others. While some may describe this as a Christian book, as a non-Christian, I never felt disconnected from it in any way and saw it more as a book about the choices we make in life and how we're all in this together. It is a story people from all backgrounds and religions will relate to (or gain insight from). It is a terrific book and I recommend it highly to everyone, espeically for book club selections!
I loved this book from the first sentence through the last and simply couldn't put it down. It was so deeply compelling and heart-warming and I admit I cried through a lot of it. It is a book about humanity, love, friendship, compassion, open-mindedness and service unto others. While some may describe this as a Christian book, as a non-Christian, I never felt disconnected from it in any way and saw it more as a book about the choices we make in life and how we're all in this together. It is a story people from all backgrounds and religions will relate to (or gain insight from). It is a terrific book and I recommend it highly to everyone, espeically for book club selections!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Rose Labrynth by Titania Hardie
Couldn't get into this one....
I started the book with great expectations since the plot summary sounded quite intriguing and right up my alley. However, I couldn't get into it and found it somewhat convoluted from the get-go. I really wanted to love it and give it a chance but never got interested enough to pick it up and had to put it down, mostly unread. While I can't provide a full review after having completed the book, I can say that a book with this type of plot should have had me hooked or at least interested in the first chapter, or within the first 50 or so pages. This book was just too all over the place and not exciting enough or cohesive enough at the begining to warrant continued effort on my part to get into it. Thus, I would recommend skipping this one.
I started the book with great expectations since the plot summary sounded quite intriguing and right up my alley. However, I couldn't get into it and found it somewhat convoluted from the get-go. I really wanted to love it and give it a chance but never got interested enough to pick it up and had to put it down, mostly unread. While I can't provide a full review after having completed the book, I can say that a book with this type of plot should have had me hooked or at least interested in the first chapter, or within the first 50 or so pages. This book was just too all over the place and not exciting enough or cohesive enough at the begining to warrant continued effort on my part to get into it. Thus, I would recommend skipping this one.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Honolulu by Alan Brennart
Wonderful book....just don't compare it to "Molokai'i"...
I absolutely loved "Molokai'i" and really enjoyed "Honolulu" as well. That being said, I think readers anxious for a second novel as special and unique as "Molokai'i" may be slightly disappointed; however, if you take this book as a stand-alone novel and don't have any expectations going in, you will be pleasantly surprised! Alan Brennart is a phenomenally gifted writer and does an outstanding job (in both novels) of writing so naturally and seemingly w/o effort from a woman's perspective.
This novel follows young Regret (later Jin) from her early life confined to the Inner Rooms of her clan's house in a small Korean village, to her brave and adventurous journey to Hawaii to be a "picture bride" to a man she has never met. In search of America's possibilities and the hope of getting an education, Regret/Jin faces a world of challenges, yet one filled with love, friendships and many ups and downs.
"Honolulu" is quite and interesting read- extremely educational, heart-warming and multifaceted. I loved how well is was written from Regret/Jin's unique perspective and really learned a lot about Hawaii in the early to mid 1900's. The book has many themes that are pervasive throughout: racism, cultural differences, gender differences, friendships, the culture of women, giving/helping others, family (those of blood relation and those we choose), hard work, and marriage (ones made from love and from obligation).
I highly recommend "Honolulu" and hope to read more novels from this talented author! It would make a wonderful book club selection as well.
I absolutely loved "Molokai'i" and really enjoyed "Honolulu" as well. That being said, I think readers anxious for a second novel as special and unique as "Molokai'i" may be slightly disappointed; however, if you take this book as a stand-alone novel and don't have any expectations going in, you will be pleasantly surprised! Alan Brennart is a phenomenally gifted writer and does an outstanding job (in both novels) of writing so naturally and seemingly w/o effort from a woman's perspective.
This novel follows young Regret (later Jin) from her early life confined to the Inner Rooms of her clan's house in a small Korean village, to her brave and adventurous journey to Hawaii to be a "picture bride" to a man she has never met. In search of America's possibilities and the hope of getting an education, Regret/Jin faces a world of challenges, yet one filled with love, friendships and many ups and downs.
"Honolulu" is quite and interesting read- extremely educational, heart-warming and multifaceted. I loved how well is was written from Regret/Jin's unique perspective and really learned a lot about Hawaii in the early to mid 1900's. The book has many themes that are pervasive throughout: racism, cultural differences, gender differences, friendships, the culture of women, giving/helping others, family (those of blood relation and those we choose), hard work, and marriage (ones made from love and from obligation).
I highly recommend "Honolulu" and hope to read more novels from this talented author! It would make a wonderful book club selection as well.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
I loved it....
Plausibility aside, I loved this book for a few simple reasons:
(1) it is a wonderful "guilty pleasure" or great escapism;
(2) it is extremely fast-paced and fun/easy to read;
(3) I found it much more interesting than "DaVinci Code" and "Angles and Demons"; (4) it had the perfect amount of twists and turns, one of which completely shocked me;
(5) the ending truly satisfied me; and
(6) I walked away from it feeling I learned something new.
While at times I'll admit there was a little too much "teaching" for my taste, and I felt the author tried too hard to impress with the tremendous amount of research he had done, I really can't complain because of the six reasons I listed above. (And because I respect the fact that so much research and thought went into writing the novel.)
I highly recommend the book and am a bit surprised so many people didn't love it like I did. Therefore, I would recommend approaching it with an open mind and remembering its a work of fiction.
Plausibility aside, I loved this book for a few simple reasons:
(1) it is a wonderful "guilty pleasure" or great escapism;
(2) it is extremely fast-paced and fun/easy to read;
(3) I found it much more interesting than "DaVinci Code" and "Angles and Demons"; (4) it had the perfect amount of twists and turns, one of which completely shocked me;
(5) the ending truly satisfied me; and
(6) I walked away from it feeling I learned something new.
While at times I'll admit there was a little too much "teaching" for my taste, and I felt the author tried too hard to impress with the tremendous amount of research he had done, I really can't complain because of the six reasons I listed above. (And because I respect the fact that so much research and thought went into writing the novel.)
I highly recommend the book and am a bit surprised so many people didn't love it like I did. Therefore, I would recommend approaching it with an open mind and remembering its a work of fiction.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Red River by Lalita Tademy
Not in the same ballpark as "Cane River".....
While I loved "Cane River" and looked forward to reading "Red River" I was terribly disappointed. I thought the writing lacked depth and fluidity and the character development was weak. I had such a hard time getting into the novel and admit I had to put it down, something I rarely do. I unfortunately can't recommend this book, although I highly recommend "Cane River."
While I loved "Cane River" and looked forward to reading "Red River" I was terribly disappointed. I thought the writing lacked depth and fluidity and the character development was weak. I had such a hard time getting into the novel and admit I had to put it down, something I rarely do. I unfortunately can't recommend this book, although I highly recommend "Cane River."
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
In every way as wonderful as "The Tea Rose".....
I usually lower my expectations when reading a sequel, especially when it comes to a book where I LOVED the original. However, "The Winter Rose" not only exceeded my expectations in every way, but I liked it even more than "The Tea Rose" - if that's possible.
Jennifer Donnelly has quickly become one of my all-time favorite authors with these two epic sagas set in London in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The characters are so lifelike and well-developed, you can't help but feel like you understand their motives and feelings and actually know them. In particular, I am eternlly thankful to the author for having written such strong female characters: Fiona Finnegan and India Selwyn Jones are such remarkable, intriguing and multifaceted characters, and certainly as interesting as their male counterparts.
The streets of London literally come to life in both novels and I certainly felt like I could see, hear, touch, taste and smell their every square inch and hidden passages. Ms. Donnelly is a master story-teller so the plot seemlessly moves forward in unpredictable yet completely satisfying ways.
I can not recommend this book highly enough to all readers and am eagerly awaiting the third installment hopefully coming out in the next year or two.
I usually lower my expectations when reading a sequel, especially when it comes to a book where I LOVED the original. However, "The Winter Rose" not only exceeded my expectations in every way, but I liked it even more than "The Tea Rose" - if that's possible.
Jennifer Donnelly has quickly become one of my all-time favorite authors with these two epic sagas set in London in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The characters are so lifelike and well-developed, you can't help but feel like you understand their motives and feelings and actually know them. In particular, I am eternlly thankful to the author for having written such strong female characters: Fiona Finnegan and India Selwyn Jones are such remarkable, intriguing and multifaceted characters, and certainly as interesting as their male counterparts.
The streets of London literally come to life in both novels and I certainly felt like I could see, hear, touch, taste and smell their every square inch and hidden passages. Ms. Donnelly is a master story-teller so the plot seemlessly moves forward in unpredictable yet completely satisfying ways.
I can not recommend this book highly enough to all readers and am eagerly awaiting the third installment hopefully coming out in the next year or two.
The Devil's Queen by Jeanne Kalogredis
Eh...
I loved "The Borgia Bride" and "I, Mona Lisa" and was excited to read "The Devil Queen" but was rather disappointed. While the earlier two books kept me on my toes and excited to read right up to the very last page, this one failed to keep my attention and I must admit I skimmed the last hundred pages just to get through it. While the author is indeed an excellent writer and her attention to historical detail is supurb, I would only recommend this one to those with specific interest in Catherine De Medici's life; I believe those who like a broad range of historical fiction topics, like myself, may be a bit bored. That being said, I highly recommend "The Borgia Bride" and "I, Mona Lisa" and would certainly read future novels by this gifted author.
I loved "The Borgia Bride" and "I, Mona Lisa" and was excited to read "The Devil Queen" but was rather disappointed. While the earlier two books kept me on my toes and excited to read right up to the very last page, this one failed to keep my attention and I must admit I skimmed the last hundred pages just to get through it. While the author is indeed an excellent writer and her attention to historical detail is supurb, I would only recommend this one to those with specific interest in Catherine De Medici's life; I believe those who like a broad range of historical fiction topics, like myself, may be a bit bored. That being said, I highly recommend "The Borgia Bride" and "I, Mona Lisa" and would certainly read future novels by this gifted author.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
A PERFECT pleasure in every way.....
I can't recommend this book highly enough and consider it a "MUST READ" - I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the sequel "The Winter Rose."
This epic tale of Fiona (Fee) Finnegan and her family, her true love Joe, their trials, tribulations, heartaches and successes spans more than a decade and two continents. Just when you think the book will head one direction, something entirely new and surprising comes your way. It is unpredictable, heartwarming, tear-jerking and an absolute pleasure to read. While it is ultimately satisfying in every way, you will not want the book to end.
"The Tea Rose" is historical fiction at its finest, as you get such an education about what it must have been like to live in London and New York City in the late 1800's, as a member of both the poor working class and aristocracy, without even realizing it; the historical details and portrayal of the times are completely natural and so deeply ingrained in the story.
I am simply awed by the raw natural talent Jennifer Donnelly brought to task with this book and I am already a huge fan. I recommend this for readers of all ages and especially for lovers of historical fiction. It would make a wonderful book club selection.
I can't recommend this book highly enough and consider it a "MUST READ" - I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the sequel "The Winter Rose."
This epic tale of Fiona (Fee) Finnegan and her family, her true love Joe, their trials, tribulations, heartaches and successes spans more than a decade and two continents. Just when you think the book will head one direction, something entirely new and surprising comes your way. It is unpredictable, heartwarming, tear-jerking and an absolute pleasure to read. While it is ultimately satisfying in every way, you will not want the book to end.
"The Tea Rose" is historical fiction at its finest, as you get such an education about what it must have been like to live in London and New York City in the late 1800's, as a member of both the poor working class and aristocracy, without even realizing it; the historical details and portrayal of the times are completely natural and so deeply ingrained in the story.
I am simply awed by the raw natural talent Jennifer Donnelly brought to task with this book and I am already a huge fan. I recommend this for readers of all ages and especially for lovers of historical fiction. It would make a wonderful book club selection.
Friday, August 21, 2009
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
As rare and remarkable a find as the book it explores.....
I LOVE this novel and can't recommend it highly enough, especially for lovers of historical fiction, like myself. Exploring the history of the mythical Sarajevo Haggadah and working backwards throughout history to the lives of those who came in contact with the book, the novel combines all of the best elements of storytelling with twists and turns galore combined with genuine intrigue and excitement; it literally takes the readers on the ride of a lifetime, across generations and continents. I found each section as captivating as the one before and the uniqueness of each section kept my interest piqued until the very last pages. The themes of antisemitism, survival and the historical struggle of women are expertly addressed throughout the various time periods and places in which the book is found. However, what I loved most about this book is the way in which the three major monotheistic religions really came together in the Hagaddah itself and transcended their differences.
I LOVE this novel and can't recommend it highly enough, especially for lovers of historical fiction, like myself. Exploring the history of the mythical Sarajevo Haggadah and working backwards throughout history to the lives of those who came in contact with the book, the novel combines all of the best elements of storytelling with twists and turns galore combined with genuine intrigue and excitement; it literally takes the readers on the ride of a lifetime, across generations and continents. I found each section as captivating as the one before and the uniqueness of each section kept my interest piqued until the very last pages. The themes of antisemitism, survival and the historical struggle of women are expertly addressed throughout the various time periods and places in which the book is found. However, what I loved most about this book is the way in which the three major monotheistic religions really came together in the Hagaddah itself and transcended their differences.
Birds in Fall by Brad Kessler
Rare novel and highly recommended...
"Birds in Fall" is a rare novel indeed, in that it aspired to deal with the concepts of loss and grieving amongst a group of strangers after a plane crash affects their lives and truly delivered. It brought together a cast of characters who never would have had contact with one another and forced them to grieve as one for their individual and collective losses. I felt this novel went places others only dream of going, in terms of exploring a topic and emotions that are otherwise too difficult to write about or examine. Without giving too much away, what I loved most about this book was the way in which the first part was written from Russel's perspective therefore leaving the rest of the novel open to the idea of possibility, and the question that kept popping into my mind at least of possible survival. While it was certainly upsetting at times, it was also truly uplifting and a story ultimately about love and connecting. I highly recommend this novel.
"Birds in Fall" is a rare novel indeed, in that it aspired to deal with the concepts of loss and grieving amongst a group of strangers after a plane crash affects their lives and truly delivered. It brought together a cast of characters who never would have had contact with one another and forced them to grieve as one for their individual and collective losses. I felt this novel went places others only dream of going, in terms of exploring a topic and emotions that are otherwise too difficult to write about or examine. Without giving too much away, what I loved most about this book was the way in which the first part was written from Russel's perspective therefore leaving the rest of the novel open to the idea of possibility, and the question that kept popping into my mind at least of possible survival. While it was certainly upsetting at times, it was also truly uplifting and a story ultimately about love and connecting. I highly recommend this novel.
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
Disappointed....
The Luncheon of the Boating Party is my all-time favorite painting by my favorite artist, Renoir. So you can imagine my excitement when I came across this book not only bearing the same name and scene on the cover, but one that promised to take on the task of creating the characters depicted in the scene and a storyline go with it. If you can comprehend my excitement in beginning this novel, you can surely understand how disappointed I was about half-way through the book when I had to put it down. I found it quite boring and such a chore to pick up. Perhaps I had formed my own conceptions of who the models were and what their lives must have been like, from spending a lifetime loving and admiring this painting, and the book just didn't do it justice. Or perhaps it was just mundane and overly concerned with historical detail so as to clash with the light, whimsical and relaxed feel of the painting itself. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this novel.
The Luncheon of the Boating Party is my all-time favorite painting by my favorite artist, Renoir. So you can imagine my excitement when I came across this book not only bearing the same name and scene on the cover, but one that promised to take on the task of creating the characters depicted in the scene and a storyline go with it. If you can comprehend my excitement in beginning this novel, you can surely understand how disappointed I was about half-way through the book when I had to put it down. I found it quite boring and such a chore to pick up. Perhaps I had formed my own conceptions of who the models were and what their lives must have been like, from spending a lifetime loving and admiring this painting, and the book just didn't do it justice. Or perhaps it was just mundane and overly concerned with historical detail so as to clash with the light, whimsical and relaxed feel of the painting itself. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this novel.
The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
Beautiful book worth reading, discussing and passing along.....
"The Septembers of Shiraz" certainly pulls at the heartstrings yet never crosses the line by going too far in the descriptions of the torture suffered by Issac Amin at the hands of the Revolutionary Guards in Iran during the early 80's. While tales of Jewish persecution abound in modern literature, this novel captured the way in which it has unfortunately been so universal and pervasive, even in such recent times. This novel portrays the way in which fanaticism, regardless of the religion, is so destructive not only to the individual but to the social structure and society. Despite the sadness in my heart while reading it, I highly recommend this novel and think its certainly worth discussing with others (ie book clubs) and passing along to friends/family.
"The Septembers of Shiraz" certainly pulls at the heartstrings yet never crosses the line by going too far in the descriptions of the torture suffered by Issac Amin at the hands of the Revolutionary Guards in Iran during the early 80's. While tales of Jewish persecution abound in modern literature, this novel captured the way in which it has unfortunately been so universal and pervasive, even in such recent times. This novel portrays the way in which fanaticism, regardless of the religion, is so destructive not only to the individual but to the social structure and society. Despite the sadness in my heart while reading it, I highly recommend this novel and think its certainly worth discussing with others (ie book clubs) and passing along to friends/family.
Holy Fools by Joanne Harris
Unique prose and plot are sure to satisfy....
While I can't put "Holy Fools" in the same category as "Chocolat" or "Five Quarters of the Orange" (which is one of my favorites), I have to commend Ms. Harris's continued uniqueness in her prose and chosen topics. As far as historical fiction goes, this book is sure to satisfy. I particularly liked the themes running throughout the novel such as the hypocrisy of religious institution, revenge, true love, the scheming and battling of wits, maternal bonds, and the way secrets take on a life of their own. Definitely an interesting and recommended read.
While I can't put "Holy Fools" in the same category as "Chocolat" or "Five Quarters of the Orange" (which is one of my favorites), I have to commend Ms. Harris's continued uniqueness in her prose and chosen topics. As far as historical fiction goes, this book is sure to satisfy. I particularly liked the themes running throughout the novel such as the hypocrisy of religious institution, revenge, true love, the scheming and battling of wits, maternal bonds, and the way secrets take on a life of their own. Definitely an interesting and recommended read.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Red Scarf by Kate Furnivall
Another "must read" by Kate Furnivall....
I was so excited to start "The Red Scarf" after having loved "The Russian Concubine," and even more thrilled upon completion of the book, since I loved this one even more!
Ms. Furnival is a brilliant writer whose characters really come to life and jump off the page. This story of two women in a labor camp in Siberia who have to overcome many obstacles on their paths to "freedom" is intricately woven, multi-layered, fantastically researched and entirely unique and fascinating. There is so much to their stories and the more complex themes of good vs. evil and morality come into play at every step, especially towards the end of the novel, which will leave you satisfied yet longing for more of Ms. Furnival's writing.
This would make a dynamic book club selection, as there is so much to discuss....politics, religion, fear, truth, punishment, life and death, labor camps, Russian history/communism, work camps, good/evil, forgiveness, altruism, gypsies, etc. I HIGHLY recommend this novel and can't wait to share it with my friends and family.
I was so excited to start "The Red Scarf" after having loved "The Russian Concubine," and even more thrilled upon completion of the book, since I loved this one even more!
Ms. Furnival is a brilliant writer whose characters really come to life and jump off the page. This story of two women in a labor camp in Siberia who have to overcome many obstacles on their paths to "freedom" is intricately woven, multi-layered, fantastically researched and entirely unique and fascinating. There is so much to their stories and the more complex themes of good vs. evil and morality come into play at every step, especially towards the end of the novel, which will leave you satisfied yet longing for more of Ms. Furnival's writing.
This would make a dynamic book club selection, as there is so much to discuss....politics, religion, fear, truth, punishment, life and death, labor camps, Russian history/communism, work camps, good/evil, forgiveness, altruism, gypsies, etc. I HIGHLY recommend this novel and can't wait to share it with my friends and family.
The Devil and Miss Prym by Paolo Coelho
Not for me....
I can't understand how this book is so popular and a "national bestseller." I'm hoping it is due to the fact that The Alchemist was such a wonderful book that others (like myself) eagerly await another hit by this writer. However, after having read three other books by Mr. Coelho since The Alchemist, I'm finally throwing in the towel because I just don't think they're anything more than ok. Sure, they have all been centered on larger issues of morality, life, and the tough questions we find ourselves asking (such as whether man inherently good or evil, as this book tries to examine). But they have all, this one most of all, seemed too trite to me, considering the weight of their underlying themes. While I appreciate how Mr. Coelho tries to explore interesting and difficult questions, I found this novel in particular undreadable and didn't care enough to find out what the townspeople did at the end of the book...I simply stopped reading.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
Brilliant writing and wonderfully educational....
That being said, I found Ms. Ackerman's writing superb, as was her attention to detail and research on her subjects, both animal and human. The omnipresent comparison/contrast between human and animal subjects and how they are treated in this book was poignant, as was the essence of the story she tried to capture. At times I found it slightly monotonous/boring and found myself skimming, but as a whole I enjoyed reading it and learning about their lives and the sacrifices they made to help others.
I wish this novel had been written more as a work of fiction from the zookeeper's wife's perspective instead of from an outsider's perspective. I think it would have greatly enhanced the story and made it more enjoyable to read as a work of historical fiction/ novel.
Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell
Did the editor vanish too? ...
The reviews and recommendations of this book really intrigued and appealed to me. A story of a woman committed to an institution for more than sixty years, whose release upon the closing of the institution to a relative who never know of her existence is truly a unique and creative plot. So too was the writer's desire to tell the story from three perspectives and add multiple sub-plots which certainly enhanced the story. However, the stream-of-consciousness writing and lack of good editing did me in and I was left skimming the last seventy-five pages. Had this book been formatted differently, it would have been a much better read.
I can't recommend this book, although I would love to have read a copy of it in a different format where it didn't jump all over the place.
The reviews and recommendations of this book really intrigued and appealed to me. A story of a woman committed to an institution for more than sixty years, whose release upon the closing of the institution to a relative who never know of her existence is truly a unique and creative plot. So too was the writer's desire to tell the story from three perspectives and add multiple sub-plots which certainly enhanced the story. However, the stream-of-consciousness writing and lack of good editing did me in and I was left skimming the last seventy-five pages. Had this book been formatted differently, it would have been a much better read.
I can't recommend this book, although I would love to have read a copy of it in a different format where it didn't jump all over the place.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Nineteenth Wife by David Ebershoff
An enjoyable read, especially for lovers of historical fiction...
The 19th Wife is an intriguing, insightful, captivating and educational example of historical fiction at its finest. The novel weaves together the stories of two women, both of whom are their husband's 19th wife in differing examples of pleural/celestial/polygamous marrages and cultures.
Perhaps just as interesting as the storylines themselves is the manner in which the stories are told from varying viewpoints/perspectives: the gay narrator Jordan who was excommunicated from the Firsts of Mesadale, Utah and whose mother is awaiting trial for allegedly killing her husband; Ann Eliza, Mormon Prophet Brigham Young's 19th wife (although her real "number" is debatable) who led the crusade to rid the Mormon church of its polygamous ways; a research student's Masters thesis on the evolution of the Mormon Church and its connection to celestial marriage; varying news articles and wikipedia entries, court documents, secret jail diaries, etc. While some may not prefer this method of storytelling, I found it greatly enhanced my understanding, appreciation and love of this book as a whole. It felt like I had personal access to historical documents and research, as opposed to just learning about their lives from the traditional narrational perspective.
Without going into too much detail, I would HIGHLY recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction, those interested in different religions/cultures, those with little or no knowledge about the Mormons or Firsts (like myself- it was really insightful!), bookclubs, and anyone taking religious studies, womens studies or history courses.
The 19th Wife is an intriguing, insightful, captivating and educational example of historical fiction at its finest. The novel weaves together the stories of two women, both of whom are their husband's 19th wife in differing examples of pleural/celestial/polygamous marrages and cultures.
Perhaps just as interesting as the storylines themselves is the manner in which the stories are told from varying viewpoints/perspectives: the gay narrator Jordan who was excommunicated from the Firsts of Mesadale, Utah and whose mother is awaiting trial for allegedly killing her husband; Ann Eliza, Mormon Prophet Brigham Young's 19th wife (although her real "number" is debatable) who led the crusade to rid the Mormon church of its polygamous ways; a research student's Masters thesis on the evolution of the Mormon Church and its connection to celestial marriage; varying news articles and wikipedia entries, court documents, secret jail diaries, etc. While some may not prefer this method of storytelling, I found it greatly enhanced my understanding, appreciation and love of this book as a whole. It felt like I had personal access to historical documents and research, as opposed to just learning about their lives from the traditional narrational perspective.
Without going into too much detail, I would HIGHLY recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction, those interested in different religions/cultures, those with little or no knowledge about the Mormons or Firsts (like myself- it was really insightful!), bookclubs, and anyone taking religious studies, womens studies or history courses.
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