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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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.
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