January, 2017

“A Boy from Botwood” by Bryan Davies and Andrew Traficante         

In “A Boy From Botwood” Newfoundlander Arthur Manuel outlines his experiences during WWI. After enlisting with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Arthur fought in some of the worst battles of WWI. Despite the tremendous odds, Arthur survived both the Somme offensive and Passchendaele.         

Well written and provocative, this book is witty, well paced, and downright fascinating. Told from the perspective of a common soldier, the nitty gritty details of war were almost overwhelming in their brutality. This is a must read.

“The Girl from the Metropol Hotel” by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya         

Ludmilla grew up in a family of Bolshevik intellectuals who were ostracized and left to starve after the Russian Revolution. It is hard to give a better description of the memoir, other than to say it was fascinating. Well written and intriguing, I had a hard time putting it down. This is one well worth picking up! 

“The Moon in the Palace” by Weina Dai Randel         

As a child, Mei is told a prophecy, stating that she will be ruler of China. When her father dies, Mei and her mother are cast into poverty, nearly begging for food and shelter. Despite her poverty, Mei is chosen as one of many new concubines for the Emperor. Dismissed and slighted at every turn, it seems that she will never draw his attention and fulfill the prophecy of her youth.         

I really loved this book. It was well written, engaging, perfectly paced and fascinating. I look forward to reading more from this author. Overall, highly recommended.

“The Empress of Bright Moon” by Weina Dai Randel         

Continuing the tale begun in “The Moon in the Palace” this book follows Mei after the emperor’s death. When her childhood flirtation, Pheasant, is announced as the new emperor, Mei is at first excited. However, Pheasant’s councilors separate the two, sending Mei to a convent. Two years later, hearing that Pheasant was scheduled to make a rare public appearance, Mei sets out, determined to see him once more. When the Empress hears that she is back at the palace, she sets out on a path to torment and torture those around her.         

This was a great sequel, and conclusion to the previous book by Weina Dai Randel. Filled with intrigue, suspicion and interesting characters, this one was a winner. This is a series definitely worth reading. I look forward to reading more from this author.

“The Yellow Envelope” by Kim Dinan

Kim and Brian quit their jobs and decide to travel around the world with their savings. A close friend gives them a yellow envelope with instructions to give the contents away.         

I had mixed feelings about this book. I was excited about their journey but completely bored by the author’s continually complaining. I felt really bad for Brian, who was forced on the trip and then pushed away. I wish this book had been more about the places she went and people that she had met rather than Kim’s internal dialogue about her marriage.

“An Almond for a Parrot” by Wray Delaney         

When Tully’s neglectful father remarries, she quickly learns to love her step-mother and two new step-sisters. However, when her step sisters marriage falls through, and they learn that Tully was married as a child, her new family leaves in the middle of the night. When her father barters her away in a poker game, Tully is instantly grateful to be won by her disguised step-sister. Taken to Queenie’s Fairy House, she quickly learns that not everything is as it seems. Her step-mother runs a brother, and her step-sisters work as prostitutes. When Tully decides to join them, her tender heart falls for her first patron, and then breaks when he leaves her. At the same time, her childhood groom returns, determined to claim Tully for his own.

     This was a fascinating book. It was the perfect mix of seduction and magic. Well written and engaging, it was hard to put down. I’m curious to see what this author writes next. Overall, highly recommended.

“The Witchfinder’s Sister” by Beth Underdown         

When her husband dies, Alice returns to the small town which she grew up in. With her parents dead, her brother Matthew now controls the family. Matthew, scarred as a child from fire, once had a warm and tender relationship with Alice. However, things have changed since her marriage. Matthew has become cold, allowing his superstitions to take-over. Throughout the area he has become well known as a witchfinder, and soon commands his sister to join him.         

Although this was an interesting story, the writing was a bit dry. The characters were also very predictable. Not a bad book, but not one I would reread.

“The List” by Patricia Forde         

In a post-apocalyptic world, a new society has formed around the idea that words create conflict, confusion and ultimately destruction. As such, speech is limited to a list of words. Letta, the wordsmith’s apprentice, is tasked with collecting words, and handing out lists of acceptable words. When she encounters a rebel, she begins to question the list and elimination o words.         

Although the plot was a bit predictable, I thought this was an interesting world. It has a unique perspective that made me think about the power of words and potential doomsday reactions. I think teenagers will particularly like this book, as it contains elements of mystery and romance.

“Etched in Bone” by Anne Bishop         

This book continues the Other’s series by Anne Bishop. Since the Elders have put down a human rebellion, those left behind are unsure if any humans will be spared. At the Courtyard, Simon continues running a community that blends humans and other’s together. The Elders, particularly curious about how the community works, begins watching. When a potential agitator moves to the Courtyard, the Elder’s demand that he be allowed to stay, so that they can study the agitator’s behavior and influence.         

Although I thought this book was better than the last, I still thought the characters were extremely weak. Meg seems to get weaker and needier with every book. Simon seems to lose intelligence, lose understanding of humans and grows more jealous with every book. Although this book was a bust, but Anne Bishop is my favorite author and I will continue to read anything that she publishes.

“Stolen Beauty” by Laurie Lico Albanese         

In 1900 Vienna, Adele settles down to a marriage with a man she barely knows. Leaving a life of luxury, her and her husband invest heavily in the arts. After meeting artist Gustav Klimt and posing for him, she quickly realizes what attraction and passion really mean. In the 1940’s Adele’s niece, Maria, is forced from her home when Nazi’s invade Austria. Her family’s artwork is stolen by the Nazi’s as they run for their lives.         

This was an interesting and dynamic story. Adele and Maria’s story blend well together, creating a family legacy throughout the generations. I did feel that Adele’s story was abruptly cut off, it seemed unfinished, incomplete. In contrast, Maria’s story came full circle, ending with the battle over her aunt’s famous portrait. Overall, highly recommended.

“The Polgyamist’s Daughter” by Anna LeBaron         

Anna, the daughter of cult leader and polygamist Ervil LeBaron, outlines her life story in this book. Moving constantly in the middle of the night, staying with strangers, working as a slave, and never knowing where the next meal came from are only a few of the constants in Anna’s life.         

I had some mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, Anna’s story was fascinating. On the other hand, the writing and story pace left a lot to be desired. It was hard to get a sense of Anna’s age throughout the book. I knew nothing about Ervil’s cult and found myself turning to Wikipedia for more information about what was really going on. The book just lacked the basic background information that would have gave her life story context. Overall, not a bad book, just not one I would re-read.

“The House at Riverton” by Kate Morton         

A young poet, a hero of WWI is found dead at the lake house. The only witnesses to his death are the two Hartford ladies and Grace, a servant at Riverton House. Highlighting the differences between the upstairs and downstairs culture, this book explores their lives, and how they are ultimately entwined with one another.         

Well written and well paced, this book alternates between a young Grace and Grace as she nears her hundredth birthday. Full of heartbreak, tragedy and a vanishing society, this book is both thought-provoking and evocative. I look forward to reading more from this author. Overall, highly recommended.