It all begins with a rain drop. A drop that transcends time, countries and follows the path of the Tigres and then to the Thames. Communities that surIt all begins with a rain drop. A drop that transcends time, countries and follows the path of the Tigres and then to the Thames. Communities that survive along them. How it breathes life; and how it can destroy it. Some flow freely while others angrily.
Shafak is a magnificent story teller. This tale weaves through 3 time periods with 3 different characters. Water is what binds these lives together.
We meet Arthur,born in the sewers of London,1840, at the edge of the Thames. His mission in life is a quest for the sacred tablets that hold poems dating back centuries to Mesopotamia.
Narin, a 9 year old, in Turkey, 2014. Her own history of being a Yazidi and waiting to be baptized in Iraq by the river Tigres.
Zaleekhah, a young water scientist, 2018, studying water as she has her own personal connection to it.
The prose harmonious and heart breaking: life long searches for answers. 5⭐️
I am abandoning this one for now. It started off strong and then I just lost interest...I'm likely not the right reader or just not in the right headsI am abandoning this one for now. It started off strong and then I just lost interest...I'm likely not the right reader or just not in the right headspace. Others have loved it. For now it's going to the side pile....more
Count the Ways was a raw and emotional read. This sequel, was a step back in time to the events that shook this family at their very core. Now 20 yearCount the Ways was a raw and emotional read. This sequel, was a step back in time to the events that shook this family at their very core. Now 20 years later, more momentous events bring them together while others create a distance.
Maynard magnificently captures an authentic character in Eleonor with the complexity of family; relationships; events that shape our lives: in the death of a family member; an election and Covid. The difficulty raising a family as a single parent; divorce; alienation; estrangement; loneliness and sometimes despair.
This is about the acceptance of imperfections and the joy that can be found there which can sometimes take a lifetime to find. 4.5⭐️
The Bird Hotel will always be my ultimate favourite by Maynard but these are a close second!...more
What’s with this title? Honestly...two thumbs down. I like to think as a reader, I know how to read. It could be interpreted as demeaning and condescenWhat’s with this title? Honestly...two thumbs down. I like to think as a reader, I know how to read. It could be interpreted as demeaning and condescending. Or, it could be what its intent is: read slower, think about what you are reading and the meaning in what you read.
Now, let me tell you what’s inside the cover. A trio of characters with a history that intersects and brings them together. Violet-the recently released 22year old criminal. Committed what could be seen as an unforgivable act. Harriet- the book club host at the jail known affectionately as Bookie. Frank- the man who works at the bookstore whose life would have changed dramatically with or without the tragedy.
Books are the common denominator here- the radius within which the three find themselves. And yes, there is discussion of books but the bigger message is about forgiveness, acceptance and 2nd chances. A feel good story. 4⭐️...more
Murrin takes us back to the ‘90’s in Ireland, when divorce was illegal and a separation was a sin.
We meet Izzy, Delores & Colette. Three women whose Murrin takes us back to the ‘90’s in Ireland, when divorce was illegal and a separation was a sin.
We meet Izzy, Delores & Colette. Three women whose marital relationships are strained or irreparable. . Colette who left her husband and has returned but can’t get access to her children. An unlikely friendship begins between Izzy & Colette.
This was a dark time for women. Held captive in a marriage by a law determined by men. Marriages that didn’t work, some destructive, others harmful. The shaming and double standards.
Themes of divorce, alienation, betrayal, alcoholism and acceptance.
1948, Shandong, China. The civil war rages. The communists have arrived to kill off landowners and claim the land. Women, especially young girls, are 1948, Shandong, China. The civil war rages. The communists have arrived to kill off landowners and claim the land. Women, especially young girls, are worthless as they cannot be heirs. Under the threat of the communists, the Ang family flees leaving the daughter in law and her 3 young girls to protect their land.
Their perilous journey takes us from North China to Hong Kong in the hopes of locating and reuniting with their family.
This was the epitome of a misogynistic & patriarchal country. Yet, these females survived the hardships of starvation, disease, homelessness and exhaustion; contrasting with their strength, bravery and resilience.
There were a couple of inconsistencies for me: in an earlier chapter -and only there- the language of a 15 year old was oddly too robust. In another chapter, a vengeance takes place which I just couldn’t envision happening in the 50’s.
Overall, a fascinating read and interesting perspective of the sexism that existed in China. I appreciate that this was written based on Chung's family history. 4⭐️...more
LRA. The Lord’s Resistance Army. Teenage boys and girls kidnapped and recruited in Uganda, 1994. Time to take up arms for a ruthless war Lord, Joseph LRA. The Lord’s Resistance Army. Teenage boys and girls kidnapped and recruited in Uganda, 1994. Time to take up arms for a ruthless war Lord, Joseph Kony.
The terrifying war with teen soldiers who became merciless. Trained during brutal conditions. Pushed to the frontlines without weapons as an initiation. The gruelling treks and near starvation. The brainwashing, the abuse, the inhumanity these soldiers suffered.
Opoka has survived with them for 3 years and is now The radioman for Kony himself. The hate he feels for the man hasn’t dwindled but he never revealed his true feelings. He survived by being the best human he was raised to be. He met Florence. Another kidnapped victim whose dreams were shattered. They become each other’s hope and future that one day they will be free of the LRA.
The resilience and the ability to put into practice the 4 voices of suffering; the power of love, gratitude and forgiveness.
**This is based on Anthony & Florence Opoka - child soldiers of the LRA. A must read are the author’s notes and the afterword from Anthony & Florence.**
A bit lengthy and slow at times but a worthy read. 4.25⭐️...more
It’s the 70’s in Park, Alabama. We meet Nub, Minnie, Emily and Shug. Nub is an alcoholic destined to self destruct.Minnie is a 15-year old giant, the It’s the 70’s in Park, Alabama. We meet Nub, Minnie, Emily and Shug. Nub is an alcoholic destined to self destruct.Minnie is a 15-year old giant, the brunt of unwanted teasing. Emily, Nub’s daughter, has just discovered she has cancer. And Shug, has just released from prison. Dietrich takes us into these lives and we bear witness. We feel their fear and anxiety; their helplessness; but also their hope. These are well drawn out characters with complex histories. Many themes playing out: addiction, poverty, redemption, Family, with humour peppered in. Nub, the most loveable and memorable character of them all. 5⭐️...more
I’m going to gush again about McDaniel. What an amazing flare for writing these themes that are dark- good vs evil.
The devil has come to Breathed, OhiI’m going to gush again about McDaniel. What an amazing flare for writing these themes that are dark- good vs evil.
The devil has come to Breathed, Ohio. It’s a blazing inferno of heat that summer in 1984. The hottest it’s ever been. Sal, a teen boy, claims to be the devil. Received an invitation from the town lawyer, Autopsy Bliss.
A chain of events begin to happen. The town starts to believe Sal is the root of evil- Even when these things can be rationally explained.
McDaniel has us dig deep in this debut with her metaphors, her characters, her demands that we look at evil and how we are the ones who create it: by ignoring it, by buying into it, by being fearful of it.
Themes of family, friendships, racism; discrimination; anxiety, agoraphobia.
This was a mind boggler. A mystery twofer told in dual timelines. One child who has gone missing in 1961; another 1975. Both are from the prestigious VThis was a mind boggler. A mystery twofer told in dual timelines. One child who has gone missing in 1961; another 1975. Both are from the prestigious Van Laar family and owners of the camp. The setting is in the wooded area of the Adirondacks. But don’t be fooled by the beauty of the landscape. Something ugly is happening in these woods.
This story is stacked with multiple characters, multiple scenarios and multiple suspects.
I love stories that take me to foreign countries where I’m able to become immersed in different cultures.Panama is one such country.
The history of theI love stories that take me to foreign countries where I’m able to become immersed in different cultures.Panama is one such country.
The history of the canal is fascinating. How America stormed in and offered Columbia $$ to give Panama its independence. It wasn’t a selfless gesture, however, America wanted a canal for their own economic needs.
This is a story of those who came to help build, resist the build and those to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. There are those who travelled from across the country and from across the sea.
As much as I loved the intent of this story and the characters, it fell short for me. Henriquez created such marvellous characters yet, she failed on developing any of them through. We have a young Ada who travelled from Barbados to get a job to pay for her sister’s surgery; Omar who was looking more from his life, takes a job working in the canal that mutes his father speechless as he is shamed by it; Valentina ready to lead the town to protest the dam required for the canal; and so many other fascinating characters.
The story did merge beautifully yet I was still left wanting: More of some characters, less of others; more of the impacts of the canal. Overall a solid 4⭐️...more
Justine is a nursing assistant at a long term care facility. She meets Helene, a resident there. Helene, in her world, is always at the beach. She observes people there, can feel the sun and its warmth, hear the waves as she sits and watches the seagull who stays close to her. It is here where she shares her story with Justine of her past love, Lucien, how they met, how they lived, how they loved.
Also, during this time, mysterious calls begin to happen weekly from the nursing home. A resident, who has not had a visitor for months or years, suddenly is reunited with family. All on Sundays.
Perrin magically weaves Justine's story within. Both stories reflecting the complexity and dynamics of a family; the regrets; the memories; the joy and the grief.
I am gutted again, Perrin…and how appropriate for today to be Sunday.
Perrin’s debut at last translated. My love and adoration for her beautiful stories continue ❤️ 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...more
I was cheerfully confused for the first third of the story. I wasn’t sure of the century but it’s after ours where books and stories are cherished as I was cheerfully confused for the first third of the story. I wasn’t sure of the century but it’s after ours where books and stories are cherished as is the relationship of Lark and Rainy. But it’s also a dark and dismal time. People committing suicide to escape the reality. Then there is the dreaded day which begins a series of events Rainy must run from and leads him to Lake Superior in his sailboat, Flower. During this perilous journey, he meets many seasoned folks and misfits along the way all the while searching for his own ghost.
The writing at times soothing and ethereal; at others, brutal and bashing. As dark as the story was, the beauty is in this prose.
I am now convinced I am a dystopian fan. 4⭐️...more
I’ve seen an array of reviews for this one: Yay, nay, meh.
A town is turned upside down when Patch, a 13 year old boy, saves a girl from being kidnappeI’ve seen an array of reviews for this one: Yay, nay, meh.
A town is turned upside down when Patch, a 13 year old boy, saves a girl from being kidnapped, and instead he is taken. Some lives move forward; others remain rooted. A tragic event that cuts deeps and fractures relationships. A tragedy that becomes all consuming as a means of survival. For decades.
Whittaker takes us through a labyrinth of loss, grief, fear, powerlessness, hope and of lasting friendships and love that see us through our darkest days in the most vivid and vibrant colours.
My take: an overwhelming YAY and a bow to this talented author. 5⭐️...more
A spunky 13 year old girl named Duchess. Cleaning up the mess her mother continually leaves behind. Taking care of her little brother when her mother A spunky 13 year old girl named Duchess. Cleaning up the mess her mother continually leaves behind. Taking care of her little brother when her mother is working, drunk or overdosing. She claims to be an outlaw - willing to stand up to anyone who looks at her sideways.But now she’s gone too far. And someone is bent on revenge.
This is a story shrouded in mystery, thrilling in fear, a broken child with broken people surrounding her. But there is also a good man who wants to ensure she is protected.
Flawed characters with history, regrets and hope. Whitaker charmed me with this story, these characters and the humour threaded in.
Sometimes we have to begin at the end to appreciate the journey forward. 5⭐️...more
Assimilate or Annihilate. This was the plight of the Kurdish people.
This story takes place in Iran and is the story of Leila, a young girl, who desperAssimilate or Annihilate. This was the plight of the Kurdish people.
This story takes place in Iran and is the story of Leila, a young girl, who desperately wants to attend university in a society and culture that suppresses women, suppresses Kurds. A double edged sword. But when her brother goes missing for his political views, her world collapses.
From a historical perspective, it was interesting learning about the Kurdish people. How they lost their country when the British drew out maps of Iran, Iraq and Turkey -excluding them. A culture pulverized for its identity, history, language and brutally punished when not complying with the Iranian laws. And of course the oppression of women whose lives were worthless.
While I found this to be a revealing story of the devastation these people have suffered -there is much ugliness in the treatment of the Kurds - I had difficulty maintaining my connection with Leila. This didn’t happen until nearing the end of the story. Without revealing any spoilers, she seemed to transition to being inconsistent & unlikeable. Especially when chance gave her an escape from this suffocating and wretched country; Or perhaps it was the naivete of her preconceived notions of a first world country. Overall, 4⭐️...more
Perhaps a more apt title for this would be, "Listen for the Sarcasm."
This was a delightfully clever story. Everyone thinks Lucy killed her best friendPerhaps a more apt title for this would be, "Listen for the Sarcasm."
This was a delightfully clever story. Everyone thinks Lucy killed her best friend, Savvy. Yet, there was never enough evidence to convict and Lucy has no recollection of that night. She fled that small town in Texas to end the speculation. Five years later, she returns for her Grandma’s bday and just as coincidental -a podcaster is there recreating that alleged night for his show: Wanting to discover the truth about that night; Wanting to solve the crime: Who did what where and when?
I wasn’t sure of the format- previously podcasts within a story didn’t work for me. This one surprisingly did. As for the character, Lucy, she’s sarcastic, witty and interesting. Very likeable. Especially when she talks back to her inner voice. Which is quite vivid about murdering people. Maybe she did do it; Maybe she didn’t. Guess you’ll have to read it to find out. A fun 4.5⭐️...more
The element of Fire. At its fiercest, it can be a destructive force yet following its path can lead the way for renewed growth and expansion.
A small vThe element of Fire. At its fiercest, it can be a destructive force yet following its path can lead the way for renewed growth and expansion.
A small village in Greece is “accidentally” decimated by a fire. The wild life, the forest, the flowers all snuffed out and taking in its wake the villager’s spirits. What was once alive and blooming with colours is now a dull grey covered in ash.
Lefteri takes us on a journey of loss through her deliberate story telling and character of Irini. The enchanted forest before to the devastation after. The issue of climate change and environmental crisis not just the cause of one man…but many.
Some earlier physicians were doctors, bona fide surgeons; others claimed to be doctors but were inept butchers. When it came to medical science in theSome earlier physicians were doctors, bona fide surgeons; others claimed to be doctors but were inept butchers. When it came to medical science in the early 1800’s, Dr. Silas Weir, led his own research into the field of “gyno-psychiatry”. WHAT?
This is a fact based story as well as fiction so buckle up and be prepared to be horrified.
We follow Silas' life through his son’s POV. The earlier days, when the apprenticing doctor Weir, was exiled from his family and town for taking needless & reckless risks. A few years later, a distant uncle anointed Silas the Director for the Trenton Asylum for Female Lunatics. Here is where the mad scientist began his experiments. No code of ethics; no governance; Often no anesthetic. Here he had the freedom to test and document his research to ensure publication. Driven by arrogance, ignorance and pride.
This was a compelling yet horrific account of women imprisoned for reasons only a man could determine and treated inhumanely by a man. Weir may have made some significant contributions to the medical field with tools that were never patented, however, given the brutality these women suffered at the expense of his god complex, he was a sadistic torturer who went into a field that he was repulsed by.
JCO, you got my full attention with this one. 4.25⭐️...more
Canadian Jen
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