This was rather an interesting premise for a book based on an actual event in history.
Over the years, I would come across this famous dr3.5 /5.0 stars
This was rather an interesting premise for a book based on an actual event in history.
Over the years, I would come across this famous dramatic photo of the Montparnasse accident from time to time and ponder as to what the story behind it might be: [image]
I need wonder no more as author Emma Donoghue has written an intriguing story divulging what led up to that Paris accident of October 22, 1895. Through her Herculean research, she has crafted that day in the life of Engine No. 721 departing Granville at 8:45 am and arriving late at Gare de Montparnasse at 4:05 p.m.
The story begins in Granville as folks embark on their seven hour journey to Paris. This is the express train with fewer stops than the all-milk-stops run. It costs a bit more but to 130 passengers who chose to ride upon it that day, it was believed to be worth the expense. The passengers are from all walks of life, political bent, economics, and race. The reader is led to eavesdrop on conversations as well as the private thoughts of the individuals aboard, including the railmen. None (but perhaps one) had an inkling of what would meet them at their final destination.
Ms. Donoghue writes well, imaginatively. A number of the book's characters were actually on the train that day. Where the details may be wanting, she has deftly imagined the lives of the riders. She has augmented the passenger list with other well known folk who could have been on the train as they are from the area, thus providing a believable and perhaps more interesting story. Her scene settings are well described and her characters well developed. All in all, it was an interesting read.
I am grateful to Emma Donoghue and her publisher, Summit Books, for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Summit Books (March 18, 2025) Publication Date: March 18, 2025 Number of Pages: 288 ISBN: 978-1668082799...more
This fifteenth book in series, is yet another brilliant addition to the Charles Lenox mysteries by talented writer, Charles Finch.
It i4.5 / 5.0 Stars
This fifteenth book in series, is yet another brilliant addition to the Charles Lenox mysteries by talented writer, Charles Finch.
It is early winter of 1879. We find our protagonist, Charles Lenox, recovering from a debilitating wound received during his last investigation. His stamina is suffering, despite his visits with his personal trainer, Sven, at the Gymnastiksaal. He receives a missive from a former servant requesting his aid in the resolution of a murder on her street and in the problem of someone parking themselves upon her doorstep at night. This prompts Lenox into action. He commences his evening wanderings through London while fleshing out the details of this case. In so doing, he reclaims his vigor and is much relieved. Over the course of the investigation, he identifies an enigmatic emblem carved into various buildings and is convinced that it holds significance in his endeavors. Yet no one recognizes it. Lenox is tenacious and always enjoys a good puzzle.
The depth of Finch's historical research appearing in each story is tremendous and spot on. The books usually hold more than just one mystery, and this one was no exception. The richness of descriptive detail transports the reader to a different time and place wrapping them in a richly woven blanket of observation and sensation. The subtle clues are all there but not easily discerned, thus pulling the reader along through all the various cat and mouse moments and red herrings. The energy builds up gradually over the course of the story to a striking moment and gently eases off toward a satisfying conclusion.
Yet, beyond the usual tension and machinations of a fine mystery, Finch also brings to bear a wonderful depth in his characters. As we hear the tender ruminations of Lenox regarding his young family or observe his irritations as a detective thwarted by those in power and wealth, we appreciate the humanity of his character. We grin at the playful exchange of emotion and banter between Lenox and his brother or his wife, Lady Jane. Our hearts melt at the tender moments shared between father and his children and newly added to the mix, his cousin's daughter.
All in all, this was a most enjoyable read and this reader for one, eagerly awaits the next installment in this richly told tale.
I am grateful to author Charles Finch and his publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher 鈥� : 鈥� Minotaur Books Publication Date: November 4, 2025 Number of Pages: 288 pages ISBN: 978-1250767165...more
This was a clever short story which sits nicely between Nev March's, "The Spanish Diplomat's Secret" and, "The Silversmith's Puzzle". Our protagonist,This was a clever short story which sits nicely between Nev March's, "The Spanish Diplomat's Secret" and, "The Silversmith's Puzzle". Our protagonist, Jim Agnihotri, a private detective, is sent from Boston to London to suss out a messy situation and quietly resolve it. That's a tall order for most but if anyone can do so, it is he.
Author Nev March offers a little taste of the time Jim and Diana step off the boat in England to when they embark to lands farther afield. My suspicion is that it was a chapter intended for her new book, "The Silversmith's Puzzle", which landed on the cutting floor. Included with this fun story are the first few chapters of the new book - a taste and a tease, set for publication May 13, 2025.
It is September of 1894. Jim and Diana left Boston a few weeks before and have arrived at Liverpool, England where they meet up with he4.5 / 5.0 stars
It is September of 1894. Jim and Diana left Boston a few weeks before and have arrived at Liverpool, England where they meet up with her brother, Adi who had sent an urgent telegram asking them to come. Adi divulges that he has been accused of murdering his business partner in Bombay and has fled to England. He fears becoming a scapegoat in the matter. If anyone can help him, he believes that it is Jim. So back to Bombay they all travel with the hope of reclaiming Adi's good name.
Author Nev March spins a wonderful tale, filled with adventure, mystery, and a touch of romance. The writing is excellent and highly descriptive. In this installment of the Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mystery series, one is swept away to colonial Bombay, India. The air is moist and hot. The gardens are lush and their blooms glorious. Nev March's rich understanding of India social ranking, delicate international diplomacy, classism of the 1890s, and history of the day is beautifully rendered. The way in which she writes dialogue among people of differing cultures and class is insightful and delivers a strong understanding of why things ultimately had to change.
The story was thoroughly captivating and I eagerly await the next book in series as it makes its way into the world.
I am grateful to publisher Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books Publication Date: May 13, 2025 Number of Pages: 320 ISBN: 978-1250348036...more
What a fun "closed room" historical mystery this book was. It features a plucky, undaunted, female protagonist and almost all the aristos are looking What a fun "closed room" historical mystery this book was. It features a plucky, undaunted, female protagonist and almost all the aristos are looking down their noses at her. She'll show them!
American airship heiress, Cora Beaumont, is accompanied by a number of souls on the maiden voyage of airship, "The Lady Air," as they fly above the Atlantic on their way from New York City to England. They are one chaperone, Mrs. Beesly, Cora's dear friend Ophelia Hortense, her soon-to-be fianc茅, Terrance Tristan, and his brother Nicholas, the future Duke of Exford and Debensley. While Terrance struggles with the thoughts of impending marriage, Cora has far more at stake - that of her financial independence. If that isn't enough, bodies are piling up. If she doesn't get to the bottom of the misadventures, she may quickly kiss her future prospects goodbye.
Author April J. Skelly has crafted a delightful cozy mystery, with an excellent plot line, well-developed quirky characters, and lots of charm. The writing is solid and flows effortlessly. The research which went into the book's writing is rich and cleverly shared with the reader. There are harrowing moments endured by the beloved protagonist that keep the reader on tenterhooks and then gently places all back on solid footing. There are a number of red herrings and potential suspects thus maintaining the suspense throughout the story. As good as this story is, it is my desire that this is the start of a wonderful mystery series. Hope springs eternal!
I am grateful to April J. Skelly and her publisher, Crooked Lane Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books Publication Date: April 22, 2025 No. of Pages: 320 ISBN: 979-8892421058...more
Author Roberta Kagan has crafted an engrossing story about Jewish life in Poland during the years leading up to and during World War II3.5 / 5.0 Stars
Author Roberta Kagan has crafted an engrossing story about Jewish life in Poland during the years leading up to and during World War II. It is an emotional roller-coaster in its delivery and it beautifully captures the traditions of and challenges faced by the Polish Jewish people - all through the eyes of a young Jewish couple.
Pitor Barr, a secular Jewish boy, sets his sites on a lovely, albeit, Orthodox Jewish girl, Mila Zielinsky, who is promised to another. Eventually, Pitor and Mila make a life together and face its challenges in their unified front. They are eventually relocated into the Warsaw Ghetto and face more challenges. These challenges, ultimately, lead to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising - the largest single revolt by Jews during World War II.
This story was well thought out and the writing is good. The reader's empathy is drawn upon as the young couple rise above each and every challenge they face. The scene settings are evocative and the use of Yiddish throughout the story contributes to it. The ending felt a bit rushed, even more so than the action may have called for. One can only hope that the cliffhangers at the end of the book are resolved in the next book in series, of which, this is the first.
(There were a couple of modest plot errors in the copy I received, which were hopefully corrected prior to publication.)
Publisher: 鈥� Roberta Kagan Publishing Publication Date: 鈥� January 8, 2025 Number of Pages: 298 ISBN-13:鈥� 978-1957207803...more
My goodness! How have I missed this delightful cozy mystery series? This is already the 20th book within it. It had me in stitches and smiling at precMy goodness! How have I missed this delightful cozy mystery series? This is already the 20th book within it. It had me in stitches and smiling at precious moments throughout the story. Just the sledding scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
Lady Eleanor Swift had hoped to spend a quiet cozy Christmas with her dishy fianc茅, Detective Hugh Seldon. Alas, the reclusive Duke of Auldwyke does not suffer rejection blithely. His secretary, Mr. Porritt presses upon Lady Eleanor to attend, claiming that her R.S.V.P. was not received and that she and her fianc茅 are still expected. After all, how does one say, "No" to a duke? So off she goes, with Hugh to follow shortly thereafter. No sooner does she arrive when she happens upon a dead body - that of the poor secretary. The local young constable is called for and he's in over his head. It's apparent that Hugh will need to lead the investigation, if his grace will allow it.
What a fun and charming "closed room" murder mystery, as the characters are all snowed in at Auldwyke Hall. Lady Eleanor is not your usual member of the Ton. Her staff's esprit de corps is strong and they're a playful, yet loving bunch into which Lady Eleanor is ever welcomed.
Author Verity Bright is a husband and wife writing team of twenty-five years. Together, they have written this most engaging murder mystery with a number of red herrings and plentiful surprises. The writing is solid and clever. The banter among well-developed characters is amusing and often playful. The mise en sc猫ne is cinematic and atmospheric in scope as one easily imagines Auldwyke Hall situated within the Scottish moors. Although perhaps a bit predictable to the seasoned cozy mystery reader, it is still a clever and entertaining read. I gladly recommend it to all my fellow cozy readers.
I am grateful to publisher Bookouture for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: 鈥嶣ookouture Publication Date:鈥� November 29, 2024 Number of Pages: 352 ISBN:鈥� 978-1835256305...more
Best read so far this year! A captivating historical fiction story set in the Orkney Islands during World War II.
Dutch Resistance fight4.5 / 5.0 Stars
Best read so far this year! A captivating historical fiction story set in the Orkney Islands during World War II.
Dutch Resistance fighter, Cilla van der Zee, infiltrates the Dutch Nazis to gather intel on their actions. As the noose on her efforts tightens, Cilla makes the bold decision to offer up her services to the unsuspecting Germans to act as an agent. She'd do anything to get off the continent and seek refuge at her aunt's place in England to wait out the war. Upon her arrival in the Orkneys, she's immediately captured and turned in order to aid the British in their MI5 "Operation Double-cross". Although a fictional account, this book draws on the historic record and delivers a harrowing story of great courage and ingenuity.
Author Sarah Sundin has meticulously crafted an engaging and evocative story about this time and place in history. Her writing is superb. Her characters are very well developed and are true to their convictions. Cilla, the protagonist, demonstrates bravery, cleverness, and tremendous insight and ingenuity. The mise-en-sc猫ne spectacularly describes the barrenness and loneliness of the northern Scottish Isles. The descriptions exude the penetrating chill of an Orknian winter's night or the gentle sea breeze of a summer's day. The research put into the story is rich and well described. The author's research notes, upon conclusion of the book, are equally worthy of reading. Although this was my first foray into Ms. Sundin's writing, I assure you, it will not be my last. This is an excellent read for fans of historic fiction that hold a bit of chaste romance.
I am grateful to author Sarah Sundin and her publisher, Revell, for having provided a complimentary copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: 鈥嶳evell Publication Date: February 4, 2025 Number of Pages: 384 ISBN:鈥� 978-0800741860...more
This fourth book in the Rip Through Time novel series, takes our usual cast of characters into the Scottish Highlands in celebration of McCreadie's yoThis fourth book in the Rip Through Time novel series, takes our usual cast of characters into the Scottish Highlands in celebration of McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. The difficult relationship between the bride's and groom's families causes strain on the proceedings but somehow they'll work to get through it all as civilly as possible. That is until one of the guests turns up dead. Then it's all hands on deck to solve the murder so that the nuptials can proceed.
Author Kelley Armstrong does a spectacular job of sustaining tension within her mysteries, not the least of which is the sexual tension between Hugh and Mallory. But they work so perfectly well together feeding off each other's strengths. The writing is strong and the story - most engaging. The characters are well developed and the occasional humorous banter is absolutely delightful. The mise en sc猫ne is beautifully crafted and evokes the power and mystery of the Highlands. The mystery's resolution was a complete surprise. This was a fun tale and I eagerly await the next in series.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: 鈥� Minotaur Books Publication Date: May 20, 2025 Number of Pages: 鈥�336 pages ISBN:鈥� 978-1250321312...more
4.5 stars Six lives bound together in World War I, all by the existence of a special Liberty of London scarf. (Having visited Liberty in London, one ea4.5 stars Six lives bound together in World War I, all by the existence of a special Liberty of London scarf. (Having visited Liberty in London, one easily understands how special a gift such a scarf can be.)
The three authors of this book have spun an engaging series of three tales all connected through an exquisite Liberty scarf. Each tale is tender and romantic and celebrates women who know not their own strength in times of war. The voices of the three tales are uniform and it's difficult to determine where each author's own voice comes through in the stories. That is to say, this triune authorship works well as they deliver a uniform and engaging book. The writing is solid. The scene settings are rich and well described. The characters are well developed and the characters' relationships can be challenging yet tender for the most part. The challenges placed by war on young love is palpable. Can a pretty colorful scarf and perhaps love shine through and banish the darkness of war? If sweet and tender historical stories are your jam, then this could well be the perfect book for you.
I am grateful to publisher Harper Muse for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Harper Muse Publication Date: November 19, 2024 Number of pages: 368 ISBN: 978-1400246700...more
review to followThis was such a delightful historical cozy mystery with the added element of continental travels and a touch of romantic angst. Our plreview to followThis was such a delightful historical cozy mystery with the added element of continental travels and a touch of romantic angst. Our plucky protagonist, Atalanta, inherits her grandfather's estate with the hope that she will continue with his investigatory services. She receives a cryptic birthday party invitation intended for her grandfather and decides, perhaps she'll pay tribute in his absence and do a bit of sleuthing on the side. She'll just use a continental visit to dishy care-racer friend Raul and the Munich holiday market as a ruse to check out the Salzburg birthday bash. One thing leads to another, a body is found and she's now on the case.
Frankly, author Vivian Conroy had me at the mere mention of Salzburg, my absolute favorite city in the world. It is very walkable and has a tremendous amount of old world charm and live music on every street corner which Ms. Conroy so deftly brough to bear. The mise en sc猫ne is cinematic in scope and as such, one could easily smell the cinnamon and clove emanating from the shops, here the gentle clop of horse hooves on the cobble stone streets, and imagine the large castle looming over its city. The wardrobe and food descriptions were equally fine. The writing is smooth and the banter between Atalanta and Raul, most charming. There were a number of red herrings and a few fun surprises making this engaging story move steadily along. The tension builds gradually to a peak and then gently subsides to a most satisfying conclusion. This was the perfect read leading into the holidays and I eagerly look forward to more books in this series.
Even though this was the fourth book in series and I had not previously read the other three, I found that there were sufficient fleshed-out references to earlier occurrences that I was not asea while reading this story.
I am grateful to Ms. Conroy and her publisher, One More Chapter, for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: 鈥嶰ne More Chapter Publication Date: November 21, 2024 Number of Pages: 316 ISBN:鈥� 978-0008549299...more
As the aging brother, and sole surviving sibling of Jane Austen, struggles with entrusting items of his sister's legacy to strangers, he is contacted As the aging brother, and sole surviving sibling of Jane Austen, struggles with entrusting items of his sister's legacy to strangers, he is contacted separately by two pair of American siblings who share an appreciation for Jane's writing. Somehow, he convinces both pair to come to England and share in celebrating Jane's legacy. The two pair of siblings meet aboard ship as well as engage with others, including Louisa May Alcott.
Ms. Jenner has spun a lovely tale based on two real-life stories. The writing is rich and painterly in the telling. The prose is exquisite and the dialogue reminiscent of an Austen story. The characters' emotions and motivations are beautifully captured and cleverly delivered. Ms. Jenner's legal training shines through the story like a beacon shedding light on the legal ramifications of the characters' actions within the story - a rather clever perspective, for certain.
This is a definite read for the historical fiction reader with a passion for Austen. For those interested in international law, I commend this story for the legal knot delivered which requires lawyerly untying.
I am grateful to author Natalie Jenner and her publisher, St. Martin's Press, for having provided a complimentary copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: St. Martin's Press Publication Date:鈥� May 6, 2025 Number of pages: 320 ISBN: 鈥�978-1250349590...more
This was an exquisitely rendered coming-of-age-in-wartime story, highlighting the role of art in one's culture and soul, and finding beauty and compasThis was an exquisitely rendered coming-of-age-in-wartime story, highlighting the role of art in one's culture and soul, and finding beauty and compassion when much about you is bleak. Author Laura Morelli, a fine writer and respected art historian, delivered a beautiful and heartfelt story drawing upon the historic record of Italy in World War II. The research which went into the story is vast. Her descriptions of the featured art pieces were grand, rich and lovely. Her passion for art and its safekeeping is absolutely apparent. For readers of historical fiction with an interest in fine art and its own history, I commend this book to you.
I am grateful to author Laura Morrelli and publisher William Morrow for having provided a complimentary copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher:鈥� William Morrow Paperbacks Publication Date:鈥� April 22, 2025 Number of Pages: 鈥�352 ISBN:鈥� 978-0063206014...more
4.5 / 5.0 Stars What a spectacular and exhilarating story, full of heart and soul which draws strongly upon the historical record. There are actually t4.5 / 5.0 Stars What a spectacular and exhilarating story, full of heart and soul which draws strongly upon the historical record. There are actually two stories with two female protagonists sharing similar journeys but from far differing perspectives. They're about 60 years apart in age.
Berlin, 1938 Aspiring Pianist Audrey James, born of a German mother and British father, is prepping for her graduation recital at the Berlin Konservatorium. Although her widower father has returned to England, she remains in Berlin to complete her studies while residing with the Kaplans, a Jewish family who are longstanding friends of the James'. In November of 1938, all hell breaks loose and Audrey's and the Kaplan's worlds are shattered beyond comprehension. Audrey and Ilse Kaplan seek shelter in the Kaplan home which is soon overtaken by German SS officers. Audrey becomes their housekeeper, so that she and Ilse may remain in the home. Audrey soon insinuates herself into the officers' nefarious dealings, all while trying to hide Ilse.
Alnwick, England, 2010 Londoner Kate Mercer's own life has shattered after much personal loss. She accepts a temporary position at an inn up in Alnwick essentially caring for Audrey, now in her 90s but still as feisty and independent as ever. Audrey is a prickly one and both she and Kate have their secrets. Can they get past this initial chill and find peace with one another in the same home?
As dual timeline novels go, this is absolutely among the best. There is a taunting connection between the two time periods which is slowly revealed over the courses of the stories. The writing is solid and evocative. The historical research which went into the story's writing is Herculean and aids in the cinematic delivery of a Germany moving toward and through another war. At times the story is tender and heartbreaking and at others, thrilling and pulse-pounding. Yet throughout, there is a strong thread of hope.
I am grateful to author Heather Marshall and her publisher, Simon & Schuster for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publication Date: 鈥嶫une 4, 2024 Number of Pages: 432 ISBN-13: 978-1982170257...more
Anny Thackeray Ritchie. Who was she? This book helps us to understand who she was and why we should care.
It certainly could not have been easy being aAnny Thackeray Ritchie. Who was she? This book helps us to understand who she was and why we should care.
It certainly could not have been easy being a women with literary aspirations in the nineteenth century. Standing in the shadow of your famous father, William Thackeray, author of the literary hit, Vanity Fair, could be no less challenging. Most young women of that period were being groomed for marriage and child-rearing. Yet, William found his clever and inquisitive elder daughter to be an excellent writing partner and imparted his love for writing to her. With his wife permanently committed to a care facility, William relies on Anny to manage the home and help rear her younger sister. William passes away at the tender age of 52 leaving Anny to care and provide for her sister. When her sister, Minny marries, the groom moves into their home which offers some new challenges. The question, ever present, is whether Anny will ever find her own partner and thus a shared joy in life.
Ms. Wright has done a spectacular job of bringing this often overlooked woman of some fame to our notice. Her research into Anny's life is deep thus delivering a beautifully crafted story to us readers. The prose is rich and lovely and the scene settings rich and cinematic. The secondary characters read like the Who's Who of the nineteenth century British literary and artistic world. Ms. Wright's empathy for Anny comes through clearly and we become perhaps a bit less judgmental of a woman who bravely steps out of society's expectation of respectability. I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by Ms. Wright.
I am grateful to Onslow Square Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher:鈥� Onslow Square Books Publication Date:鈥� June 18, 2024 Number of Pages: 302 ISBN-13:鈥� 979-8990403604...more
Susanna Kearsley has delivered a spectacular piece of historical fiction yet again! It's a quest impelled by duty which changes one's s4.5 / 5.0 Stars
Susanna Kearsley has delivered a spectacular piece of historical fiction yet again! It's a quest impelled by duty which changes one's soul over time.
The story is set in England and Scotland of 1613. The two lands have been joined under James VI of Scotland/James I of England, son of Mary Queen of Scots. James' son, Henry, Prince of Wales, had recently died under mysterious circumstances and the perceived murderer is to be brought to trial. The king calls upon his messenger, Andrew Logan, and his aged scrivener, Laurence Westaway, to head up to Scotland to fetch and deliver to court for trial Sir David Moray, the former first gentleman of the (Prince's) bedchamber. Westaway's daughter, Phoebe, insinuates herself on the journey to aid her father. Once Sir David is captured, the long journey back to London commences and a great adventure begins.
Ms. Kearlsey has beautifully captured the nuances of 17th century England/Scotland through her effective use of period language where able and through the rich descriptions of attire, lodgings and locations. Her writing is solid and rich. The deep research is apparent and Herculean in scope. The mise en sc猫ne is spectacular and at times cinematic. The many protagonists of the story are well fleshed out and heartfully delivered. The concept of "Second Sight" is judiciously incorporated and draws well on the beliefs of the time. If historical fiction full of honor, duty, adventure and heart is your jam, then this could well be a book for you.
I am grateful to Sourcebooks Landmark for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: 鈥嶴ourcebooks Landmark Publication date: 鈥嶮arch 4, 2025 Number of Pages: 鈥�381 ISBN: 978-1464233593...more
What a beautiful gift to the reading world - a book which celebrates evocation of words, the wonder of story, and the depths of motherly love.
InspiredWhat a beautiful gift to the reading world - a book which celebrates evocation of words, the wonder of story, and the depths of motherly love.
Inspired by the true story of Barbara Newhall Follet, Ms. Henry has crafted a captivating story of love, fear, loss, and hope. The book opens in 1927 with an adult woman, once a celebrated child prodigy author, making a hasty decision to flee from her South Carolina home. She abandons her adored husband and beloved eight year old daughter, intending never to be heard from again. Move forward to 1952, where the abandoned child now cherishes a daughter of her own. The sense of abandonment has left a dull ache in the adult daughter's soul which was seemingly manageable after so many years. That is until she receives an unbidden call from England requesting her appearance in London and retrieval of her mother's papers, (which were previously believed to have been destroyed). This story is the emotional and physical quest in procuring these pages and connecting to her mother through her mother's written words.
This was such a captivating and enjoyable read. The writing is exquisite, the characters well developed, and the mise en sc猫ne cinematic in scope. Ms. Henry's research into the horrific London fog of the winter of 1952, was spot on and fantastically delivered. The characters' emotions were so well delivered that one could not withhold empathy throughout the read. The internal emotional conflicts were palpable. Quotes of T.S. Eliot's poetry were enriching and brought back warm memories of its recitation to this reader's ears. The inclusion of stories of Beatrix Potter enriched the story that much more. All in all this was a beautiful, heartfelt and affirming story - one which will linger in this reader's soul for many days to come.
I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: 鈥� Atria Books Publication Date: March 18, 2025 Number of Pages:鈥� 352 ISBN:鈥� 978-1668011874...more
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