Whistler by Ann Patchett

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Daphne and her husband, Jonathan, are visiting the Met Museum in Manhattan, when Jonathan comments that an older man has his eye on Daphne. This is apparently not unusual, as Daphne tends to attract older men – her husband being one such man – but it feels different somehow, as this man is actually following them. When Jonathan confronts him, Daphne suddenly realizes that this is her estranged ex-step-father, Eddie, whom she adored but hasn’t seen since she was nine years old. They join for a spontaneous lunch in the Met restaurant, and a reunion of sorts begins. As Daphne gets reacquainted with her ex-step-father, she reexamines her past with him, learns why her mother divorced him, and begins to make up for these many years of lost time together.

Perhaps I’ve been reading too much suspense lately, but I felt that this story was something of a let-down. While it is a very sweet narrative with characters we come to care about, the plot never builds to any major crescendo, nor are there any unexpected twists. And while Eddie’s character, for example, is admirable and clever, he is almost too admirable, too clever. The characters are almost one-dimensional. There is a backstory that comes out slowly during the course of the book, but it never reaches a level of intrigue and it is almost predictable.

Still, the story did hold my attention and I cannot say I regret reading it. It just did not live up to what I’ve come to expect from Ann Patchett, to be honest.

Maybe her next book?

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

2011: When Laurel was only 16 years old (more years ago than she’d like to admit), she witnessed a traumatic scene involving her mother, Dorothy, and baby brother. None of her 3 sisters were around, but she knows what she saw. She also knows her mother, with all her loving spirit and her tender ways, would have had a very good reason for doing what she did. And now that her mother is elderly and dying, Laurel feels this is her only chance to find out what exactly transpired on that terrible day.

1941: Dorothy has suffered a great loss. After she’d left home, her entire family was killed in a bomb blast during the London Blitz. Dorothy has managed to forge ahead, pick up the pieces, and make a new life for herself and for her boyfriend, Jimmy. In fact, when she lands a position working for a wealthy elderly woman, she finds herself living a new life the likes of which she could never have imagined. Better yet, she has made a posh new friend, Vivien, who she feels will be able to teach her how to continue to improve her lot in life. After an altercation with Vivien, however, she has come up with a plan to truly achieve what she aspires to in life.

This dual timeline brings to life the rough and unpredictable existence of those living in London during WWII. Few were able to continue much as they’d always done, such as the privileged woman Dorothy found herself working for. But for most, it was a much more bare existence, most being recruited to work for the war cause in whatever way that was. Jimmy, for example, was a photographer who captured the moments of pain, moments of violence of the war for the media. The story also highlights that good people will still be good and evil folks will remain evil, no matter what is going on in the world. But most are just trying to survive the best they can.

The writing here is solid. There were times when the story might have moved a bit more quickly – I did find myself becoming restless at moments. But overall, the characters are lovely, the plot thickens, and the twist at the end is something I, for one, did not see coming.

Definitely one to look out for!

Euphoria by Lily King

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It is early 1930’s and Nell and Fen are newly married and working together on researching the various tribes of New Guinea. Well, perhaps working together is being a bit generous, as Nell has an overwhelming curiosity about the gender roles of the tribes and has embedded herself into their cultures with ease. She has also been more productive than Fen, having published a now world-renowned manuscript that has brought her quite a bit of fame. Even their friend, Andrew Bankson, a fellow anthropologist and self-doubter, can see that this has created jealousy on the part of Fen. Could this be how Bankson can work his way into Nell’s favor? Or might this be just a disaster waiting to happen?

This novel pours historical fiction and fascinating anthropologic hypotheses into a triangulated love story. While we learn about the cultures that Nell, in particular, is studying, how she integrates into their society and records details of their cultures, we also feel the palpable admiration and tenderness that Bankson feels towards Nell, even as Fen appears to ignore her. Meanwhile, as Nell learns about the more open attitudes of these more isolated cultures toward sex, she feels a kinship with them in many ways.

There is quite a bit to unpack here, and I believe bookclubs will have a field day with this one. I would not be able to do it justice in this blog, and so I will not try. But I do recommend this book highly, as I feel it has so much depth, both in the character structure and in the many ideas that the three scientists bat around. The plot develops quite subtly and one might believe they know where it leads, but they would likely be surprised.

Not quite a MUST READ, but close!

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

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Jules is shocked. Called back to her hometown because of her sister, Nel’s death by drowning, she immediately becomes enveloped in her own haunted memories. Even seeing her niece, Lena, now a teenager who is resentful of Jules’ estrangement from Nel, isn’t fully bringing her back to herself. But when she discovers a haunting pattern of women falling (being pushed?) over the cliff into what has been named the “Drowning Pool,” and sees that Lena may be a potential target, she is shaken into action. But who can she trust to help?

This is a totally suspenseful novel that will keep you biting your nails and turning pages late into the night. Full of twists and turns, the plot becomes thicker and thicker with each chapter, and even as we read the story from the varied perspectives of the many characters here, we still are kept guessing until the very final paragraph. As the story unfolds, we also learn, bit by bit, where the sisters fell out, what misunderstanding from a tragic act of violence has separated them over all these years. It is horrible and heartbreaking.

There are a few characters here who delve into the mystical, which is usually not my thing. I did love this one particular character, Nickie, however. She is older, thought of as a fraud, and constantly being ignored. But of course, she is the one who holds the town’s secrets and is truly the one not to miss. We know that older women are often dismissed, and here is an example of why that could not only be foolish, but dangerous.

This is a fantastic beach read – just in time for summer!

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

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Birdie: It’s early 1930’s, and the Great Depression has hit Mississippi quite hard. Birdie considers herself lucky that she has a job, tedious and underpaid as it is. She has pretty much resigned herself to her single life, living at home with her Mama even as her younger sister has already flown the coup and gotten herself married, informing the family only after the fact. When circumstances become financially dire for Birdie and her Mama, she is encouraged to visit her now wealthier sister to ask for a loan. When she finds her sister and sees the reality of her life there, Birdie finds life can be challenging in ways she’d never dreamed of.

Meg: Being eleven years old at an orphanage during the Depression is hard, but never as hard as when the head of the establishment, the “esteemed” Garnett Pittman, just seems to have it out for you. Having been deserted by her mother two years prior, she continues to have dreams about her mother returning, which her best friend insists she must let go. But since she’s been exiled to a dreary, windowless room to herself all day, leaving only for meals and sleep, she can hardly be expected not to fantasize about her Mama. What else does she have to do? It is only when a new volunteer comes to work on the books for the orphanage and shows her a bit of kindness that she imagines she may have a future other than what Garnett has planned for her.

This is an incredibly beautiful story about women, their limited choices, and the lengths to which people will go for those they love. Written by the author of The Help, this novel is animated by the vernacular, the color, the beauty and the darkness of the South in the 1930’s. I listened to this on audiobook and found it utterly absorbing and entertaining, enjoying the lovely accents, rich characters and wonderfully snarky dialogue. As each of the histories of the main characters are gradually revealed, there is also a sense of horror at the evil inclinations of some and the victimization of many. Women at the time were particularly vulnerable, and those few with power did not always use that power for good.

But we root for these two characters – and many others – as we come to know their kindness, their sensitivity, and their complexity. And as the plot thickens, and takes unexpected curves, we find we worry for their safety and keep turning pages (or listening attentively) just to ensure we learn their fates. There is a great deal of suspense, of caring and of sadness – as there is in real life.

It’s been awhile since I’ve designated a book a “MUST READ,” but The Calamity Club absolutely is one! Whether you read or listen, I guarantee you will be taken in and love it!

The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

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Upon boarding the ship, the SS Morro Castle, Catherine must act as if this is just another luxury cruise to Cuba that she is taking, something she’s completely used to; that is, if she’s to continue to convince her fiance, Raymond, that she is the heiress she has implied she is. Meanwhile, Elena is determined to hide out as much as possible on this same cruise, if she is to accomplish the revenge plot that she’s been scheming for months now. As the cruise progresses and the two women become more immersed in their ruses, we gradually learn how their stories are intertwined and how the success of one is heavily dependent upon the other.

Another gripping story of historical fiction from this author, Chanel Cleeton! We are treated to her creation of beautiful women characters who are both vulnerable and strong, irate and determined. They have both been wronged and are yet resilient and ready to move forward. They are also enmeshed in a plot that is complicated and intriguing, with unforeseen adversity that rushes up suddenly and overtakes them by storm.

My only complaint is one you’ve heard before from me: that the story is wrapped up too tightly into a pretty bow and delivers a happily-ever-after that is just too perfect. This is not how life generally works, and it is not how I like to see a novel end. But that may just be me…

Otherwise, this is an engaging work of historical significance, from both the Cuban history perspective as well as the story of the ship itself.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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Daphne feels like such a fool. Only days before, her life had seemed like it was on a seamless track: engaged to Peter, she had moved into his beautiful home, became a part of his life, even ingratiated herself with his family and his friends. She was happy – or so she thought. But it has been blown to pieces now, with his sudden proclamation that he is, in fact, in love with his supposed “best friend” Petra (who is also engaged – to Miles). Still in shock, she barely even registers that Peter and Petra are going away for a week together to give her a chance to move out. But where is she to go??? Fortunately, Miles offers Daphne extra room in his apartment – a situation that will, of course, be temporary. In fact, living in the town Peter and Petra were still inhabiting is going to be temporary. She just has to get through her one major work project – and then she can leave. But will she?

This is a sweet, albeit predictable, romcom that will engage and entertain you. Emily Henry has a gift for creating charming characters with unexpectedly complicated backstories and clever, witty banter. There is a warmth that radiates off the pages and even the more troublesome characters have a vulnerability that shines through. And while you may guess the ending, there is a circuitous route that leads there, keeping you engaged and entertained just ever so much longer.

If you’re looking for a light, summer read – or listen! – here’s your next book! It’s cute, warm, and with just enough humor to keep you smiling throughout the pages.

Summer Longing by Jamie Brenner

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

All Ruth wants to do as she arrives in Provincetown is to settle into her new, albeit temporary, home. She has just sold her lucrative cosmetics business and is searching for her forever home in this place where her happiest memories were borne; a place to gather her thoughts to focus on her next phase of life. She also sees this as an opportunity to reflect on her past and to potentially rectify her errors. As she approaches the lovely rental home where she will spend the summer, she is immediately met with frustration. Where are the keys to her home that were supposed to be in the mailbox? And, more dramatically, who is this baby who’s been abandoned at her front door? This is most definitely more than she bargained for, but yet it may be just what she needs to heal.

This is a delightful summer/beach read, taking place in one of the summeriest, beachiest spots I know. While Ruth is struggling to reconcile her workaholic past, one that has overshadowed her relationship with both her ex-husband and her daughter, she is also met with a warm cast of characters who are reconciling struggles of their own. She meets Elise and Fern, a couple who have been tortured by infertility that is threatening their very marriage. She meets the warm Barros family, a close-knit, traditional Portuguese family who embrace Ruth and quickly include her as one of their own. And she is fortunate enough to befriend Amelia, who is a virtual mother to all: kind and wise, guiding all around her with patience. And this, all while trying to repair the damage she feels she’s caused to her relationship with her daughter. I challenge you not to love each of these characters.

It also doesn’t hurt that it does take place in one of my favorite places. References to Commercial Street, the Red Inn, and Herring Cove bring back warm memories for me. Provincetown is a place where one can be whoever they are – truly anything goes! And it’s dazzling.

A lovely read. Warm, cozy, and yes, a bit corny – but isn’t that what summers are for???

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

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Despite her painful past, Helen has managed to defeat the odds and have a very successful YA book series that, much to her shock (and discomfort), is being formulated for a streaming series. While she has always loved books and loves to write in the privacy of her own spaces, she feels completely out of her league in the LA scene. Then, as icing on the cake, she sees the list of writers who will be working on her show and is utterly thrown: Grant Shepard? The boy who happened to be driving the car her younger sister threw herself in front of years ago? This can’t be happening…

This is a sort of tragic romcom. While there is an underlying current of sadness, after both Helen and Grant have suffered greatly after the pivotal and horrifying incident of their youth, there is also the spark of hope for both of them. They are thrown together by unlikely circumstances and are, in a sense, forced to confront this past. On the other hand, because they’ve shared such profound grief and anger, they also are bound together by a situation that only the two of them could possibly comprehend.

Like many other lighter novels, some degree of suspension of reality has to happen here. The likelihood of their coming together so far from their home is a HUGE coincidence. Yes, it can happen. No it is not likely. Also I felt the sex scenes were explicit and gratuitous (which may be an attraction for some, forgive the pun) but I didn’t feel they added much to the story. On the other hand, the characters are very sympathetic; we understand Helen’s awkwardness, and we are sensitive to Grant’s panic attacks. They are relatable characters, written well.

Overall, this is an engaging story, certainly an easy beach read and perfect for this season!

The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Kick Kennedy has just arrived in London and she has immediately fallen in love. The city’s deep history, the rich cultural opportunities – not to mention the exciting nightlife where she has quickly befriended most of London’s young elite – has given her a feeling she’s never quite gotten from the privileged but stuffy social gatherings back home in the US. And even though her family is most important to her, especially given their notoriety and their Kennedy connections, she finds herself thinking she would like to stay here, even as things are heating up with Hitler’s greedy ambition and the threat of war hanging over everyone’s head. To complicate matters, she has also become enamored of a particular young man, who has captured her eye. If only their religions did not interfere with their being accepted as a couple. So many challenges she must face!

This novel not only provides a window into the Kennedy family via Kathleen (“Kick”) Kennedy’s life and struggles, but it also gives a palpable sense of the anxiety among the younger set in London pre- and during WWII. Her father, Joe Kennedy quickly lost favor as the ambassador to England when he remained staunchly anti-war, even in the face of the rising threat the Nazis posed to England and to Europe. Kick, as a family member who was more in touch with the younger generation who were mostly for defending England and standing up to the Nazi attempt to take over all of Europe, had a more realistic view of the situation. And while her father did not listen to her initially, he gradually learned to trust his wise and socially adept daughter. While this was certainly a coming of age of a young debutante, it also was great historical fiction for a time that was complicated, scary, and a challenging backdrop for romance.

It also provided insight into the conflict between Catholics and Protestants at the time (and continuing to today). Particularly in England, where the chasm between the two religions was so deeply-rooted and had affected their royal families, nobles, and so many others, it was a source of trauma for those who might wish to marry into the other religion. The Catholics, believing that if they deserted their church, they’d be excommunicated, abandoned by their families, and considered damned for all eternity, this was a heavy load for true believers. And Protestants, who made up a larger swath of the population, believed that if they were to betray their church, they would be shaming their families, culture, and their history as well.

I felt I learned so much from this book – and it was a well-written and engaging story to boot! Highly recommend for my fellow fans of historical fiction!