The Lies that Bind by Emily Griffin

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It is summer 2001 and Cecily has been living in NYC for 4 years now. She’s been working for a small newspaper and has made a couple of friends, but her life feels like it’s just been put on hold since her breakup with her boyfriend, Matthew. Since her best friend in the world is still back home in Wisconsin, she feels she needs to get out of her own head, and, leaving her cellphone at her small apartment, she takes herself to a nearby bar, alone. She is truly not looking to meet anyone – it’s far too soon for that – but as it happens, someone does join her at that bar, and they immediately just click. What happens from there begins a journey that takes Cecily through a maze of both lies and truths that she learns she will ultimately have to sort out for herself.

While this story is a bit of a stretch in terms of plausibility, if you’re able to sort of “go with it,” it’s an easy, fun read that is mostly satisfying. I think what saves it is that we really come to like our protagonist, Cecily, even as we suffer her naivete, her blind trust in what those around her tell her. While we can guess what is happening, she doesn’t – and it feels almost like watching an accident that is waiting to happen where you want to yell, “Watch out!!” but cannot. The point is, we do care enough about her to want to yell. (At least I did.)

So while this is not the great American novel, it is a lighter read that broke up some of the more intense novels I’ve read recently. Gotta do that sometimes!

 

 

 

 

How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Even though her ex-husband has now passed away, and there is much water under the bridge, she still has difficulty moving past that fateful moment when it felt like her entire life changed: when her youngest child, Toby, suffered a brain injury after being found face-down in their pond for who-knows-how-long. She cannot help but think what would have been had her husband not fallen asleep that day when he was supposed to be ensuring his safety? But as her life unfolds, she begins to learn to appreciate the beautiful person Toby becomes, rather than mourn who he might have been.

This is ultimately a beautiful story, but I feel that it takes unnecessary work to get there. There is quite a bit of repetition, such an unfortunate belaboring of points that the story could have been told in a much more succinct and effective way. Whether it was the writing or the editing – likely a combination of the two – I believe it is a drawback of this book.

Nevertheless, there is a lovely story underneath all this tautology. The unfolding of Toby’s story as told through Eleanor’s perspective is truly meaningful. Many overlook or dismiss Toby because he does not speak or walk or dress the way his peers might; but those who see him for who he is have the honor of getting to know someone who is warm, honest, loyal, and who is the kindest person they will ever know. He pays attention to details that few notice. He sees the potential in folks that others don’t see, appreciating what it is like to not be seen. And he accumulates family, friends, and fans along the way who deeply appreciate who he is. 

I believe this book is worthwhile, but you have to be willing to accompany Eleanor, Toby and their extended family on this long journey, even with all its detours and corollaries.

 

 

 

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It is 1960 and Evelyn is terrified. She has no choice but to accommodate her parents’ wishes and move to the home for unwed mothers where she’ll work and live until she gives birth to the child that she is now carrying. It would have been completely different had her boyfriend not died of a heart attack just before she found out she was carrying his baby. But now, she is trapped. Literally.

Fast forward to 2017 and Angela, working in her aunt’s antique store, stumbles upon a letter received years prior, meant for the tenant in the upstairs apartment. She opens the letter, just to see how she might be helpful to the sender, and she sees a heartbreaking plea. How can she be helpful in this situation? Should she try to help in this situation?

Meanwhile, in the 1970’s, we meet Nancy, who is struggling to assert her independence from her overbearing mother. They frequently clash, given her mother’s overpowering personality and ability to ignore most of what Nancy actually says. So Nancy learns to hide her self in a way that is detrimental. She learns to keep secrets. When a cousin asks Nancy her for help in a crisis, she keeps that secret as well, in spite of the trauma that it leaves her with. But she also learns a tidbit of information at that time that will have an impact on her future in a way that she cannot possibly imagine.

This is a particularly relevant read for this moment. In a time during which access to safe, legal abortions is threatened in too many areas of our country, this book should be read by everyone. This book touches upon the issue of women forced to carry pregnancies against their will (and then forced to give up the babies when they do deliver), women compelled to undergo dangerous procedures that endanger their lives, and women and medical providers who are threatened with arrest for having life-saving procedures such as D&C’s for natural miscarriages. And ironically, as it is pointed out in this story repeatedly, it is generally men making these decisions about women’s bodies!! What an absurd world we live in! [Of note, this story takes place in Canada, but the situations can and do happen here all the time in the US as well. Fortunately for Canadians, their country has not reneged on their commitment to women’s health the way we have here.]

This is an intricately constructed story and the way in which these very realistic, very human characters are portrayed and come together will captivate and engage and surprise you until the very final page. I could not put this book down. I loved it not only for its relevance but for how personally connected I felt to these beautiful characters. They are each products of their times, their circumstances, and yet connected by the fact that they are women who love.

Enjoy this book! I know I did!

This Used to be Us by Renee Carlino

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Dani and Alex used to be in love. Dani and Alex used to have the kind of marriage where communication was rarely even necessary because they could read each others’ minds. Now, it seems, that what’s on their minds is that the other is just wrong and they are speeding, headlong into divorce. As they work out the details of this new life with their two boys, they find they may be able to actually communicate on a whole new level.

This is a sweet story that will have you engaged from the very start. It is told from both Dani’s and Alex’s perspective, which deepens our understanding of both how they became a couple and their demise. We empathize with their overtures to connect as well as their despair when they feel defeated. We also hear their attempts to move forward with their lives, and how they are impeded by their deep love for each other. 

I will warn that you will experience a major emotional rollercoaster here, as there are sudden twists and unexpected dips that will throw you. Nevertheless, you are well cared for by the author; even when you are grieving, you are handled gently and beautifully.

I liked this book quite a lot – I believe you will as well.

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

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Susan is pretty confident she knows what she likes: she likes order and predictability, she has found a career that suits her skills, and while her childhood has been challenging, she’s even managed to maintain a decent relationship with her complicated family. Nevertheless, when her brother, Edward calls her to tell her that her mom has died, Susan is quite shocked. She knows that her mom has had two strokes, that she’d been a bit out of sorts, but she’d been living solidly on her own, albeit with the inconsistent “help” from her brother Edward. Susan is a realist, though, and understands that this is what happens. What she cannot understand is how her mother could have come up with the terms of her will she is now hearing read, once the funeral is over. Susan is convinced there is foul play and is determined to fight her brother over this – battling again, as they’ve done their whole lives. Only this time, it will be before the eyes of the court. There are just a few complications that may hinder her in the process…

It is hard to believe this is a debut novel, as it is as delightful and entertaining as its characters. Susan’s character, in particular, is one that I believe will stay with me for awhile. While Susan prefers to be alone, she is also a deeply kind person, and though blunt, she is always honest. Sadly, she has learned from life that others can bring pain, so she has built a shell around herself. Much like the cactus, she has grown thorns not to pose a threat to others, but merely to protect herself. But as she gradually begins to let others in – her neighbor, her brother’s friend, even her annoying aunt – she begins to see that it is not always to her detriment.

I would highly recommend this book – it is engaging story, with lovely characters, and your heart will melt for Susan and her predicaments. I look forward to Haywood’s next project!

 

 

 

 

 

Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

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Already reeling from the death of the man she’s known to be her father,  Joy has also just learned some shocking news about her mother, Pearl. These two events challenge Joy’s identity to her core. At the same time, as the 1950’s American government is targeting those suspected of being Communists, some, particularly those on college campuses, feel that Socialism can be the ideal of equality and fairness. Following this ideal,  Joy makes the impulsive decision to leave the comforts of what she’s known as home to embark on a journey to find her true birth father, to seek her Chinese roots, to relinquish her capitalist excesses, and to enter Mao’s People’s Republic of China. What she finds there shocks her even more.

With her usual skillful style, Lisa See has managed to compose yet another beautiful family saga, depicting family relationships at both their worst and their best, while incorporating a significant historical moment that is not frequently highlighted. Her mother, Pearl, on learning that Joy has left for China, follows her daughter there, even if it may put her own safety in jeopardy. She knows that Joy is young, that does not understand the consequences of her actions to the fullest, that she has never experienced the heavy hand of Communist rule. And if she is being honest, finding Joy’s father is of interest to her to, as they have a complicated history as well. The relationships depicted here are tender, beautiful, and authentic.

History plays a large role in this saga as well. China’s “Great Leap Forward” is anything but — but this is the era in which Joy finds herself. Initially, she tries to find the grace in it: the idealism of the communal life, the simplicity of the farm, the romance in the hard work. She also finds meaning in the art she’s able to produce there through which she can express herself, at least within the confines of the dictated rules. As time progresses, however, she sees the rampant deception. She begins to see that even when the rules are failing the people miserably, they are forced to abide the whims of their dictator, even at the cost of their very lives. When Joy becomes responsible for the life of another, this is where she can no longer abide this lie.

There is much darkness depicted here, but it is a frighteningly timely and realistic story. We are now in a moment when so many are following another wannabe fascist – a worshipper of Putin, of Kim Jong Un, of Hitler – and these followers are ignoring the harm he has done and has the potential to continue to do. He has already threatened to imprison his enemies – a classic fascist move. People make excuses for him – but we’ve seen him do this already in his first presidency. It’s an authentic threat. We need to learn both from other countries’ pasts such as that depicted here and our own past. This can happen again and this can happen here. We have the power to stop it with our votes. But this may not be the case for long if he is elected…

I hope you will read this novel. It is a beautiful family saga as well as a harsh warning for the world and for our country in particular.  A MUST READ for this moment!

 

 

 

The Possible World by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

In the aftermath of a terrifying scenario, Ben, a young boy, is brought to an ER in downtown Providence, where he is seen briefly by senior resident, Lucy, whose main focus is to stabilize patients and send them to wherever they need to go next. While Ben is clearly in shock and does not have any memory of the traumatic incident, he also seems to not even know who he is. As much as Lucy tries to disconnect from Ben, she cannot help being drawn to this sweet, vulnerable child even in spite of herself.

Meanwhile, in a nursing home in a RI suburb, we meet Clare, a woman approaching her 100th birthday, who remains an enigma to all around her. She rarely speaks, and when she does it is never about herself, fending off anything that might give herself away. But it appears that a new tenant, despite her younger age and her independent attitude, might be just the one to break through the hard shell Clare has built around herself.

It takes time and patience to learn how these two stories connect, and once you do, you still need some degree of faith and imagination. Nonetheless, this is a beautiful story, written with such tenderness that you cannot pull away from its pages until the end. Each character, down to the philosophical alcoholic with “worms in his knees” who shows up to the ER on a regular basis, is depicted with love. We adore the awkward, inquisitive Ben, who cannot help asking about the world. We adore Lucy, as she navigates her lonely, newly single life. We even adore Clare, even as she snaps at those around her. Each story is compelling in itself. And as their stories meld together, we are filled with compassion for each of them, because we cannot help but be so.

I suppose I have a particular affinity for this narrative. Since I am from Providence, I love the local references: fishing in Point Judith and Rocky Point, the 3-family houses on the short streets off of Hope Street, or a College Hill book store.  Novels are rarely based in Providence, so I appreciate when they are. In addition, the grueling schedule, the span of patients, and the absence of an outside life that Lucy experiences is real – I can attest to that as well. Though I was a pediatric resident a thousand years ago, I can still feel the painful exhaustion I felt coming home after taking care of deathly ill patients for 36 hours straight. I could not have a social life because there was barely time for me to have a life at all.  

That said, while the book spoke to me in particular, it will speak to you as well.  I encourage you to let yourself be taken away by this tale.

 

Between You and Me by Susan Wiggs

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Caleb thinks it will be a usual morning, getting ready for his day on his Amish farm, urging his nephew, Jonah, to get off to the neighbor’s farm to do his part in helping with the chores there. However, when one of the neighbor’s children come running back to alert them to the accident that befalls his nephew, he has no idea that his entire world will be turned upside down in a single moment.

Meanwhile, in central Philly, Reese finds herself in the ER, amidst the incoming trauma where she is a fourth-year student. She is trying not to connect with each patient who comes in, but finding herself connecting nonetheless. She cannot understand how the staff are able to get so involved with the patients for the intensive, momentary care and then send them off, to the OR, to the ICU, or home, without being able to know what comes next. But this is the life she’s chosen. Or has she? Is it not really the life her parents, successful doctors both, have chosen for her, from her very inception? How does she break out from under their domineering force and decide for herself? When she meets Caleb, transfixed by his very different manner and lifestyle, she sees an alternative to the treadmill she’s been living her life on.

While this is a bit of a predictable story, it is so very sweet and the characters so likable that it almost doesn’t matter. Who doesn’t love an unlikely love story? Who can resist a Romeo and Juliet? Reese and Caleb come from two different worlds, speak two different languages, and have very different life experiences. But fundamentally, they have similar values. They appreciate love, family, and the freedom to choose their own path, which binds them together more than even they realize.

The story also highlights something I’ve discussed before: when a community is insular, it can be very close-knit in a good way. It can mean that folks are there for each other in good times and in bad. But it can also mean that folks hide the bad stuff to the point of endangering others. It can mean that when someone is suffering, there is denial in the name of religion or righteousness, and that evil-doers can be protected to a fault. This can be dangerous in any community, but particularly when a community colludes in that hiding, in that burying of the guilt. Abuse of women and children are notoriously hidden in such communities, and this is can be dangerous.

I’d recommend this book, as a way to learn about the Amish, as a way to learn about the way we are all more similar than different, as a way to learn about the world.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Frankie wants to make her parents proud. The idea that women can be heroes too, whispered in her ear by her brother’s friend, has never occurred to her before, but when it is uttered, it hits her like a breath of fresh air. What better way to make her father, especially, proud than to join his “wall of heroes” by enlisting and serving her country as an army nurse in Vietnam? What she finds, as she disembarks from that first plane, is nothing like she’d ever imagined. And what she encounters there, whether she likes it or not, will stay with her for the rest of her life.

Here is yet another MUST READ, gifted to us from Kristin Hannah. It is not an easy one. It is harsh but realistic in its graphic detail of the horrors of the Vietnam war. It is a constant reminder, again and again, of what is lost in each and every battle. It also is historically and acutely accurate in its documentation of how horrifically veterans of this war were treated upon return to their country after their service, as if it were their choice to continue the war that most were drafted to serve in. More importantly, for this story, it documents how horrifically the WOMEN veterans of the war were treated. These women were denied their very existence there. Frankie was told, again and again, “There were no women in Vietnam,” when in fact, there were thousands of women in Vietnam – nurses, and support staff – serving their country, endangering their lives, and witnessing the trauma every day of their lives there.

Is the story all doom and gloom? No, of course not. It is also a story about love. Frankie finds so many versions of love. She finds beautiful friendships that last her lifetime. She opens her heart enough to have it broken time and again, which hurts but also helps her to grow. She also learns to appreciate that love can be demonstrated in many ways, even if it is not how we’d prefer. Frankie also learns to love herself, as she succeeds and fails and succeeds again.

It is an inspiring, gruesome, and heartwarming saga of a woman’s search for meaning and for herself. It is hard – perhaps impossible –  not to love this book.

 

Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

To say that sisters, Meghann and Claire, have not had the best relationship since Meghann’s teen years is an understatement. While Meghann mothered Claire through her early years much more than their narcissistic mother had ever done, their separation years back was painful for both of them, creating a chasm that has remained ever since. Any communication between them seems to end up in miscommunication, which just frustrates them both. It is only when a shocking incident occurs in Meghann’s life that she is forced to make a change. And when she does, it is Claire whom she is forced, by circumstances, to turn to.

I believe that Hannah’s literary talent lies not only in her ability to tell a story, which she certainly can do, but in her ability to create characters which we come to adore. While Meghann is brilliant and powerful, witty and successful, she is also mistrusting, cynical, and heartbreakingly lonely. We see her first as the aggressive advocate, a fighter on behalf of the wronged women of the world. And she is damned good at it, too. Eventually, however, she comes to see that perhaps she is too good at it. Perhaps she is, in her zeal to be the best, to win, she may be causing some harm as well. When she begins to see a bigger picture, to open her heart and her vision to other possibilities, she begins to see what might be better, not only for her clients, but perhaps for herself as well.

An important theme here is trust: trust in others, trust in oneself. While both sisters were essentially abandoned by their mom, they each chose different ways to cope. Claire, likely because she did have more parenting during her youth, has chosen trust and love. Meghann has been unable to do either in any real way. She has been burned just too many times to believe it is wise or even possible to do so. Her profession, a divorce attorney, is actually perfect for her. We see how this plays out in their lives and in how they love.

While the story overall is a bit corny and predictable, it does remain engaging throughout. It will definitely satisfy those of you who like the occasional snarky dialogue, a hand-wringing middle, and a nice, happy ending tied up in a bow. While the ending was a bit too neat for me, I am sure there are many who’d be too sad for it to have been any different.

Bottom line, it is a strong read, with lovely characters. Hope you enjoy it!