“Family History” by Dani Shapiro

January 12, 2023 MartieLeave a comment

Genre: Domestic Fiction Family History
Publisher: Knopf
Pub. Date: 2003

The story reads as a women’s fiction novel with a “literary” vibe. The author explores a family in crisis. “Family History” is a page-turner with flaws, but still worth reading. A young teenage daughter, Kate, returns home from summer camp as a different person shocking her parents, Ned and Rachel. Kate had always been the apple of her parent’s eyes. Before camp, she excelled academically and in sports with a friendly disposition that made her popular in school. Every summer, she had gone to sleep away camp. However, this is the first time Kate returns angry, depressed, and destructive. Her negativity and insolence become even more pronounced as the school year progresses. Her teachers, parents, or even her old friends no longer have any influence on her. Kate is unrecognizable to all that know her. The author nails the parents’ agony in trying to help their child while desperately attempting to understand what is causing her detrimental behaviors. Shapiro can even make you feel sorry for the highly unlikeable girl since she, too, seems clueless about why she is so out of control. This is the point where the flaws come in. The reader never finds out why Kate is so dramatically changed. Is the problem teenage angst on steroids, is she jealous of the new baby, did something happen at camp, or does she have an undiagnosed personality disorder? Since schizophrenia symptoms often show up when someone is in their teens, I went with the last guess. But then again, something horrible could have happened while she was at camp. I was frustrated not having a conclusion. Maybe the author didn’t give her readers an answer because we are often left guessing without an outcome in real life. This is a sad and challenging tale to read. However, as long as you know what you are getting into, I can still recommend this book because of how well the author writes and captures her character’s intensity.

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“Attachments” by Jeff Arch

January 9, 2023 Martie2 Comments

Genre: Family Drama Attachments
Publisher: SparkPress
Pub. Date: May 11, 2021

The author is most known for the screenplay “Sleepless in Seattle.” His debut novel is not a romantic comedy but also looks closely into love relationships. Two male students are in love with the same girl. One marries her, and the other leaves the country and becomes a monk. A bit over the top to buy. When their Pennsylvania boarding school’s headmaster has a stroke and is on the verge of passing away, these three students, now middle-aged adults, return because he called for them before losing consciousness. The mystery of the tale is why he asked them to return to the school. Arch does a good job of getting into his characters’ heads. However, I found this to be a melodramatic read with a relatively easy-to-guess twist.

I received this novel at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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“Magnificent Rebel: Nancy Cunard in Jazz Age Paris” by Anne de Courcy

January 4, 2023 MartieLeave a comment

Genre: Biography Magnificent
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub Date: April 11, 2023

Anne de Courcy wrote a fascinating and well-documented biography of Nancy Cunard, who dominated the Paris scene in the 1920s, hanging around with all those famous people you read about in Paula McLain’s biographical fiction “The Paris Wife” referring to Ernest Hemingway’s first wife. Nancy was the epitome of a hard-core socialite with an “I don’t give a damn” attitude. She was also a poet and a journalist who founded “Hours Press.” She was promiscuous and a cruel lover. She didn’t care who she hurt as long as her needs were met. I wondered if she had a Borderline or Narcissistic personality disorder. She was an alcoholic, which may have or not have brought on mental illness. This portrayal of a complex woman during the roaring twenties in the City of Lights is first-rate. Unfortunately, I thought I would read a biographical fiction novel, not a biography. I continued reading because the writing was good, and Nancy was a pistol. If you enjoy biographies who will enjoy “Magnificent Rebel.”

I received this novel at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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“Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale” by Chris Tomasini

January 2, 2023January 2, 2023 Martie3 Comments

Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction
Publisher: December 16, 2021
Pub. Date: Amazon Kindle Direct

In this feel-good, offbeat historical fiction, the reader is transported to the medieval Kingdom of Gora. Here we meet kings, queens, princes, princesses, storytellers, cooks, and jesters. The book’s central theme is love, but it takes a while for this to emerge. Born a dwarf, Samuel serves as the court jester. We are told the story through his eyes as the first-person narrator. The novel reads like a fairy tale for adults, which is appealing if you enjoy magical adventures. I am not a fan of surreal stories. I continued reading, though, because I do enjoy historical fiction. In addition, laughter, wisdom, and melancholy are skillfully woven into the plot.

With a kingdom histrionic outburst, the author’s wit shines from the outset. In the prologue, we learn that the kingdom’s people woke up in distress one day. “Neighbors question each other about the reason for the hysteria. The most widely believed rumor was that forces of the Holy Roman Empire were preparing to attack our king.” There was no army coming. There was no plan to harm the king. The disturbance had nothing to do with anything political or religious. It seems that the kingdom had its priorities. What is life without good food and storytelling? The reason for the commotion was that “the King’s cook and the storyteller had fled the castle.” The novel is often outrageously funny. Another example is when a widow told a group of scholars, “The Greek included passages concerning the sexual proclivities of each animal. You may find a lover capable of replacing your horse.”

Here is another occurrence that had me laughing out loud. While still in his teens, Samuel worked as a traveling jester. He collaborated with Troyden, a man who stands seven feet tall. The two went by the name “High and Low.” They despised each other. Samuel thought, “Troyden was a genius upon a stage, but in daily life, he was the most asinine dullard I have ever known.” One night they broke character during scenes, “a genuine, and bitter, argument erupted between us.” Since they believed it was a part of their act, the audience laughed even harder while watching an oddly tall and abnormally short man “quarreling viciously.” The images the reader sees are absurd and hysterical—Slapstick humor at its best.

The two parted ways, and Samuel goes on to be “the private clown for the children of King Pawel of Gora.” This is where he meets his good friend Tycho, the king’s storyteller. Tycho is a likable scamp blessed with good looks and natural charm. He believes that having a never-ending supply of eager ladies who desire to sleep with him makes up for his lack of affection throughout his formative years. This makes him a fun character to read. The book’s title gets its name from him. “On this night, he said ‘Close Your Eyes,’ and just as I did, I saw that his eyes were bright, were shining.” Samuel is also an engaging character. While Tycho is looking for the meaning of love, intelligent Samuel explores the lessons one can learn from life experiences.

“Fairy Tale” captures the full spectrum of medieval society. Look for a twist with the character, Bishop Tonnelli. Despite not being my cup of tea, the book can be lively and absorbing with its sly humor, flair for characterization, and rich examination of the human condition. This is evident, particularly in the character of Samuel. The novel’s length and added complexity is my most significant criticism. Although the writing is good, it can be disjointed, leaving me sometimes confused. However, the epilogue did explain much of what I initially didn’t get. Tomasini would have written a superior book if he had written this as a collection of short stories or novellas. Still, if you enjoy the genre and can ignore the bulkiness, you will probably eat this one up. Moreover, you might disagree with me that the novel is bulky. Sometimes it is all a matter of taste.

I received this novel at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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“All the Dangerous Things” by Stacy Willingham

December 18, 2022 Martie2 Comments

Genre: Family Thriller All Dangerous Things
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub. Date: January 10, 2023

A slow-paced thriller is hard to find, so I applaud the author for writing this one. Willingham wrote a story within a story. Although the novel focuses on our protagonist, Isabelle, her husband, Ben, and their kidnapped son, Mason, her traumatic past plays a significant role in the tale. There are two timelines, each with its own mystery. We get a good feel of Isabelle’s childhood and current life. Because the novel doesn’t hint at when or why we jump into the past, at first, the back-and-forth timelines can be challenging to follow. Still, Isabelle’s family back-story with her parents and younger sister, Megan, reads like a ghost story keeping me invested in the tale. In “All the Dangerous Things,” the author explores grief, affairs, marriages, and postpartum depression.

Isabella has been sleep deprived for a year since her toddler son went missing. Willingham adds to the suspense by reminding the reader that lack of sleep can lead to delusions and hallucinations. The author had me wondering if the grieving mother’s perceptions were true or just figments of her imagination. The police have all but given up trying to find her son, and she knows she is a suspect. She takes it upon herself to go around the country speaking at true crime events, telling her story, and seeing if anyone suspicious is in the audience. This is how she meets a true-crime podcaster who takes on a role in the story.

The writing in “dangerous” can be sophomoric at times. However, I enjoyed understanding both timeframes’ mystery solutions, even though one had a predictable twist. I suppose I continued reading this book when the plot became unbelievable is because I got hooked on Isabelle’s childhood. Plus, I prefer watching slow-paced movies, as you can find in foreign films, and reading literary novels, which are typically slow moving. If you want your thrillers at rollercoaster speed, this one is not for you.

I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

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“Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano

December 13, 2022 Martie4 Comments

Genre: Literary Fiction Hello Beautful
Publisher: Random House
Pub. Date: March, 14, 2023

Ann Napolitano is one of my favorite authors. Even so, her latest novel, a modern-day “Little Women” wannabe, doesn’t quite pull it off. I didn’t find the classic’s update to be particularly unappealing. The author did a fine job with the revisions. I struggled because there was almost too much heart-wrenching soap opera-like tugging at the heartstrings. But then again, I guess you can say the same about “Little Women.” As expected, we meet four sisters and their mother that examines sisterly love, but unlike Louisa May Alcott’s novel, “Hello Beautiful” also includes family conflicts.

Through thick and thin, the sisters are there for each other. However, instead of a group of strong, united women, they appear to me like codependent-fused sisters who couldn’t survive apart from each other. And don’t get me started on the mother. If I say more, it would be a spoiler. The father is a beautifully written character who often drinks too much. He is a depressed yet sweet man who adores his daughters as they do him. The book’s title comes from his daily greeting to them. I thought the title was a poor choice for this tale, sounding more romance-oriented than literary.

The husband of the eldest daughter has an interesting history. He is also a depressed man. Due to a family tragedy, his parents brutally ignore him from the time of his birth. When he finally finds some confidence in basketball, an injury ruins his career. The author nails the pain of mental illness. Interestingly, I recently learned that Alcott’s father, whom she was very close to, was prone to depression.

Napolitano skilled writer. This is demonstrated in all her work, including here. But, unlike in her novel, “Dear Edward,” where the story’s tension is high, I didn’t feel it at all in this book. What makes the suspense in “Edward” so impressive is that the reader goes in knowing the ending. Maybe my expectations were too high, and I was expecting another pitch-perfect tale. Perhaps, I don’t care for novels that simplify human behavior, no matter how juicy of a plot. Alcott herself had stated that she found her most beloved work boring. She preferred writing suspense novels. In May 1868, she wrote in her journal, “Mr. N wants a girls’ story, and I begin ‘Little Women.’ … I plod away, though I don’t enjoy this sort of thing.” Even though I cannot say that I was ever excited to read the next chapter, I still recommend the novel. Napolitano is that good.

I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

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“Foster” by Claire Keegan

December 5, 2022 Martie2 Comments

Genre: Coming of Age Irish Novella Amal
Publisher: Grove Atlantic
Pub. Date: November 1, 2022

Foster is a heartbreaking but humane story about parents and children in Ireland. Though not mentioned, politics suggests that we are in the 1980s. As with the author’s Small Things Like These, which was a Booker Prize–long-listed novel, this novella is also both concise and gut-wrenching. In seemingly simple prose, Keegan’s explores class differences through a child’s eyes. Due to her mother’s recent pregnancy and the stress of feeding their huge family, a young unnamed girl is sent to live with Mr. and Mrs. Kinsella, the girl’s childless relatives that she never met. We learn that the girl’s parents have a history of ignoring her. They didn’t tell her when or if she would return home. When dropping the child off, her father tells them, “She’ll ate, but ye can work her.” When her uncle replies, “there will be no need for that here,” we know she is now with a very different kind of family.

Keegan’s lyrical novella might be considered a class in child narration. Like the character Francie Nolan in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, our girl’s voice also is never precocious and walks the perfect balance between naïveté and innate intelligence. Keegan does not always tell us what the girl’s thoughts mean; her subtle suggestions are perhaps even more potent. When the girl accompanies Mrs. Kinsella to milk the cows, she observes inwardly, “I can hear them pulling the grass up from the roots. The breeze, crossing the rim of the bucket, whispers sometimes as we walk along. Neither one of us talks, the way people sometimes don’t when they are happy — but as soon as I have this thought, I realize its opposite is also true.”

Our unnamed protagonist who’s age we do not know, shares the same long tall legs as her mother and aunt. One of the many tender moments is when her uncle introduces her to running. His love is not stated, merely implied by taking time out of his farm duties to clock her runs. “By the time this summer’s end you’ll be like a reindeer.” With “room and time to think,” she realizes that she enjoys the sport and the challenge of beating her time. This struck a nerve for me because it’s the kind of reading that motivates parents to do better for their children. Foster is a treasure with pitch-perfect writing that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions—expect to shed tears while looking at the injustices of poverty and the damage that shame can bring. Mrs. Kinsella whispers to the sleeping girl, “If you were mine, I’d never leave you in a house with strangers.” Keegan quietly pulls on our heartstrings. This is the sort of book that, once you finish, you immediately want to start reading again to see if you missed anything.

I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

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The Reading Woman 2022 Calendar: December

December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 MartieLeave a comment

“All good stories travel from the outside in.”

― Amal El-Mohtar, This is How You Lose the Time War

“Picture in the Sand” by Peter Blauner

December 1, 2022December 1, 2022 MartieLeave a comment

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub. Date: Jan. 3, 2023

“Pictures in the Sand” is an intergenerational family saga fused with an in-depth examination of the roots of radical Islam. The novel connects surprising dots, such as those between modern-day Egyptian terrorism with the making of Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments, a film I’ve been watching for sixty years. Only upon reading this novel did I learn how DeMille’s telling of the Exodus helped deteriorate the relationship between Western and Islamic cultures. Multilayered throughout, the story punctuates moments of familiar comfort with graphic violence.

An Egyptian immigrant, Ali Hassan, rejoices when he receives the news that his American-born grandson, Alex Hassan, has been accepted to an Ivy League university. Instead of attending college, however, Alex sends his family an email telling them he is changing his name to Abu and leaving to fight a holy war in the Middle East. The details of Abu’s radicalization, which I found myself wanting, are left to our imagination.

In Egypt, Abu only communicates with his grandfather. We learn that in the 1950s, under his cousin’s influence, Ali transformed from a movie fan working as one of Cecil B. DeMille’s assistants to a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Through the young Ali, the author shows how such organizations can corrupt a young person’s mind. Impressed by Ali’s past, Abu’s commanders allow for the correspondence. But impressing terrorists was never Ali’s goal. In his letters to Abu, the author shines, nimbly portraying Ali’s attempts to dissuade him.

As an old movie buff, I enjoyed reading about the makings of the film. Now I need to research whether DeMille was as unlikable as portrayed here. Detailed descriptions of the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the massive Egyptian set where Charlton Heston slips in and out of character while dressed as Moses reveal the author’s eye for detail. As a typical American, I think in terms bad guys versus good guys, just like in DeMille’s movie. So I sometimes struggled to follow the intricacies of inter-Egyptian turmoil after the end of British rule.

“Picture” is entertaining and educational, which is everything a historical novel should be. All but the conclusion felt genuine, which is my only issue. Explaining would be a spoiler. It leaves much to discuss regardless. I still highly recommend reading the novel. If you read this book, please share how you felt about the ending with me.

I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

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“The Guest” by Emma Cline

November 17, 2022November 18, 2022 Martie4 Comments

Genre: Psychological Fiction The Guest
Publisher: Random House
Pub. Date: May 16, 2023

I enjoyed other novels by Emma Cline. “The Girls” centers on teenage girls in a commune in 1969. The commune leader is modeled after Charles Manson. It is basically the plot of the movie “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” The film came out in 2019. The novel was published in 2016. Wonder if there is a connection. “Daddy,” published in 2000, held my interest with ten edgy slice-of-life tales exploring human nature. In 2023, “The Guest” will be coming out. The fact that I didn’t enjoy this one surprised me. The novel is written as a character study with a fascinating protagonist, a pathological liar, and an expert grifter. Alex is in her early 20s. We get a good feel for her from the beginning. Her NYC roommates kick her out for not paying her share of the rent. Alex goes into hiding out on Long Island while evading a city boyfriend from whom she stole money. She is the kind of dislikeable character you love to hate.

When Simon, a wealthy older man, moves her into his beach house, she believes she has it made. When Simon kicks her out, she aimlessly walks around Long Island to wait for Simon’s party on Labor Day. She believes that Simon will take her back once he sees her. In her usual state of self-interest, Alex lives with the help of a teenage boy who falls in love with her. The author expertly captures her apathy towards others. Cline even somehow manages to make Alex almost sympathetic. She is a homeless soul who bounces around between men hoping to develop a relationship with one who will take care of her. However, because Cline makes sure the reader understands that Alex does not intend to find a way of independent living without the use of manipulation and sex, having empathy for the character is near impossible.

With such a compelling narrative, I expected to be enthralled by the story. However, because the plot’s theme is overused, the novel loses its appeal. The book ends abruptly, ruining the excellent tension I was experiencing while waiting to find out what would happen on Labor Day. I was left wishing there was an epilogue. While “The Guest” is just as edgy as her other books, it lacks significance. Eventually, I started to wonder what the point of this story was. Is it researching the mentality of a sociopath? Is Alex really a sociopath, or is there some underlying trauma influencing her behavior? What is the meaning of the book’s cover? Does the image of an open palm mean Alex is looking for help or if she is welcoming men to come to her? No matter, Cline produces such strong writing that it took me a while to realize that the plot isn’t worth getting invested in. A shorter version of the book, possibly a novella, with fewer repetitions would have been more effective.

I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

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