Read advance reader review of The Hollow Ground by Natalie S. Harnett, page 3 of 3

The Hollow Ground

A Novel

Page 3 of 3

There are currently 18 member reviews
for The Hollow Ground

Celia A. (Takoma Park, MD)

Less than I hoped for
I was interested to read a book set against the backdrop of the Centralia mine fires. But this book turned out to be less than I hoped for. I found it distracting to set the story in the context of a real historical event and then make up place names for it. In terms of the story itself, I felt no real connection to the characters. The only one that I felt came close to being fleshed out was the narrator. And her story was so overly melodramatic that I found myself thinking what more could possibly happen to this kid.

Darra W. (Walnut Creek, CA)

"Valley of the Ashes"
Uncontrolled fires burn beneath the decaying town of Barrendale, PA, creating an apt metaphor for the secrets simmering just below the surface of the 'cursed,' coal-mining Howley family in this bleak coming-of-age novel. The unusual and atmospheric setting, and the resulting below/above-the-façade tension, are the novel's strong suit; less so the characters (sorry, but Brigid is no Scout Finch) and somewhat predictable mechanisms of the plot. Final analysis: good, but not great.

Michelle M. (Palm City, FL)

Slow start
I measure a book by whether I can't put it down as soon as I start it. I could not get into this book. It jumped around too much and was depressing, The book moved along towards the end. I felt sorry for the daughter Brigid but even her character was confusing. I will not recommend this book to my book club.

Join our inner reading circle, go ad-free and get way more!

The Familiar
by Leigh Bardugo

Luzia, the heroine of Leigh Bardugo's novel The Familiar, is a young woman employed as a scullion in...
Table for Two
by Amor Towles

Amor Towles's short story collection Table for Two reads as something of a dream compilation for...
Bitter Crop
by Paul Alexander

In 1958, Billie Holiday began work on an ambitious album called Lady in Satin. Accompanied by a full...
Under This Red Rock
by Mindy McGinnis

Since she was a child, Neely has suffered from auditory hallucinations, hearing voices that demand ...

About Discuss

The House on Biscayne Bay
by Chanel Cleeton

As death stalks a gothic mansion in Miami, the lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide.

Read the Reviews
The Flower Sisters
by Michelle Collins Anderson

From the new Fannie Flagg of the Ozarks, a richly-woven story of family, forgiveness, and reinvention.

Read the Reviews