The Waters: A Novel
by Bonnie Jo Campbell
The Waters (12/19/2023)
What a great book! The author's descriptions of The Waters location and nearby village "Whiteheart" were so good you could almost picture yourself there - visiting Rose Cottage and Boneset Table. The complex family dynamics were powerful yet it was apparent all three daughters and granddaughter were loved by the elder Hermine "Herself" Zook, the local herbalist. A variety of themes were played out in the book - value of natural remedies, effects of pollution on the environment as well as incest and rape. Book clubs would have a lot to discuss with this book.
The Continental Affair: A Novel
by Christine Mangan
Does Crime Pay Really (8/4/2023)
The author has created a book with interrelated chapters involving two main characters (Henri and Louise) with different chronological reverences - dates, personal issues and settings. It involves a monetary crime committed by Louise and Henri trying to get the money returned to the rightful owners. As the story progresses both characters learn a lot about each other as well as engage in personal self reflections. The reader needs to be ready to read each chapter and keep track of each character's involvement in solving the crime. The reader will have to decide whether Louise is justified in committing the crime and if Henri is really responsible for retribution.
The Montevideo Brief: A Thomas Grey Novel
by J. H. Gelernter
Interesting But Not My Kind of Book (4/4/2023)
The Montevideo Brief would not be one I would recommend for my book club which consists of ladies interested in current issues. To be fair to the author, descriptions of various adventures of Thomas Grey were colorful and held this reader's attention. Readers who are into history involving pirates and British acquiring treasure ships from other countries would probably like this book.
