Kathleen_K2

The politics of the world of Bellosio are intricate and masterfully written. I particularly like the conflict between the faith-based cultures and the logic-based cultures. The characters are simultaneously fleshed-out and mysterious. Having the deity figure be an alien is unique and highly intriguing.

This is a very unique time travel book. The story is told in a series of vignettes rather than linear prose and we jump between characters frequently. The plot twist was executed very well but overall this book was not quite to my taste.

"The Reimagining of Thornwood House" is bursting with whimsy and charm. The mother daughter relationship is wonderfully written, and the villagers they befriend add extra dimension. The mix of the mundane and the magical creates such a cozy atmosphere.

This book is hauntingly beautiful. The author fully captures the resilience of the human spirit in very difficult situations alongside the varied emotional reactions of the different characters. The inclusion of letters and newspaper clippings between each chapter increases the historical depth of the narrative and gives additional context beyond what the characters are experiencing. The imagery is stunning and poignant while not being distracting.

This book is perfect for those who crave a strong emotional punch from a story but do not mind an ambiguous ending. The imagery of the jellyfish throughout the book are both ethereal and haunting. I particularly liked the inclusion of snippets of the book the two primary characters are writing together, including the editing notes back and forth to each other. The author included many nods and references to Japanese folklore throughout the narrative which added a richness to the story and made the characters feel more nuanced.

"The House of Hidden Letters" by Izzy Broom is a story of hope and resilience, loss and found family. The characters our main character Skye meets on the island of Folegandros are delightful and warm. The atmosphere of the Greek island is so rich you can almost feel the breeze. The dual timelines centering on the same house created extra depth that the current-day narrative needed, as well as fleshing out how Folegandros became an island of people who are deeply invested in taking care of one another. While terribly sad at times, the book ends on an incredibly hopeful note with just the right amount of romance and closure.

The overwhelming feeling of this book is community and belonging. This would be an excellent book club pick. It would also appeal to those who enjoy Kristen Hannah's books that center ordinary people during World War II.