Manderley Forever
by Tatiana de Rosnay
A "Novel" Biography (12/21/2016)
Biographies can be a dry retelling of names, dates and events. Not so with Tatiana De Rosnay's insightful biography of Daphne Du Maurier. Revelations of her complicated relationships with women, the places and emotions that drove her writing are expertly woven through the pages of this biography. I was captivated by the writing style and the details of Du Maurier's life. I will re-read some of her works with renewed insight into her life and times.
The Secret Ingredient of Wishes
by Susan Bishop Crispell
When wishing makes it so (7/10/2016)
Wishes and secrets. Don't we all have both! In this romance both play an important part. Wishes, if heard come true, and secrets can be kept baked in a pie.
This bit of magic and how it impacts the characters is a 'novel' idea! The story line is predictable, but it was a light, fun summer read.
Miss Jane
by Brad Watson
Time, place and strength (3/31/2016)
The story of an amazing woman, a complicated family and the beauty to be found in even the most difficult of circumstances.
Brad Watson"s mesmerizing prose drew me in immediately. I was immersed in the time and place, in the strength Jane showed as she lived her life on her own. The family dynamics, the stigma of "disability", the perseverance and inner strength Jane showed will be an inspiration to all who read Miss Jane.
I can't wait to recommend this book to my book group. There is much to discuss and explore. Thank you Mr. Watson for a mesmerizing, thought provoking book.
Fear of Dying
by Erica Jong
Fear of dying or not having enough sex? (5/2/2015)
First I must say 'sex' ruined the book for me!
What could have been a poignant and realistic look at death and aging appeared to be less important than the protagonist's sexual needs. This tainted whatever serious point Jong is trying to make. Take away the persistent sex and there could be a universal, feminine message about what it means to see ourselves aging and those we love dying.
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
by William Klaber
Rebellion or journey? (12/8/2014)
An interesting book that can be read on several levels. Klaber does a good job of describing the social, cultural and physical world of 19th century America. A lot of changes were taking place when Lucy began her 'rebellion (journey)'. She was brave, defiant at pushing the social mores of the time.
Read this book with eyes toward discrimination versus acceptance, culture versus changing attitudes, but try to put yourself into the story as Lucy.
Ruth's Journey: The Authorized Novel of Mammy from Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind
by Donald McCaig
The Intrigue of the 'back story' (9/12/2014)
Back stories fascinate me! The classic novel, Gone with the Wind, had several interesting characters that need a back story. When I pick up a novel to read, I often ask myself, "Who were these people before they showed up in this novel? Where did they come from? Why are they the way they are?"
Mr. McCaig's depiction of 'Mammy' was especially well done in these respects. The foreshadowing of events and characters from Gone with the Wind were subtly interwoven in this story of Mammy (Ruth). I had to force myself not to jump to the end of the book to see how far McCaig took Mammy's journey.
