Murrin takes us back to the ‘90’s in Ireland, when divorce was illegal and a separation was a sin.
We meet Izzy, Delores & Colette. Three women whose Murrin takes us back to the ‘90’s in Ireland, when divorce was illegal and a separation was a sin.
We meet Izzy, Delores & Colette. Three women whose marital relationships are strained or irreparable. . Colette who left her husband and has returned but can’t get access to her children. An unlikely friendship begins between Izzy & Colette.
This was a dark time for women. Held captive in a marriage by a law determined by men. Marriages that didn’t work, some destructive, others harmful. The shaming and double standards.
Themes of divorce, alienation, betrayal, alcoholism and acceptance.
1948, Shandong, China. The civil war rages. The communists have arrived to kill off landowners and claim the land. Women, especially young girls, are 1948, Shandong, China. The civil war rages. The communists have arrived to kill off landowners and claim the land. Women, especially young girls, are worthless as they cannot be heirs. Under the threat of the communists, the Ang family flees leaving the daughter in law and her 3 young girls to protect their land.
Their perilous journey takes us from North China to Hong Kong in the hopes of locating and reuniting with their family.
This was the epitome of a misogynistic & patriarchal country. Yet, these females survived the hardships of starvation, disease, homelessness and exhaustion; contrasting with their strength, bravery and resilience.
There were a couple of inconsistencies for me: in an earlier chapter -and only there- the language of a 15 year old was oddly too robust. In another chapter, a vengeance takes place which I just couldn’t envision happening in the 50’s.
Overall, a fascinating read and interesting perspective of the sexism that existed in China. I appreciate that this was written based on Chung's family history. 4⭐️...more
LRA. The Lord’s Resistance Army. Teenage boys and girls kidnapped and recruited in Uganda, 1994. Time to take up arms for a ruthless war Lord, Joseph LRA. The Lord’s Resistance Army. Teenage boys and girls kidnapped and recruited in Uganda, 1994. Time to take up arms for a ruthless war Lord, Joseph Kony.
The terrifying war with teen soldiers who became merciless. Trained during brutal conditions. Pushed to the frontlines without weapons as an initiation. The gruelling treks and near starvation. The brainwashing, the abuse, the inhumanity these soldiers suffered.
Opoka has survived with them for 3 years and is now The radioman for Kony himself. The hate he feels for the man hasn’t dwindled but he never revealed his true feelings. He survived by being the best human he was raised to be. He met Florence. Another kidnapped victim whose dreams were shattered. They become each other’s hope and future that one day they will be free of the LRA.
The resilience and the ability to put into practice the 4 voices of suffering; the power of love, gratitude and forgiveness.
**This is based on Anthony & Florence Opoka - child soldiers of the LRA. A must read are the author’s notes and the afterword from Anthony & Florence.**
A bit lengthy and slow at times but a worthy read. 4.25⭐️...more
It’s the 70’s in Park, Alabama. We meet Nub, Minnie, Emily and Shug. Nub is an alcoholic destined to self destruct.Minnie is a 15-year old giant, the It’s the 70’s in Park, Alabama. We meet Nub, Minnie, Emily and Shug. Nub is an alcoholic destined to self destruct.Minnie is a 15-year old giant, the brunt of unwanted teasing. Emily, Nub’s daughter, has just discovered she has cancer. And Shug, has just released from prison. Dietrich takes us into these lives and we bear witness. We feel their fear and anxiety; their helplessness; but also their hope. These are well drawn out characters with complex histories. Many themes playing out: addiction, poverty, redemption, Family, with humour peppered in. Nub, the most loveable and memorable character of them all. 5⭐️...more
I love stories that take me to foreign countries where I’m able to become immersed in different cultures.Panama is one such country.
The history of theI love stories that take me to foreign countries where I’m able to become immersed in different cultures.Panama is one such country.
The history of the canal is fascinating. How America stormed in and offered Columbia $$ to give Panama its independence. It wasn’t a selfless gesture, however, America wanted a canal for their own economic needs.
This is a story of those who came to help build, resist the build and those to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. There are those who travelled from across the country and from across the sea.
As much as I loved the intent of this story and the characters, it fell short for me. Henriquez created such marvellous characters yet, she failed on developing any of them through. We have a young Ada who travelled from Barbados to get a job to pay for her sister’s surgery; Omar who was looking more from his life, takes a job working in the canal that mutes his father speechless as he is shamed by it; Valentina ready to lead the town to protest the dam required for the canal; and so many other fascinating characters.
The story did merge beautifully yet I was still left wanting: More of some characters, less of others; more of the impacts of the canal. Overall a solid 4⭐️...more
Justine is a nursing assistant at a long term care facility. She meets Helene, a resident there. Helene, in her world, is always at the beach. She observes people there, can feel the sun and its warmth, hear the waves as she sits and watches the seagull who stays close to her. It is here where she shares her story with Justine of her past love, Lucien, how they met, how they lived, how they loved.
Also, during this time, mysterious calls begin to happen weekly from the nursing home. A resident, who has not had a visitor for months or years, suddenly is reunited with family. All on Sundays.
Perrin magically weaves Justine's story within. Both stories reflecting the complexity and dynamics of a family; the regrets; the memories; the joy and the grief.
I am gutted again, Perrin…and how appropriate for today to be Sunday.
Perrin’s debut at last translated. My love and adoration for her beautiful stories continue ❤️ 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...more
Some earlier physicians were doctors, bona fide surgeons; others claimed to be doctors but were inept butchers. When it came to medical science in theSome earlier physicians were doctors, bona fide surgeons; others claimed to be doctors but were inept butchers. When it came to medical science in the early 1800’s, Dr. Silas Weir, led his own research into the field of “gyno-psychiatry”. WHAT?
This is a fact based story as well as fiction so buckle up and be prepared to be horrified.
We follow Silas' life through his son’s POV. The earlier days, when the apprenticing doctor Weir, was exiled from his family and town for taking needless & reckless risks. A few years later, a distant uncle anointed Silas the Director for the Trenton Asylum for Female Lunatics. Here is where the mad scientist began his experiments. No code of ethics; no governance; Often no anesthetic. Here he had the freedom to test and document his research to ensure publication. Driven by arrogance, ignorance and pride.
This was a compelling yet horrific account of women imprisoned for reasons only a man could determine and treated inhumanely by a man. Weir may have made some significant contributions to the medical field with tools that were never patented, however, given the brutality these women suffered at the expense of his god complex, he was a sadistic torturer who went into a field that he was repulsed by.
JCO, you got my full attention with this one. 4.25⭐️...more
It’s 1789, Maine. A body has been found frozen in the river. The river that is the heart of this town. A midwife, Martha Ballard, has been summoned toIt’s 1789, Maine. A body has been found frozen in the river. The river that is the heart of this town. A midwife, Martha Ballard, has been summoned to determine the cause of death. This causes a series of impactful events.
An educated woman, Martha keeps a diary. She documents all that happens over the course of this bizarre winter. Both births and deaths. A colonel who has been accused of rape along with the deceased man. The rape of a minister’s wife. In her quest for truth, she risks her own life and that of her family.
Lawhorn masterly takes us on a journey back in time when women were considered less than men. Not being able to testify in court unless a husband or father was present; Women often charged for fornication pre marriage while men had no consequences. Enraging as that was, Martha was an advocate for justice for these women and her personal journal was a hot piece of evidence.
This is a story of complexity- a layering of mystery and intrigue. The writing, character and research, extraordinaire.
This was a yo-yo on my TBR. On and off with up and down reviews. Groff hasn’t disappointed me yet- so I took a chance.
Her writing is captivating. A serThis was a yo-yo on my TBR. On and off with up and down reviews. Groff hasn’t disappointed me yet- so I took a chance.
Her writing is captivating. A servant, who we only know as Girl, has run away and is in the vastness of the wilderness. We learn she arrived to the new country via a boat with a family and how she lost her first love aboard (or overboard in this case) only to find this new country riddled with famine, disease and some barbarian behaviours.
This is a story of courage and survival. The hardships of starvation, assault, poverty, and atrocities done to man by man. But it was also a visceral read. I felt the dampness, the cold; smelled the fields and the wilderness. This plight was a fight. It started off as a fearful one which gradually became a quiet and lonely one with only her thoughts; musings; fears; her reflection and acknowledgement of the past; visions; hallucinations and how strength and resilience build character.
This won’t be a read targeted for everyone. It is dark. It is depressing. But there is also a radiance of life. 4.25⭐️
How can one not think of themselves when the Nazis have stripped you down to nothing: killing your family; your religion; and trying to kill your idenHow can one not think of themselves when the Nazis have stripped you down to nothing: killing your family; your religion; and trying to kill your identity.
We meet Adam. A teacher in the middle of a Jewish ghetto in Poland. He teaches English to a few kids in the basement of an abandoned building. He interviews the children and the adults he knows and journals it all: creating a record of the brutal conditions they endured; the devastating lives they lived; and the grief they suffered.
A heartbreakingly personal and intimate story. How through such horrendous conditions, there still existed a decency and connectedness amongst these people and a resiliency to adapt even when they knew they were facing their own deaths.
With the WWII stories saturating the reading world, a story needs to give readers a new and different angle. This is one that does that but this is alWith the WWII stories saturating the reading world, a story needs to give readers a new and different angle. This is one that does that but this is also based on real events and real people.
When the Japanese entered the war in 1942, many evacuees tried to get out of Singapore. Some were luckier than others. One merchant ship, Vyner Brooke, attempting to get people out, was hit sending terrified people into the ocean.Some managed to make it to safety on an island only to be captured and held hostage for 3 years 7 months.
This was a story of brave sisters. Holy ones; biological ones; and ones who became like sisters. It’s about formidable women who had much strength during a time of captivity. About friendships developing in the midst of trauma.
The disconnect for me were the many characters to keep track of which prevented me from connecting with any.
However, that being said, Morris opens the story with a worthy tribute to nurses; and closes it with the her notes which really were the emotional link I was looking for. Bravo. 4⭐️...more
Italia. I feel like I’ve been wrapped in a bed of linguini.
Dominic takes us to the town of Valetto part of Umbria, which is nestled into a mountain inItalia. I feel like I’ve been wrapped in a bed of linguini.
Dominic takes us to the town of Valetto part of Umbria, which is nestled into a mountain in Northern Italy. A town that has been decimated by earthquakes and has a population of 10. Hugh has returned, as he has for many years, to spend time with his elderly aunts and to celebrate his grandmother’s 100th birthday. But when he arrives, there is a squatter in his stone cottage with the claim it now belongs to her, along with a letter dating back over 60 years. A step back in time. A mother he never really knew. A mystery of 2 girls missing for 3 days- decades ago. A father who abandoned his family during the war. Secrets revealed.
The descriptive writing, beautiful. The older aunts, irresistibly quirky. Who doesn’t love the bickering of sisters and aunts and big loud Italian families. And don't forget - the food. 4.5⭐️
Now that’s the kind of Rash you want to have-and I am looking forward to getting more Rashes as this was my first!
A young man goes off to war. He leavNow that’s the kind of Rash you want to have-and I am looking forward to getting more Rashes as this was my first!
A young man goes off to war. He leaves his young bride in the care of his friend. The parents never approved of this marriage and take it upon themselves to end it.
There’s a level of depth Rash brings to these characters. All their flaws and brokenness they bring to relationships, their true love and loyalty. How grief can linger and how dysfunctional a family can be when it makes its own self-sacrifices.
This could have ended in a few different ways and I was guessing up until the very end! Well played, Rash. 5⭐️...more
We are taken to a remote Scottish island where a preacher is to evict a farmer. Before being able to deliver this devastatiSimple, short and striking.
We are taken to a remote Scottish island where a preacher is to evict a farmer. Before being able to deliver this devastating news, an accident.
A story of humanity without a fluent language; of compassion and connectedness.
The writing was lush - Davies painted a vivid landscape. However the ending, not sure I could buy into it: The contrast stark and I get it -Just not sold on it. 3.75⭐️...more
I am no fan of Shakespeare but this tragedy, I adored.
It’s the 11th century, Scotland. A story of Lady Macbeth. Born into nobility, she is married at I am no fan of Shakespeare but this tragedy, I adored.
It’s the 11th century, Scotland. A story of Lady Macbeth. Born into nobility, she is married at 15 to a tyrant, Mormaer of Moray, whose own greed and ruthlessness resulted in his demise. The woman, however, is unable to maintain any social status on her own and needs to protect her son from earlier prophecies. When Macbeth comes to claim the house that is rightfully his, they fall in love and are wed. Shortly thereafter, Macbeth accepts the boy as his own. The boy is again, protected.
In time, it is revealed the boy has been betrayed by this new father and his own mother. Fate’s path, once again, is adhered to.
There is witchery and spells; royalty and loyalty; a kingdom on the verge of collapse.
The writing: captivating . Difficult to believe this is a debut. Perhaps I will give Shakespeare another go? Likely not. Well played, Morris. 5⭐️...more
I love a different perspective on WWII. This one takes place in Malaysia (Malaya) when the Japanese invade.
Cecily is the head of the family. Her son,I love a different perspective on WWII. This one takes place in Malaysia (Malaya) when the Japanese invade.
Cecily is the head of the family. Her son, Abel, has disappeared only to become a prisoner. Her youngest daughter, Jasmine, has run away and she fears the soldiers will hurt her. Her older daughter, Jujube, is on the brink of hysteria for trying to protect her sister from the Japanese soldiers. The world has turned upside down. Cecily blames herself for what has happened because of her past. Her own betrayal- to her country and family.
The story is told in parallel. Before the Japanese invade; and the after.The themes of family; guilt; loyalty. What pulls the fabric of society apart when war enters. How dehumanized we can become when hate fills our hearts and inhumane acts become the norm.
The one criticism I have is a thought Abel had which didn’t connect with the time and place he was at. This created a bit of a disconnect for me.
Overall, Chan has delivered a solid and memorable HF debut. 4⭐️...more
The civil war. The union and the confederates. A fight to abolish slavery dividing a country. There is no place for neutrality. Either in or out.
JoettThe civil war. The union and the confederates. A fight to abolish slavery dividing a country. There is no place for neutrality. Either in or out.
Joetta, a woman who won’t compromise her principals and wishes to remain neutral, discovers the hard way that being neutral is seen as being disloyal. Her husband has left to look for her eldest son who has enlisted. She’s left to take care of the farm, her young son, and a cantankerous father in law who doesn’t hold her views.
This wasn’t so much about the war but rather how relationships change when views differ and the damage to the closest ones without realizing their vulnerability.
Everhart paints a picture of the desolation and isolation in these towns during this time. Heartbreaking yet this character demands recognition for her strength, courage & bravery, even at the cost of devastation and loss. 4.5⭐️...more
The Women was divine. Hannah’s writing has matured much like a fine wine. Each of her stories becoming richer, more complex, multi-layered.
The Women iThe Women was divine. Hannah’s writing has matured much like a fine wine. Each of her stories becoming richer, more complex, multi-layered.
The Women is a tribute to the many unsung female nurses who served in the Vietnam War. Frankie, 20, has graduated nursing school and has enlisted. Although green, her nursing skills sharpen during her 2 tours. However when she returns home, the welcome isn’t a warm one.
The brevity and courage these veterans had. Not only fighting for their lives over seas, but fighting for their own recognition at home amid a storm of protests and division. The sacrifices made. The lies told.
Hannah masterly develops a character from a young naive girl, to a professional combat nurse, to a veteran returning home experiencing many of the symptoms men did- except many unaware women even served. Grief, PTSD, shame, addiction and healing.
5⭐️ Hannah, you knocked it out of the park....more
JLB is legendary when it comes to delivering a southern gritty narrative.
This takes place during the civil war in 1863, Louisiana. We have a slave whoJLB is legendary when it comes to delivering a southern gritty narrative.
This takes place during the civil war in 1863, Louisiana. We have a slave who is being hunted down because some say she’s a witch and a murderess. A nephew who has a crush on her and is disfigured by initiating a dual for her. A colonel who is cross eyed and quirky, and a local Constable trying to upright the law that has gone sideways. The structure: sharp. The war -with poverty, violence, stench and disease contrasting the flawed characters boasting of sarcasm and humour as well as tenderness and compassion.
Themes of good vs evil; slavery vs freedom. The blurring of the war between the Blue Bellies and Grey backs.
A minor negative was the entire cast of characters. There were sidekicks who made it confusing as to who was thinking what when- so much so, I would have to flip back and check.
But Overall, another fine story delivered by JLB. 4⭐️...more
Chenneville is a man on a mission. Recovering from a head injury during the civil war, he wakes to find his sister, her husband and their wee baby, haChenneville is a man on a mission. Recovering from a head injury during the civil war, he wakes to find his sister, her husband and their wee baby, have been murdered. His recovery takes longer than anticipated but he takes the year to become stronger and to take the law into his own hands. His character is hardened by war and grief. His relentlessness keeps him moving on. Whether it be on foot, on horse or on stage; whether snow or rain. But vengeance comes at a cost.
Jiles takes us on a western journey through tribal territories, the old west, the flat lands and the mountains; in a country riddled with strife.
Another beautifully crafted story and character by Jiles.
Canadian Jen
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