I approach Austen fan fiction cautiously. Sometimes it is quite good, but there are many cringeworthy examples out there. Happily for readers, Miss Austen takes a more original turn than most. Hornby imagines a possible answer to a question that tortures the Austen aficionado… “Why did Cassandra burn the letters?” Okay, I am assuming sheContinue reading “Book Review: Miss Austen by Gill Hornby”
Tag Archives: Book Review/Discussion
Book Review: Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris
Act of Oblivion is upmarket historical fiction at its best. Harris has taken an interesting event from the past, used real historical characters who disappeared from the record and made up others, to craft a story that is gripping and thought provoking. Edward Whalley and William Goffe were real officers for the Cromwell side during theContinue reading “Book Review: Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris”
Title List for Fall Episodes of the Read Like a Writer Book Club
This season, we will discuss even more books! We are exploring three elements that writers have questions about: Narrators, Agency and Power dynamics, and Secrets—how to keep and reveal them at just the right moment. Take a listen to the shorty episode for booktalks on the titles and get thee to a library or bookshop!Continue reading “Title List for Fall Episodes of the Read Like a Writer Book Club”
Book Review: My Mother’s Secret by Alina Adams
This followup novel to Nesting Dolls is basically strong, and the setting is a place that many American readers may not be familiar with, the Soviet attempt at creating an “autonomous” Jewish homeland. The novel opens with Regina, our heroine, on the train escaping from the Soviet secret police by traveling without papers to Birobidzhan,Continue reading “Book Review: My Mother’s Secret by Alina Adams”
Book Review: Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu
The cover of the edition I read enticingly promises that Carmilla inspired Dracula. Reading it, one thinks this may be so! If you are a fan of the Gothic, this book is for you. If you like Vampire stories, this book is for you. If you are looking for a novella that encapsulates the fiveContinue reading “Book Review: Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu”
Book Review: The Maid by Nita Prose
This one had been on my TBR pile for a while, and I finally decided to get a subscription to Audible so I can listen while I run. I usually listen to Nonfiction, but I am trying to branch out! Anyway, I LOVED this book. The reviews and accolades that have been showered on itContinue reading “Book Review: The Maid by Nita Prose”
The Quiet Americans by Scott Anderson
Journalist Scott Anderson has brought us a new entry to the recent riches of Cold War Nonfiction, as records are declassified and writers and historians begin searching the archives. Told from the point of view of four different American spies, The Quiet Americans traces the Cold War from its origins in the aftermath of WorldContinue reading “The Quiet Americans by Scott Anderson”
Duel with the Devil by Paul Collins
This title had been on my to be read pile for quite some time. One of the upsides to the Covid Crisis has been that I am working my way through some really good books that I had never gotten around to reading. In stark contrast to Star Spangled Scandal, this narrative nonfiction offering deliversContinue reading “Duel with the Devil by Paul Collins”
Star Spangled Scandal by Chris DeRose
This is another case of a great story resulting in a mediocre (at best) book. I was extremely interested when I saw the blurb and I got an advance copy in e-galley form. I finished it, because I wanted to write an honest and fair review, but dear reader, you will do better to readContinue reading “Star Spangled Scandal by Chris DeRose”
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
This has been sitting on my to be read pile for quite a while. I originally received it as an e-galley, but decided to wait and buy it because I enjoy books more when they are in physical format. I could tell this one would be one that would require some time and attention. First,Continue reading “The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck”