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There are currently 31 member reviews
for The Map of True Places
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Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
The Map of True Places
I enjoyed reading "The Map of True Places". It had enough twists and turns to keep me reading, and I couldn't put it down. It delved into the tragedy of mental illness and the many lives affected by it.
Although I understand the main character was looking for and found a "happy ending", I was left wanting more.
So many interesting characters and lifestyles were introduced into the story, I felt the author was unsure where to focus. It was frustrating at times, but I did enjoy it.
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Nancy, Wellington Square Bookshop (Exton, PA)
Another fine book by Brunonia Barry
This book kept my interest from beginning to end. Although it is set in New England like the "Lace Reader," to me it has a very different feel. The characters are well drawn and believable. The plot has several different side twists; however, they are tied together at the end in an appropriate manner.
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Anat S. (Sharon, MA)
The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry
A novel that is a fast read; a page turner. The story is a mix of reality and fantasy with a bit of the history of Salem, MA in the background. The main character, Zee, uncovers secrets and works through dark events in her past to finds her way through life.
The book gets a bit too much into psychotherapy and mental illness issues, which may not be for everyone's taste.
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Diane D. (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
Captivating!
I loved The Map of True Places! Barry captivates with a wonderful, believable cast of characters and a great plot. I was taken in by Zee from the first page and enjoyed the entire journey. I thought the story was suspenseful and well-written!
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Barbara F. (Santa Rosa, CA)
The Map of True Places
I enjoyed reading The Map of True Places, but it wasn't a book that kept me awake late into the night reading it. Zee, the main character, has many problems that involve many characters and this seemed to lead to lots of introduction but not a lot of development. I would recommend this book to friends for a light read, if they enjoyed the Lace Reader, they would enjoy this. I imagine it would appeal most to people, especially women from late thirties onwards. There is lots to fuel discussion in Book Clubs and would lead to lots of interesting discussions.
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Dorothy L. (Lock Haven, PA)
Several Threads Become One Story
There was just enough suspense in this book to make me keep on reading. I found Zee's linking the suicides of Lilly and her mother confusing at first, but the last part of the book brought out how all the different stories going on were all linked together. There were clues scattered through the book that allowed you to guess the true identity of some of the male characters. I thought the story moved slowly until the end when Ms. Barry tied up all the loose ends.
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Kandi D. (Beaverton, OR)
The Map of True Places
I liked Barry’s first novel, The Lace Reader, so I was excited to read her latest. This one also takes place in and around the Salem area and even references some of the characters from the first novel. Barry does an excellent job creating an environment and making you feel like you want to plan a trip to Salem and take in the beautiful scenery and unique culture. They say you should write about what you know, and it’s obvious that Barry knows and truly loves her hometown. The story of Zee Finch and her strange and troubled family is interesting and definitely a story worth telling. But I think Barry misses the mark. Some of the events in the story seem far-fetched and forced. And some of the characters are too prescribed and unreal. But it’s definitely entertaining and keeps your interest to the final page.
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