Summary | Excerpt | Reviews | Beyond the book | Read-Alikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio
Allio's first novel received a starred review from Publishers
Weekly who described it as 'an exceptional debut'. The reviewer's
only caveat being that 'Allio's finely wrought writing - Frances has "a laugh of
leaves," while Heald's wife muses that "the evening was what one
married for"just barely overshadows a narrative that turns
suspenseful in its final third'.
I found the first third of the book (part of which you can browse at BookBrowse)
hard to follow as it intersperses elements of the storyline with historical
musings from the postman and various other characters, and I wasn't entirely
sure what I was supposed to be taking out of it all. However, on finishing
the second section (which is written in a more linear style) I went back and
read some of the first part and felt I had a better grasp on the story.
Overall, a very interesting first novel from a writer to watch, and one that
should be of special interest to anyone living in New Hampshire.
This review first ran in the September 14, 2005 issue of BookBrowse Recommends.
If you liked Garner, try these:
When newly appointed Deputy Marshal Archie Lean is called in to investigate a prostitute's murder in Portland, Maine, he's surprised to find the body laid out like a pentagram and pinned to the earth with a pitchfork. He's even more surprised to learn that this death by "sticking" is a traditional method of killing a witch...
A transforming journey into the heart of beauty and the peril of love, a romantic, lyrical epic that resurrects history with great authenticity and drama.
Be sincere, be brief, be seated
Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!
Your guide toexceptional books
BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.