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Reviews by J. Arnold

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The Commoner
The Commoner: A Novel
by John Burnham Schwartz
Clash of old and new traditions (1/24/2008)
John Burnham Schwartz's latest book, The Commoner, is an interesting portrayal of the royal house of Japan. Haruko, the fictional Empress of Japan, is the commoner of the title. She gives up her voice - literally and figuratively - by agreeing to marry the Crown Prince. The …more
On Chesil Beach
On Chesil Beach: A Novel
by Ian McEwan
A Modern Greek Tragedy (11/22/2007)
McEwan's On Chesil Beach is a wonderful story of expectations, maturity, communication, and lost chances. At the same time, the hero (if that is what he is?), Edward, is tragic. Whether he has been "tricked" into his marriage with Florence or whether she has been the victim …more
Someone Knows My Name
Someone Knows My Name: aka: The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill
Compelling story of identify and understanding (11/14/2007)
I just finished Hill's third novel and found in Aminata Diallo a compelling character. Aminata, known as Meena, is forced into a journey of self-exploration and identity after being enslaved. As the novel seemlessly moves across 50+ years, Aminata searches for a role in a …more
Run
Run
by Ann Patchett
Outstanding (11/8/2007)
Ann Patchett's Run has to be one of the best books I have read this year. The plot of the story is light and the ending is predictable, but the character development and use of shifting point of view is brilliant. Each character in this novel is engaging, complex, and …more
The Zookeeper's Wife
The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story
by Diane Ackerman
Copiously Researched (10/8/2007)
The beauty in Diane Ackerman's The Zookeeper's Wife lies in her attention to detail. She tells the story of Jan and Antonia Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo and his wife, during the Polish Occupation during WWII, with beautiful prose that stimulates all the reader's …more
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao: A Novel
by Junot Diaz
Provocative voices and enthralling history (10/8/2007)
Diaz's first novel, after his short story collection Drown, is an exciting entry in the growing list of Caribbean literature. Diaz tells the story of the unlucky - in so many ways - Oscar de Leon through multiple voices, detailing the fuku that appears to curse's family. …more
Away
Away: A Novel
by Amy Bloom
Outstanding 2nd Novel! (9/19/2007)
Amy Bloom’s enthralling second novel, Away, evokes Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain. Both books explore the seemingly impossible journeys of two protagonists longing for love, redemption, and identify associated with memories. Arresting characters and picturesque landscapes …more
Atonement
Atonement
by Ian McEwan
A well-crafted story of atonement and abandonment (9/19/2007)
This well-written book went beyond my expectations. I have tried to read McEwan’s books, but I found myself putting the books down before truly experiencing the magic of his writing. It was his novel Saturday that finally kept my interest and propelled me to explore his …more
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    The Jackal's Mistress
    by Chris Bohjalian
    From the New York Times bestselling author of Hour of the Witch, a Civil War love story of a Confederate wife and a wounded Yankee.
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