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Reviews by Cynthia V. (New York, NY)

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Bad Animals: A Novel
by Sarah Braunstein

Intriguing Read (12/29/2023)

I found this novel to be very insightful and engrossing. The characters may not be very likable, but they are all well developed and portrayed honestly. The premise is original, the pacing is great, the writing well done and all around unputdownable for me. There is much exploration of the human condition in all its shades of gray...nothing lazily written here. The novel has feeling, humanity, mystery, comedic touches here and there. All in all, it was quite a nice surprise to have enjoyed it as much as I did.

The Divorcees
by Rowan Beaird

Divorce Ranches...Who Knew? (11/2/2023)

I had never heard of Reno divorce ranches in the 1950s. The most compelling part of this novel for me was simply learning about them and the reasons they existed. The shame and stigma of divorce at that time...what courage it took to even go down the divorce path! As a novel I found it very readable and quite a page-turner...well written with intriguing story lines. I didn't relate to any of the characters, but that is not a necessity. The many characters had quite the character flaws and varying insecurities to keep the story moving. Was it an exceptional work? I didn't think so, but quite solid. I look forward to reading more from this author.

The Continental Affair: A Novel
by Christine Mangan

Cinematic Story (7/4/2023)

I found this novel to be well-written, quite readable and interesting. The moving locations and descriptions of various European and Middle Eastern cities were certainly vividly rendered.The story of two lonely people who were running away from sorrow and regret and trying to find purpose in some kind of future was gripping. The effect is cinematic and engrossing. Although the writing is fluid, I felt the characters always remained at a distance and, as a result, I didn't feel invested in the story. I was entertained but will not likely think about it after finishing it.

The Little Italian Hotel: A Novel
by Phaedra Patrick

Another Book Set in Italy (4/13/2023)

I was all set to enjoy this book, expecting a charming little story set in beautiful Italy. Maybe not exceptional, but entertaining at the very least. Unfortunately, I found the story more and more trite as it progressed. I was not drawn into the setting, the various characters, or the descriptions. In general, I found the writing quite unoriginal and uninteresting... as if the author was phoning it in. For readers who only occasionally pick up a book, this would likely be fine, especially as a summer beach read. For readers who are more discerning, I would not recommend.

Iron Curtain: A Love Story
by Vesna Goldsworthy

A Great Way to Begin 2023! (1/3/2023)

I was so sorry to come to the end of Iron Curtain; I wish I had someone to discuss it with! This novel has it all in my eyes. First, there are fascinating settings...an unnamed Soviet satellite country...moving to London and environs all during the early 1980s. There is pitch perfect writing filled with sly humor, intelligence and thoughtfulness throughout. I always felt in good hands reading the author's words. She knew exactly what she was trying to convey and was meticulous in her character and story development. I loved the simmering tension stemming from political and cultural issues. I recommend this work very highly; would be great for book group discussions.

Ghost Season: A Novel
by Fatin Abbas

Captivating (11/21/2022)

This is a very compelling novel that hooked me from the beginning. The author is obviously thoughtful and deeply invested in the subject. I found that I learned quite a lot about the political, ecological and cultural issues of the various ethnic groups discussed. The characters are well developed and the book is well written. My only hesitancy in giving it 5 stars is that I found some of the writing, especially in the second half, to be somewhat repetitious. Not every single descriptive item needs to be included in a sort of laundry list fashion. However, for the most part, this is a captivating story in a fascinating setting with lovely characters.

In the Time of Our History
by Susanne Pari

A Joy to Read (9/13/2022)

I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to read this lovely book. The novelist has taken her time to develop her characters in an honest, multidimensional way. They show us how they feel, why they feel the way they do, why they may need to reassess their feelings and actions. This is universal in good fiction of course...engrossing story, well-developed characters, great writing. This novel also provides great settings and historical context. I enjoyed learning about the differences between those who fled Iran before the revolution as compared to those who left after. I look forward to spreading the word about this novel with my friends who share my love of beautifully written contemporary fiction.

The Poet's House
by Jean Thompson

A Truly Lovely Work of Fiction (6/17/2022)

I am a Jean Thompson fan and was very much looking forward to reading her latest. It did not disappoint. The Poet's House is a very warm and welcoming work of fiction. The main character, Carla is lovably flawed. She has been trying to find herself, floating through life in a sort of contented state. This may sound like a cliched premise, but, in Thompson's hands, it is most definitely handled in a lovely, thoughtful way. I found myself reading quite slowly; I was savoring the subtleties of the writing, which truly flows and is unself-conscious. There is wonderful character development and a story that is immediately immersive. It is about the world of established and striving poetry writers, full of atmosphere and humor. However, I believe that I would be hooked regardless of that specific world. This book is a treat!

Fly Girl: A Memoir
by Ann Hood

Fly Girl Leaves Me On the Ground (4/2/2022)

I have always enjoyed Ann Hood's writing and expected to enjoy a light, breezy, inspiring read. The tone at the beginning was just right and held my interest. As the story continued, my interest flagged. The author kept repeating that the whole flight attendant experience was life-changing and exciting. From my perspective as a reader, however, it seemed that what she went through was constant struggle and matured from adversity rather than the incredible, exciting experiences she keeps talking about. Who hasn't heard about The Mile High Club at this point? Who hasn't heard about strange and unruly passengers? We have far too many details and repetitions about flight delays and meal service and sore feet. The book did pick up towards the end. My opinion is that this would have been far better as an essay or magazine piece.

On a Night of a Thousand Stars
by Andrea Yaryura Clark

Historical Fiction Worth Reading (2/16/2022)

I've always been interested in Argentina's recent dark history. This book does a very good job of fleshing out that history in a way that is well integrated into the plot and not just research clamoring to be gotten out there. The story is consistently engrossing and immensely readable. The writing is only competently written, some parts more fluid than others. But I would heartily recommend this book as, not only did I gain understanding of the political climate of Argentina, I also found it to be a good read.

The Family Chao: A Novel
by Lan Samantha Chang

Well-Written, But Unsure (11/9/2021)

I came away from just having finished this book feeling somewhat mystified as to why I felt something was missing for me. It's well-written, for sure, with well developed characters and sense of place. Perhaps it's because I've not read The Brothers Karamazov? Perhaps because I can't relate to this particular immigrant experience? I did enjoy the reading experience, especially as it picked up as it went along. I appreciated all the storytelling and intelligence and interweaving of characters that were within this book. However, it was always at a clinical distance from being totally engaged. That being said, it is definitely a worthwhile experience. And possibly, with time and discussion, I will gain more appreciation for the book.

Honor
by Thrity Umrigar

Truly Compelling (9/24/2021)

I found Honor to be a wonderful novel, compelling and honest. The country of India was laid out before me in all its messiness, contradictions and beauty...from cosmopolitan, chaotic, smelly, colorful Mumbai to rural villages that believe in ancient, hierarchical, cruel traditions, awash in corruption. Yes, parts of this novel are extraordinarily sad and tragic, but always moving and honest. The word "honor" is important as it is of great significance to all the characters in the decisions they make throughout life...although many seem to use it as a justification for committing heinous acts. Trying to make sense of all the good and the bad is complicated, but plowing ahead and doing ones best is a path that needs to be taken.

Morningside Heights: A Novel
by Joshua Henkin

Surprisingly Uplifting (4/1/2021)

A novel about a literature professor's battle with early onset Alzheimer's does not sound like something I'd ordinarily be drawn to. But this book is so much more. The setting is contemporary Upper West Side New York in the environs of Columbia University. The family members experience complex and sometimes contradictory emotions, which are honest and unsentimental. I found the author's writing of the family dynamics lovingly natural and unselfconscious. The time frame goes back and forth, but easily understood and serves character development well. Reading this compassionate, well-written and ultimately life affirming novel was a pleasure.

The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman: A Novel
by Julietta Henderson

Not Quite Charming Enough (2/10/2021)

This novel began in a promisingly refreshing style, which is easy, breezy, chatty and natural. However, I found that as it progressed, it wore thin. It was written on the same level throughout which grew tiresome. As a result I never found myself empathizing with the main character of the mother. With a book such as this it is necessary to at least feel for the character, flawed as she may be...the way you would in a JoJo Moyes novel. I was hoping for more character development. By the time the book was ending with a long, screwball comedy type scene, I had given up expecting more. You know from the get go that there will be a happy ending, but the way there was disappointing and quite predictable.

The Fortunate Ones
by Ed Tarkington

The Fortunate Ones (10/19/2020)

I would more accurately give this book a 3.5 rating. It is a very crisply written and nice read. The plot is straightforward and the story is interesting, if not especially original or thought provoking The novel addresses the themes of morality and human nature and some of the contradictions that we all face. No one is all good or all bad. I would recommend this book but it is not a "don't miss."

With or Without You: A Novel
by Caroline Leavitt

Very Readable Novel (5/29/2020)

I found this to be a page-turning, readable novel that was worth my time, but that's about it. The characters are well developed and the story is an interesting one about people who share a history and yet find their paths diverging. Some of it seemed melodramatic to me and not especially well written, but not poorly written either. On the whole, however, I was glad to be reading it and certainly made for a good, pandemic read.

Reviews by Cynthia V. (New York, NY)

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Reviews by Cynthia V. (New York, NY)

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