Reviews by Ellie B. (Mount Airy, MD)

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The Fertile Earth
The Fertile Earth: A Novel
by Ruthvika Rao
Beautifully written, unforgettable love story and history lesson (6/10/2024)
From the first page, you are drawn into the drama caused by the inequalities of the caste system in India, interwoven with the communist influences politically. The author's words allow you to feel and see the beauty as well as the dangers in the countryside. Her characters …more
Bad Animals
Bad Animals: A Novel
by Sarah Braunstein
Bad Animals; a complex human novel (1/4/2024)
We meet Maeve, the quiet, dedicated librarian, as she is confronted with the worst accusation ever. We meet Libby, the teen with Borderline Personality Disorder, as she plays her game with the adults around her. We meet Maeve's quiet, loyal husband, and intelligent botanist …more
Above the Salt
Above the Salt: A Novel
by Katherine Vaz
An American Immigrant's love story (9/12/2023)
The story begins with a toddler starving in prison in Portugal due to his mother's religious beliefs. John, the toddler, is released, and we follow his story of waiting years for his mother's release, and their migration through New York City to Illinois. A beautiful young …more
Devil Makes Three
Devil Makes Three: A Novel
by Ben Fountain
Exceptional, insightful novel of Haiti's recent history (8/18/2023)
This timely novel gives, through the well developed characters, insight into the character of a Haitian family. The author knows the country well; its people and its politics. The depth of knowledge of the author on every subject is impressive. I highly suggest this book …more
Innards
Innards: Stories
by Magogodi oaMphela Makhene
A Strong Debut (5/17/2023)
The author takes us into the world of black Africans, living lives unseen by the whites, beautifully creating the smells, tastes, sensations, and experiences that shaped her. We feel, see, smell, taste and understand the need to be recognized. And we share her need to …more
Panther Gap
Panther Gap: A Novel
by James A. McLaughlin
thrilling family drama (3/24/2023)
Initially, upon meeting brother and sister Bowman and Summer, I was entranced by their inquisitive, intelligent response to their life in a beautifully described remote corner of Colorado. Bowman's relationship with all the wild creatures is fascinating, including his …more
The Lost English Girl
The Lost English Girl
by Julia Kelly
Resilient young woman (2/10/2023)
I enjoyed this compelling love story, focusing on a very young woman's reactions to a difficult situation presented to her at the age of 18. Set in London during World War Two, her responses to the variety of decisions she was required to make, as well as her interesting …more
Scatterlings
Scatterlings: A Novel
by Resoketswe Martha Manenzhe
Ten stars! (10/16/2022)
Rarely have I been touched by a character as I have by Alisa. I was in awe of her, in love with her, and devastated by her loss in the first 40 pages of this magnificent book. The author's amazing ability to develop the personalities, the weaknesses and strengths, and the …more
The Empire of Dirt
The Empire of Dirt: A Novel
by Francesca Manfredi
Three generation female dynamics (6/15/2022)
I give this novel five stars. In an excellent translation from Italian, the author delves into the angst of a teen mother, her response to the confines of a forced marriage, and her effort to define her relationship with her own mother.

Searching for her own identity as she …more
On a Night of a Thousand Stars
On a Night of a Thousand Stars
by Andrea Yaryura Clark
interesting and informational historical novel (3/3/2022)
This is a well-written, enjoyable novel. I would suggest this selection for book cub or discussion groups who enjoy reading historical fiction based on events that happened within the past 50 years, events whose details are not widely known. The story line is interesting, …more
Two Storm Wood
Two Storm Wood: A Novel
by Philip Gray
World War 1 love story (12/29/2021)
I loved the basic story line, it showed lots of potential, however, the descriptions of gore and death took over to the extent that the story line got lost. I found the ending of the book to be very confusing.
The Forest of Vanishing Stars
The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel
by Kristin Harmel
Another outstanding historical novel by Kristin Harmel (5/25/2021)
Lovers of historical fiction with a mystical twist will enjoy this thought-provoking novel. The heroine, who is groomed for leadership, struggles with her identity, and questions her role in life as many do. The struggle to make the 'right' choice profoundly affects her …more
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