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 are real, well developed, authentic. The story line, based on actual historic events, will keep you mesmerized until the very last page. This would be an excellent selection for book clubs.

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 daughter who is developing new plants to change the world. We meet Katrina, Maeve's coworker and Katrina's African boyfriend. We meet Harrison, the famous author, who wants to write a new book, and draws Maeve into the process.
The author intricately weaves the characters together in a complex web. But who is honest? Who is the best liar? Who is capable of telling the truth? So many unknowns.
At the same time, we are treated to the author's ability to describe Maine's weather on a daily basis; the reader can feel the rain and visualize the clouds and the coastline. I read the book too quickly because it's that good, and immediately needed to re-read because I was positive that I missed something. I did, and I did.
This will be a great discussion book!

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 girl he had known in Portugal also appears in Springfield, Illinois, and their relationship is the basis for the rest of the novel (based on a true story). Each of them is highly skilled, and their contact with Abraham Lincoln before his election to the presidency produces the title of the book. The Civil War intervenes; they lead separate lives for many years, but ultimately, amazing connections bring them together. The author did an excellent job weaving all the details of the difficulties of life in the 1800s into this interesting book.

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 for discussion groups, it is well written. I personally enjoyed his way of helping me visualize the setting, such as "an acoustic drop ceiling rorschached with water stains". And since Haiti is in the news today, knowing the details of life 30 years ago is helpful in understanding today's issues. The images and emotions I experienced from reading the book will stay with me.

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 acknowledge that the stories of her people have not yet been fully told.

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 ability to train eagles for hunting.
While Bowman yearns for an honest life, settling in Costa Rica, Summer experiences college but returns to her roots to run the ranch.
When the possibility of inheriting a great deal of money, possibly earned illegally, brings random travelers into their lives, the plot becomes very thick and at times muddy. Ruthless members of a drug cartel cause thrilling chases and drama at the Mexican border. I prefer to remember the author's ability to create memories of the interactions with the animals, the picturesque beauty of the region, and reference to the history created by the Indians who settled the area.

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 relationship with her own parents, contribute to a book that is difficult to put down. Add in the lack of support from her priest, the anxiety of separation, and her opportunity to prove that she was capable beyond the expectations of society, this book contains many avenues worthy of thought and discussion.

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 yearnings of the major players in this novel has inspired me to read it over and over again, gleaning new insights at each reading..
The author has intertwined the tales of her African heritage with a very deep understanding of the angst of people who are snatched from their birthplace and scattered throughout the world.
Alisa appears later in the book through her amazingly insightful diaries, allowing us to become better acquainted. She epitomizes so many who struggle to find their place in life.
The author leaves us with the hope that Alisa's daughter and husband can find their way in the world, her husband to find peace, and her daughter to share the generous gifts her mother gave her.
I give this novel ten stars.

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 matures, we share the young daughter's yearning for a relationship with her father, and her coming-of-age need to declare her independence. It is an efficiently detailed, enjoyable window into the lives of three generations of women. It's an easy read, and at the same time, a thought provoking novel.

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, with unexpected twists, and the characters are well developed. The personal experience of the author with the details of life in Argentina during this terrible time adds a great deal of validity to the story.

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.

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 relationship with her father. Her skills and dedication guide her as she leads a band of Jewish refugees during World War Two. The resilience of that oppressed group is remarkably developed in this engaging novel. Her actions reflect the Talmud: "Whoever saves a life it is considered as if he saved an entire world." Upon re-reading, the allegory represented in the story line became very interesting to me. I highly recommend this novel for book club discussion.