Yes, it's a mystery but the beauty of this book is in its dialogue!! Cheeky, irreverent and totally real. You can "hear" the conversations!! Didn't want this to end because I had a wonderful time getting to know the characters and delight in their wit and attitude.

This was a sweet book in that it explored astrology, coming into one's own and learning to take chances. It just didn't pull me in. I understood her concerns of occurrences that she couldn't explain but the main character seemed to lack a reason for everything. She wasn't sure of her husband, her girlfriends, the "witchy" teacher. It lagged quite a bit for me and I failed to connect or feel any empathy for the protagonist.

This book was a delicious "trail" of imagery, feelings, times and locations. It was like unwrapping a present. At first, I was a bit confused with the different time frames, but then it was like an unfolding rather than a jumping. An exploration of a character but of what life holds and brings us and how we evolve to encompass the sadness as well as the joy.
On a personal note, I began reading this book shortly after the death of my daughter. The main character had lost a child and her journey through each experience and relationship resonated with me. The end did much towards my approaching healing as opposed to bitterness.

In the vein of Nicolasa Mohr and other Puerto Rican writers, Jacquira weaves her story with the history and culture of Puerto Rico. She tells the story of a confused girl who grows up to be a confused and angry young woman. Then there is a disconnect. We move from her time in the army and then off to her being involved in a literacy program and her return to Puerto Rico and some salient Puerto Rican history. It is almost as if she got tired of telling her life story and decided to come to the present quickly. This is quite a shame because the beginning of her memoir has a nice pace and intensity. I would have liked to have heard of how she got into college (again) and worked her way towards becoming a writer. That would have been a more powerful message of her journey and success and who she is as a woman now.

I have read many stories of the Hispanic migration into the US, but none of the African diaspora. Initially one is just drawn to someone so like themselves (American) and little by little the view is widened and seasoned with the events and feelings of other characters. The events are interwoven into a tapestry reflecting current events. This becomes not a "story to tell" but rather a saga of pain, empathy and heartbreak. I keep reflecting on how I would handle the need to leave my country of origin with no idea of what to expect in my new home. Added to that would be the factor of inability to "blend" due to skin color and language. In all walks of life, I am constantly reminded: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I."

On the heels of having read The Lilac Girls, I thought I knew what to expect from The Last Year of the War...historical fiction. This novel is so much more. While capturing and educating me on the German internment camps, it brought forth comparison and consideration of present day detention facilities. It followed the path of young women approaching adolescence and all the confusion we have of our bodies and self worth. And then came full swing to how we women approach old age through past friendships. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

What an engaging novel! You think you like certain characters and then at each Part, your opinion is turned on its head. You're engaged with each moment of this novel as time passes. You get to the end...hoping that karma will be visited on this character...only to think...hmmm, was there a punishment. Was he even conscious of the havoc he wrought over so many lives. Great read!

I am still reading this book, savoring every page, every descriptive image.While some books are a race to the end to see how it all works out, this is not the case with A Place for Us. The author weaves through time and place, stitching together a mood and comprehension of everyone's feelings, dreams and hopes.
Initially, the hopping back and forth between time was a bit confusing for me. But I understand the juxtaposition now.
I highly recommend this book and urge you to take your time to enjoy the sensitive and sensorial writing. Wonderful!

While I enjoyed some portions of Mothers of Sparta, I felt the chapters were not sequential or made sense in their order. I understand the concept of the flawed mom but sometimes I felt little to no pity based on her not taking responsibility for her decisions.
Her writing, however, was excellent with great flow and description and humor...sometimes macabre (i.e. pet fatalities). The title is not revealed until almost the very end and this is truly where Ms. Davies shines in her writing, her honesty and provocative thinking. she is a fierce mother and those chapters really spoke to me as I knew the passion and ferocity of protecting one's child.
I would have preferred the latter part of the book to be developed more than the first part which felt like a lot of complaining. The Men I Would Have Slept With chapter...meh...too long (no pun) and overplayed.

There are two parallel stories here evoking both emotions above. The ongoing battle of a sick child was recounted in a poignant way with what, I assume to be, a pretty realistic view of how one's mind ping pongs back and forth as it receives each onslaught of difficult news. The highs and lows are presented as mini roller coasters which catapult the reader into what the family's emotions must be going through.
The second tale which parallels the first is the "romance" between the two parents. Brutally honest, it did not sugar coat the mother's indecision or distaste for the father's choices or decisions. It wasn't a happily ever after but rather a well worn path to get to a loving understanding.
I was very touched by this book although I caution parents if they read this...many times I verged on the "there but for the grace of God....". A touching tribute to a parent's love and children's resiliency when they have that love.

Just realized I never logged in to rate, although I had started a discussion. This book was wonderfully real...warts and all. Set in NYC made me homesick but in a good way...and the characters were eerily familiar...totally engrossing and entertaining.

This book draws you in from the very start. Rich in descriptions, you are drawn to the landscape and the characters´ lives. The characters are well thought out and developed and presented without prejudice. You get to see how people change their minds and opinions and what events shape their thoughts.
It does seem to mirror or parallel the change in political climate happening today. And helped me be more thoughtful before dismissing opinions out of hand.
I loved this book from beginning to end...even if it was a troubling end.

I was looking forward to reading about a young girl who becomes a strong woman leading her country. All I got was a weak story line of a romance. Victoria relies on Melbourne throughout, never really involving herself in her country's politics. She goes by her hairstylist's sadness, Melbourne's politics, etc. to make decisions on her next royal ruling. Never delving into what is truly going on in her country. This is a romance novel of "spirited young girl meets awkward young prince" with no meat or depth. She is more concerned about her hairstyles, the cut of her dress than the turmoil in her country. No where in this novel is there a hint of the depth of Victoria either as a queen or a woman. I am so disappointed.

Reading this book is enveloping yourself in a cocoon of images and sensations. Initially, I was intrigued by Jane's 'condition' but soon it was an exploration of how a young woman can maintain an inner peace and joy despite her surroundings and family members. The author's attention to detail and descriptive language immersed me in Jane's world. Enjoyed the character development and story line...sad that it ended too soon for me.

Though not my favorite time period, I soon fell in love with The Dark Lady's Mask. The flow of the main character's struggles kept me coming back for more. Ms. Sharratt's writing is fluid,descriptive and seems historically accurate both in language and place. Her interwoven connection with Shakespeare and "his" plays was thought provoking as well. The historical afterword helped me savor the depth of her knowledge and research. This was a jewel of a book!