by Kim Michelle Richardson
In Depression-era Kentucky, a young woman with a rare genetic defect distributes books throughout a region lacking libraries or other outlets for literature. A potential cure for her condition leads to other problems. Believe it or not, blue-skinned people exist, in a region of Kentucky—they have had a rare blood disorder for generations. The Pack Horse librarians of Kentucky used to exist, when knowledge and information was harder to come by in such a rural part of the country. The fictional story woven from both these bits of history isn’t bad, but the ending felt rushed, for no reason I could tell. It took the steam out of the climax for me, which was easily the most dramatic moment of the story. The rest of the book was fine; I just thought it could’ve been told better.
This Tender Land
by William Kent Krueger
Thirties Minnesota kid spends his days in the orphanage from hell. When he gets in serious trouble, he’s forced to flee, taking with him his older brother, a mute Indian, and a little girl. I was totally with this story until the section halfway through where they encounter a “faith healer,” and a character’s life is in jeopardy. Questions of God’s purpose is a theme—why bad things happen to good people, etc., but God’s existence isn’t questioned. I was uncomfortable with what felt like a rationalization of the concept of God and the need for faith in him. Given the main character’s trajectory to that point, I didn’t like this attempt to change his worldview, especially given the fate of the character in jeopardy. Too bad, because up till this point it was a good book. Maybe I need time to rethink about it.
The Four Winds
by Kristin Hannah
In Depression-era Texas, a privileged woman is forced to live a life of hardship on a farm ravaged by drought. In time she and her new family must move west in search of opportunity, but when all is not as advertised, she must find the strength to fight for a better life. Comparisons to The Grapes of Wrath are inevitable, but the woman’s perspective makes all the difference. Hannah’s writing is straightforward, not too fancy, with a deep emotional undercurrent. Inspirational and satisfying.
Bachelor Girl
by Kim van Alkemade
“Van Alkemade’s 2018 novel attempts to fill in the blanks on [Helen] Weyant’s life in a work of fiction…. They meet again when [Jacob] Ruppert invites Helen and her family to a Yankee game at the Polo Grounds. It is there where she meets Albert Kramer, Ruppert’s personal secretary. The two eventually grow into a close friendship, akin to love, but both sides have secrets that prevent them from dealing the deal…. Bachelor feels modern despite the period setting. It’s well worth reading.”
No comments:
Post a Comment