My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A few years ago I was reading allot of fiction about historical women. The book that opened the door to what I call my "female centric phase" was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.
I want to put in a caveat right here that while I really enjoyed this book, it is not for everyone. Some people can't get past the first couple of chapters. There are many graphic depictions of physical and health related issues that are common to all women - cycles, pregnancy, birth.
Aside from the fact that I felt the writing was engaging I enjoyed the perspective this book gave me on what it meant in the past to be part of a community of women. Through the eyes of Jacob's daughter Dinah this novel takes the reader into the real lives that lay behind the book of Genesis. Reading between the lines Anita Diamant embraces the truth of the bible, mixes in some real history, and invents characters and events that reflect the common issues and experiences of modern women. The book made me laugh and cry - but in ways I didn't really expect. It made me cringe, and it also made me want to embrace my womanhood in a new way.
I would not recommend this book for men, anyone with a weak stomache, or anyone who wants a really fast paced plot.
This is a great book for people who are interested in biblical history, women's issues, or enjoyes novels that depict the intricate dramas of daily life.
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Review: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Review: An Unholy Alliance by Susanna Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this novel up from the library at random and really enjoyed it. Part murder mystery and part historical fiction this fast paced plot kept me interested from cover to cover. The author painted a thrilling and dynamic picture of life in the post-plague eta, and managed to include elements of horror and suspense without becoming gruesome or banal.
I am thrilled to find that it is part of a series and can not wait to find out what sort of trouble Matthew Bartholomew finds himself in next!
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Review: 1421: The year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fascinating collection of information from Gavin Menzies challenged my perception of history as it was written when I was in school. The collection of information that he shares in this heavy paperback is somewhat speculative, but definitely insightful. Many of the stories seem to have at least a strong chance of being true.
While I realize that many of the assertions he makes are challenged by expert historians the overall context of his theory makes sense to me, and I look forward to future research.
I would tell other potential readers that this book was heavy and at times cumbersome in language and concept, but well worth the journey. Even if you don't agree with the premise, you can't help but be excited and inspired by the possibilities!
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Review: The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ali Shaw manages to surprise and delight with an ending that you both anticipate and fear in a heartwarming and emotionally shattering story about the true value of love and life.
The girl with glass feet was a really insightful look into what makes a relationship valuable. Almost afraid to turn the page for fear of its ending, the story gently touches upon secret dreams and fears as it explores the last days of a woman who knows she is doomed.
I would tell potential readers that the pace was a bit slow in the beginning, but the main characters were intriguing enough to keep me interested as the plot developed. It's worth the read, especially if you are a lover of deep and transcendent characters.
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The Mirror's Edge
Title: The Mirror's Edge
Author: Steven Sidor
ISBN: 0312354134, 9780312354138
Publication: St. Martin's Press, April 1 2008
The Mirror's Edge is fast paced, cut-throat, and immensely entertaining. The narrative is perfectly paced to keep readers engaged, but without the normal stall tactics and switchbacks normally employed to break up the action. Cover-to-cover, this book is pure action.
Don't let all that action fool you - this is a psychological thriller, not just a bunch of action packed nonsense. With every page the mind sinks deeper into the dark underbelly of the human imagination. The settings and characters are so richly detailed that it's easy to forget you're reading a book.
What most impressed me about the novel is Sidor's ability to tackle the tricky subject of satanism in a way that stays one step ahead of cliche but still provides enough mainstream imagery to strike a chord with the reader. This book was frightening in a very tangible way. When the pages are closed and the novel settled back onto the shelf, you will be left with lingering fingers of fear. I guarantee it.
Another thing about this book - I really liked the language. Throughout Mirror's Edge Steven Sidor uses a very sharp clipped style of writing that I felt fit perfectly with the subject matter and the characterization of the narrator. One of my primary problems with writing is that I tend to go overboard. I say too much and in such a convoluted way. I was actually able to learn something from Sidor about paring it down - I can say just as much without it sounding like too much detail. He's able to work in the nuances of a situation without you even realizing that he provided them to you - the way something smells, the taste, etc. This book is really well written, and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Just for the record - I liked this book so well that for the first time ever, I actually contacted the author to tell him.
Review: The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
* Interesting - the change experience by a culture over a millennia * Educational - historically and linguistically * Emotional - poignant and full of adventure
This historical saga based in ancient Ireland is the 1st of a Trilogy exploring the history of Ireland and her people.
Beginning with a love story set in Dubh Linn 480 AD, The Princes of Ireland narrates the lives and lineage of several families over more than 1,000 years of Irish history. The weighty novel is intellectual and challenging – it will exercise the vocabulary. The subject matter is really interesting and educational both historically and linguistically.
It is absolutely unbelievable the depth of this narrative. Every page is a rich portrait of life in time we know only through legend and folklore. Rutherford does an exceptional job weaving together the threads of history and religion to create believable characters and subplots.
The only criticism I can find for The Princes of Ireland is that the book is very large and could probably have been split into smaller novels. This is not a book you can easily carry with you.
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Beginning with a love story set in Dubh Linn 480 AD, The Princes of Ireland narrates the lives and lineage of several families over more than 1,000 years of Irish history. The weighty novel is intellectual and challenging – it will exercise the vocabulary. The subject matter is really interesting and educational both historically and linguistically.
* Interesting - the change experience by a culture over a millennia
* Educational - historically and linguistically
* Emotional - poignant and full of adventure
It is absolutely unbelievable the depth of this narrative. Every page is a rich portrait of life in time we know only through legend and folklore. Rutherford does an exceptional job weaving together the threads of history and religion to create believable characters and subplots.
The only criticism I can find for The Princes of Ireland is that the book is very large and could probably have been split into smaller novels. This is not a book you can easily carry with you.
The Wise Woman
Title: The Wise Woman
Author: Philippa Gregory
ISBN: 0812978978, 0006514642
Publication: HarperCollins Publishers, 2002
Philippa Gregory is one of my favorite authors to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. Her novels are always an energetic and emotional roller coaster. The Wise Woman is no exception.
The story centers on a young girl during the reign of Henry VIII in England. The orphaned girl is living in squalor being trained by a Wise Woman when everything changes. She falls in love, loses him, and ends up living in a convent where she feels loved and safe for the first time in her life. When tragedy strikes the convent she escapes, leaving all of her Sisters behind to die. That's where the story really becomes tragic.
The Wise Woman is a dark, brooding story with barely the feel fiction. Even months after reading the novel I am unsure how I feel about Alys and the choices that she made - right up to the last page of the book. I am struck by the undercurrents of modern life in this historical fantasy.
The subject matter is so disturbing, and the emotional effect the novel so unsettling, that I only give it 4 stars and recommend it with caution. It's an enticing and passionate story, well written, and engaging. Just be warned, it's a trip down the rabbit hole for sure!
Hood - The King Raven Trilogy
Title: Hood - The King Raven Trilogy
Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
ISBN: 1595540881, 9781595540881
Publication: June 2, 2007
This is a really fascinating book! Hood, the first novel of the King Raven Trilogy by Stephen Lawhead, is basically a Robin Hood story; the twist is that the author has done his homework and changed the standard fairy-tale to fit a more realistic scenario.
Set in Wales, Hood sheds light on the plight of the Cymry (Welsch) people during the turbulent years following the Norman Conquest of Britain. Kingships are overthrown and lands given to men loyal to the new King of England. One of these kings is slaughtered in an ambush and his son Bran ap Brychan (which means Raven in the native tongue) becomes the rightful, but displaced, king - Rhi Bran. After some very turbulent months, and after being befriended by an old wise woman, Rhi Bran becomes known as Rhi Bran y Hud. Robin Hood! (you find out more about how the name got changed in Scarlet, the second book of the trilogy). Hood takes us from the fall of Elfael's king, past Bran's flight into the ancient forest that serves as a dividing line between the March and Wales, and into the founding of a community within that forest.
The book is long, but every page is a gem. The pacing is great, and the numerous characters are charming. The only thing this book left me wanting was the sequel!
For me the wealth of beckground research was evident and important. The rich tapestry of history added immensely to the value and intrigue of this book. I have honestly never seen a better revision of a fairy tale. If you like Robin Hood, history, or just plain old action you will like Hood.
