Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Camelot, a peddler of religious relics, narrates this story that shares similarities to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. A group of strangers meet up in 1348 England during the Plague breakout and decide to travel together, searching for an area untouched by the fatal disease. Each traveler lives a lie; balancing truth with the lies leads to dangerous secrets being revealed in each traveler’s story. Along the way, the travelers face starvation, lack of shelter, an ever-present wolf and death. The only thing that keeps the travelers marching to destinations unknown is the hope that someday they will reach a place of safety before death comes for them.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. While the topic of death and despair may not appeal to many readers, those who like to read historical fiction or are fans of Canterbury Tales should pick up this book. It is a perfect fictional study of life and societal fears in 14th century England. Each of Maitland’s characters bring a fascinating, yet sometimes horrific, secret to the group; once secrets are discovered, it is very interesting to see how the travelers react to one another. These reactions lead to a shocking ending, one I did not expect.
I look forward to reading Company of Liars again in the future!
Reviewed by Jessica
Friday, January 23, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Ren cannot remember life outside the Catholic orphanage he has lived in for most of his life. Just like everyone else, he knows he was pushed through the trap door at the gate as a little child. The only thing that truly belongs to him from his past life is a piece of clothing with the letters R E N stitched into the collar. Ren, a thief yet deeply religious, also came to the orphanage without one of his hands; he knows there has to be a story about his missing hand. One day, Benjamin Nab appears at the orphanage claiming Ren as his brother. Ren really wants to believe, and loves to hear stories about his father and mother, but soon realizes that Benjamin’s art of storytelling lacks truth. Benjamin slowly reels Ren into his cons, and along with Benjamin’s associate Tom, takes Ren to the town of North Umbrage, a factory town that just may hold the key to Benjamin’s, and even Ren’s, past.
A truly remarkable book filled with rich storytelling, Tinti chronicles the seedy life of thieves, con artists and grave robbers in nineteenth century United States. Tinti’s novel is rich in characters that are ruthless and cunning and completely unforgettable. Despite his shortcomings, Ren is a very likeable character who has a very good heart underneath his bad deeds. In fact, most of the characters in the novel have a streak of goodness in their hearts, showing that even the toughest deviants can have a soft spot.
Full of adventure and excitement, I feel this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or adventure fiction.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Ren cannot remember life outside the Catholic orphanage he has lived in for most of his life. Just like everyone else, he knows he was pushed through the trap door at the gate as a little child. The only thing that truly belongs to him from his past life is a piece of clothing with the letters R E N stitched into the collar. Ren, a thief yet deeply religious, also came to the orphanage without one of his hands; he knows there has to be a story about his missing hand. One day, Benjamin Nab appears at the orphanage claiming Ren as his brother. Ren really wants to believe, and loves to hear stories about his father and mother, but soon realizes that Benjamin’s art of storytelling lacks truth. Benjamin slowly reels Ren into his cons, and along with Benjamin’s associate Tom, takes Ren to the town of North Umbrage, a factory town that just may hold the key to Benjamin’s, and even Ren’s, past.
A truly remarkable book filled with rich storytelling, Tinti chronicles the seedy life of thieves, con artists and grave robbers in nineteenth century United States. Tinti’s novel is rich in characters that are ruthless and cunning and completely unforgettable. Despite his shortcomings, Ren is a very likeable character who has a very good heart underneath his bad deeds. In fact, most of the characters in the novel have a streak of goodness in their hearts, showing that even the toughest deviants can have a soft spot.
Full of adventure and excitement, I feel this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or adventure fiction.
Reviewed by Jessica
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Based on accounts of Kent's ancestor, Martha Carrier, this novel examines the lives of one family during the Salem Witch Trials. When the Carrier family moves to Andover to live in Martha's mother's home, they are immediately considered outcasts - the family is held responsible for a small pox outbreak several years before in neighboring Billerica. When Martha's son Andrew falls ill to small pox in Andover, the entire family is quarantined and are considered dangerous in the community. Sarah Carrier, Martha's eldest daughter and the narrator for the novel, recounts her bitterness towards her mother's lack of affection for the family and her outspokenness, causing even harsher treatment of the family by neighbors and townsmen. Soon, information from nearby Salem arrives in Andover, telling about young girls accusing townspeople of witchcraft. Eventually, Martha is accused of witchcraft, forcing Sarah to make the hardest decision of her life and opening her eyes to the real power of love.
Kent's writing style flows very smoothly, making the reader want to continue reading until the very last page. She takes great care in crafting her ancestors as characters in the novel: she combines family folklore and stories about the Carriers to paint an unforgettable portrait of the family and especially of a strong and defiant Martha Carrier. I loved the descriptions of daily life and shuddered at the pictures in my mind of prison conditions and the horrors facing those on trial. Kent even includes transcripts from Martha's trial, showing the many accusations placed against her ancestor. For me, the end of the novel is an emotional rollercoaster, an ending that will not be easy to forget. The Heretic's Daughter is one of the best books I have read this year and an amazing novel by a debut author.
Anyone who loves history will enjoy reading this fictional account about one of the darker periods in American history. To learn more about the Carrier family and of the Salem Witch Trials, Kent has a wonderful website: www.thehereticsdaughter.com
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Based on accounts of Kent's ancestor, Martha Carrier, this novel examines the lives of one family during the Salem Witch Trials. When the Carrier family moves to Andover to live in Martha's mother's home, they are immediately considered outcasts - the family is held responsible for a small pox outbreak several years before in neighboring Billerica. When Martha's son Andrew falls ill to small pox in Andover, the entire family is quarantined and are considered dangerous in the community. Sarah Carrier, Martha's eldest daughter and the narrator for the novel, recounts her bitterness towards her mother's lack of affection for the family and her outspokenness, causing even harsher treatment of the family by neighbors and townsmen. Soon, information from nearby Salem arrives in Andover, telling about young girls accusing townspeople of witchcraft. Eventually, Martha is accused of witchcraft, forcing Sarah to make the hardest decision of her life and opening her eyes to the real power of love.
Kent's writing style flows very smoothly, making the reader want to continue reading until the very last page. She takes great care in crafting her ancestors as characters in the novel: she combines family folklore and stories about the Carriers to paint an unforgettable portrait of the family and especially of a strong and defiant Martha Carrier. I loved the descriptions of daily life and shuddered at the pictures in my mind of prison conditions and the horrors facing those on trial. Kent even includes transcripts from Martha's trial, showing the many accusations placed against her ancestor. For me, the end of the novel is an emotional rollercoaster, an ending that will not be easy to forget. The Heretic's Daughter is one of the best books I have read this year and an amazing novel by a debut author.
Anyone who loves history will enjoy reading this fictional account about one of the darker periods in American history. To learn more about the Carrier family and of the Salem Witch Trials, Kent has a wonderful website: www.thehereticsdaughter.com
Reviewed by Jessica
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Vowell takes readers on a historical trip to the days of the Puritans, from their voyage to North America to their struggles to create a civilized society in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Focusing on primary resources from John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, and other prominent Puritans, Vowell writes a history that explores the Puritans in a witty, and sometimes cynical, way. Ever think there could be a connection between the Puritans and The Brady Bunch? Read the book…there is. Vowell paints a very broad sketch of Puritan life, highlighting the major events, such as Roger Williams’ and Anne Hutchinson’s banishment from the Massachusetts settlement, up to before the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Maybe not the ideal book to use for a report on the Puritans, but this serves as an excellent starting point in learning a little history and gaining a new insight and perspective on a group of people who would never win a “life of the party” award.
My first encounter with Vowell’s writing was her 2005 Assassination Vacation, which I highly recommend. Assassination Vacation acts as part history, part travelogue; Vowell tours important spots related to president assassinations while giving a witty history about each assassination. I anxiously awaited the arrival of The Wordy Shipmates, which did not disappoint me. It is a fast read full of historical information and strange links to contemporary issues and social customs – I was personally amazed by the genealogical connections between current political leaders and Massachusetts Bay citizens.
Many readers may find her humor a little off the mark or flippant, but I find her to be quite entertaining. However, Vowell has lots of opinions, and she is not afraid to lay them out in the book; her political opinions may turn some readers away. Whether you agree with her or not, this is an entertaining historical nonfiction read which I recommend to anyone who loves history!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Vowell takes readers on a historical trip to the days of the Puritans, from their voyage to North America to their struggles to create a civilized society in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Focusing on primary resources from John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, and other prominent Puritans, Vowell writes a history that explores the Puritans in a witty, and sometimes cynical, way. Ever think there could be a connection between the Puritans and The Brady Bunch? Read the book…there is. Vowell paints a very broad sketch of Puritan life, highlighting the major events, such as Roger Williams’ and Anne Hutchinson’s banishment from the Massachusetts settlement, up to before the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Maybe not the ideal book to use for a report on the Puritans, but this serves as an excellent starting point in learning a little history and gaining a new insight and perspective on a group of people who would never win a “life of the party” award.
My first encounter with Vowell’s writing was her 2005 Assassination Vacation, which I highly recommend. Assassination Vacation acts as part history, part travelogue; Vowell tours important spots related to president assassinations while giving a witty history about each assassination. I anxiously awaited the arrival of The Wordy Shipmates, which did not disappoint me. It is a fast read full of historical information and strange links to contemporary issues and social customs – I was personally amazed by the genealogical connections between current political leaders and Massachusetts Bay citizens.
Many readers may find her humor a little off the mark or flippant, but I find her to be quite entertaining. However, Vowell has lots of opinions, and she is not afraid to lay them out in the book; her political opinions may turn some readers away. Whether you agree with her or not, this is an entertaining historical nonfiction read which I recommend to anyone who loves history!
Reviewed by Jessica
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Sealed Letter by Emma Donoghue
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
On a seemingly random chance encounter, Miss Emily “Fido” Faithfull bumps into her old friend Mrs. Helen Codrington in 1864 London after seven years of no communication. Fido, a pioneer in the British women’s movement, soon learns that Helen, unhappily married to Vice-Admiral Harry Codrington, is having an affair with Colonel Anderson, a young army officer. What follows is a narrative filled with intrigue, lies and suspicions that completely changes the lives of everyone involved. Based on a true divorce case that rattled London in the 1860s, The Sealed Letter combines historical fiction with actual facts and real people into a compelling, very well written novel.
I absolutely loved this book. The smooth-flowing story line makes it very hard to stop reading. Readers can easily draw comparisons between scandals and situations presented in the novel with contemporary scandals; one comparison drawn by the author is the Clinton affair. The Author’s Note provides interesting information on the main characters’ lives as well as information on Britain’s divorce laws. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads historical fiction or to anyone who would like to try something a little different – with so many issues and themes playing a part, Donoghue’s novel should hold wide appeal to readers. One word of caution: when letters written by the various characters are presented in the narrative, the cursive type used is at times very hard to read. I look forward to reading another book by Donoghue.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
On a seemingly random chance encounter, Miss Emily “Fido” Faithfull bumps into her old friend Mrs. Helen Codrington in 1864 London after seven years of no communication. Fido, a pioneer in the British women’s movement, soon learns that Helen, unhappily married to Vice-Admiral Harry Codrington, is having an affair with Colonel Anderson, a young army officer. What follows is a narrative filled with intrigue, lies and suspicions that completely changes the lives of everyone involved. Based on a true divorce case that rattled London in the 1860s, The Sealed Letter combines historical fiction with actual facts and real people into a compelling, very well written novel.
I absolutely loved this book. The smooth-flowing story line makes it very hard to stop reading. Readers can easily draw comparisons between scandals and situations presented in the novel with contemporary scandals; one comparison drawn by the author is the Clinton affair. The Author’s Note provides interesting information on the main characters’ lives as well as information on Britain’s divorce laws. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads historical fiction or to anyone who would like to try something a little different – with so many issues and themes playing a part, Donoghue’s novel should hold wide appeal to readers. One word of caution: when letters written by the various characters are presented in the narrative, the cursive type used is at times very hard to read. I look forward to reading another book by Donoghue.
Reviewed by Jessica
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