Book Wrap Up Jun
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 11:25 AM
Syrian Wives by Anna Halabi (✬✬✬✬✬)
Wonderful, intriguing, spectacular! This book was a work of art. A collection of short stories illustrating the everyday life in Aleppo, Syria, both the married and the brides-to-be. It reveals the warmth and humor and the oppression in the Syrian society. As in the first book, all of these stories are memorable, portraying unique situations and complications women confront in married life. I highly recommend this book.
Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin (✬✬✬✬)
In typical George R. R. Martin style, his characters are well written, diverse, and three-dimensional. I enjoyed Fevre Dream, there are a few slow parts, particularly during the long passages describing steamboats but it’s an intriguing story and a great twist on your stereotypical “vampire”. The book reads like a love letter to the history of the Mississippi River in the best way possible. Martin captures the feeling and romanticism of the region and that period in history perfectly.
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak (✬✬✬✬)
Haunting and beautifully written, Elif Shafak dares to address the social injustices to women in Turkey. But it is also a story of hope and love and, above all, friendship.
A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander (✬✬✬✬)
Although I found the first half of the book to be slow-moving, once the plans for the widow’s and children’s home start taking off, so does the story, and at that point, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way Tamera Alexander pens the difficult, heart-wrenching relationship Eleanor had with her father, as well as the friendships Eleanor cultivates with the widows around town. I also felt Ms. Alexander did an amazing job with the romance between Marcus and Eleanor. Their love story is delicate and graceful and full of beautiful layers.
The Botanist's Daughter by Kayte Nunn (✬✬✬✬)
I found the story slow to start but was glad I persevered as the tale developed well and the characters came to life. I didn’t quite guess the story behind the hidden sketchbook, but was pretty close! The ending wasn’t as obvious as I had predicted. A lovely story that was easy to read and enjoyable.
