I won this book from a Facebook contest on the Willig, White and Williams page. I had not read any books previously by Beatriz Williams and was looking forward to this one. The story begins in 1964 when Vivian Schuyler receives a mysterious package in the mail which contains a suitcase belonging to Violet Grant, whom we later learn is an aunt to Vivian. We learn Violet's story through alternating chapters beginning in 1914 when she leaves home to become a physicist. It is interesting to learn more about both of these ladies and see the parallels in their lives lived over 50 years apart. I loved the premises of this book and was surprised by the twists and turns.
Grand Central is a very unique book and unlike anything else I have read recently. The ten stories all start on the same day at Grand Central Station after World War II. I was so intrigued that the ten different authors were able to each tell a different story, but managed to weave small appearances from the other characters into each tale. I really appreciated the concept of this book and would hope that other authors/publishers would explore this type of novel. My favorite stories were: The Branch of Hazel by Sarah McCoy, The Reunion by Kristina McMorris and The Harvest Season by Karen White. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. While I have read many books set either during World War II or shortly thereafter, Grand Central provided me with some interesting viewpoints that I hadn't previously explored and I really found the concept of how all these strangers' stories intersected.
This was the first book that I have read by Lauren Willig and I really enjoyed it. The story begins in Kenya with Addie on her way to see her cousin Bea. The plot weaves back and forth between Clemmie, Addie's granddaughter, in present times and Addie, in the past. The author did an excellent job of switching back and forth between the time periods and also developing believable well developed characters. I enjoy reading a book which still has some plot surprises in store and The Ashford Affair did not disappoint. The portions of the story set in Kenya were interesting and very different from some of the other stories I have read which were set during the same time period. I would recommend this book to fans of Karen White and Kate Morton.
Karen White is one of my favorite authors and her latest book surely did not disappoint. A Long Time Gone is set in the Mississippi Delta area and as in many of Karen White's books, the setting plays an integral part in the story. The plot unfolds through three unique voices, Vivien in the present day, Carol Lynne in the 1960s and Adelaide in the 1920s. The author draws a clear picture of the different time periods presented and I found the historical aspects very interesting. She explores multi-generational family relationships and does so with authenticity. The book drew me in from the beginning and I became involved with each character's journey.
I was able to attend a book talk/signing by the author in St. Peters, Missouri. It was interesting to hear more about how she developed the story and her plans for future writing projects. One person asked her how she goes about writing a book like this from the various different perspectives, i.e., does she write them as we read it, or does she write Vivien's story and then write Adelaide's story. She said she writes the story as we read it since she herself doesn't always know exactly how the story will end up. I would recommend this book to book clubs and anyone who enjoys historical fiction. |
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