The Piano Teacher is a layered and intriguing debut novel set in Hong Kong before and during World War II.
Laura
Browsing Posts published in February, 2009
Charming epistolary novel about an author who decides to write a book describing the German occupation experience on Guernsey Island during World War II. Written with warmth and humor, it “affirms the power of books to nourish people enduring hard times.” Washington Post
Carol and Deann
On the run in Cape Town, South Africa, an American criminal is desperate to start over with his pregnant wife and young son. But when violence catches them in their upscale neighborhood, will they have to run again? Disturbing, compelling and hard to put down, this book has evil bad guys and good guys who are not so good but, best of all, a setting that is as intriguing as any character.
Dedra
One-handed orphans, rooftop dwarfs, giant murderers, deaf landladies, beguiling conmen, and crafty grave robbers are but a few of the Dickensian characters in The Good Thief. This fast-paced, engrossing tale is a truly entertaining diversion.
Laura
No one does royal biographies better than Alison Weir; I own them all. For those of us who have read and reread Katherine by Anya Seton this is the true story of Katherine Swynford, the commoner who became the mistress of the charismatic John of Gaunt, son of Edward III. This strong, powerful woman was the ancestress of the Tudors, Stuarts, nearly every monarch in Europe and six American presidents. Their love affair was the scandal of the fourteenth century. Wonderfully researched, but eminently readable, this is a must read for lovers of British history.
Dedra
If you loved the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, this fictional story of Etta Place is sure to please. In author Kolpan’s world, Etta is the privileged daughter of a disgraced Philadelphia financier who heads west as a Harvey Girl because she’s on the run for her life. Circumstances cause her to join the Hole in the Wall Gang where she falls in love with Harry Longbaugh aka the Sundance Kid.
Dedra
The pairing of a 24-year-old punk –goth computer genius and a middle-aged journalist might seem unlikely, but Larsson does such a wonderful job creating these vivid characters that you will be rooting for them by the book’s end. The two connect when journalist Mikael Bloomkvist needs help researching the disappearance of eccentric millionaire Henrik Vanger’s niece. Sordid pasts, unlikely futures, and brutal realities all come together in this carefully-paced, image-laced, compelling story.
Laura
Set on the “fragile border” between China and North Korea this slim book packs a powerful punch. With spare and stark language the author introduces us to the simple life of the ginseng hunter, the refugee who enters his life, and others whose lives are compromised by political strife. The morality issues would make for good book group discussions.
Laura
