Set inside a post 9-11 New York City, the sadness and distrust of these characters rise off the page. Finegan gives each character, however minor, heft, with backstories and quirks that deepen the plot, as well as exploring varying facets of [...]
Given today’s headlines and divided opinions about refugees, war and misuses of power, this book is a timely and impactful read. Clara Martin balances an engaging plot, compelling characters, and smart allegorical writing to deliver a powerful start to this new [...]
A moving work of LGBT literary fiction. Poe’s writing is understated but still plenty hard-hitting. The inner conflict and emotional turmoil Simon suffers truly resonate, as does his deep-rooted feelings for his mother, Vivian. Simon’s Mansion is an engrossing literary novel [...]
A swirling, beautifully penned novel. The level of the prose is where this novel truly shines. When the writing delves into the details of a particular room, or the intricacies of someone’s clothing or face, it is easy to feel transported, [...]
A visceral and beautifully penned novel. The story is riveting and patiently told, with just the right amount of historical exposition to situate the reader and immerse us in Ben’s isolated world. The language itself, however, is where this narrative shines, [...]
A bizarre, mind-bending story. The descriptions are unique and the imagery is vivid, while the plot twist near the end of the book makes for a stunning turn. Readers are often encouraged to release their inhibitions and suspend their disbelief, but [...]
An entrancing slice of early, and eerie, Americana. As is the case in great American literature, the landscape itself is a character, encouraging readers to find a deep chair and escape the sultry Georgia heat, shaded by ancient boughs richly depicted [...]
While the first half of the novel is a study of an unpleasant character, Coles creates a page-turner in the second half of the book. The dialogue is honest and raw, and Coles’ writing gives resonance to each encounter. Coles crafts [...]
Jay demonstrates a mastery of emotion and landscape. The scenes are visceral, the dialogue is sharp and believable, and the narrators are immediately engrossing. For history enthusiasts, the level of detail, cultural accuracy, and research feels immersive. The world of the [...]
A small group of people thrown together by fate find themselves in possession of a huge fortune and must face the perils of its discovery in the thrilling Ferdinand’s Gold by Sheldon Charles. On the island protectorate of Guam, Dex Kevan [...]