In The Demon of Unrest, Erik Larson dives into the chaotic five months between Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 election and the outbreak of the Civil War, with the focus squarely on Fort Sumter. Larson brings his trademark depth to the narrative, weaving together perspectives from key figures like Major Robert Anderson, a conflicted Union officer, and Mary Chesnut, a Southern diarist grappling with slavery and societal roles. Drawing from diaries, letters, and historical documents, Larson delivers a richly detailed account of how miscommunications and inflamed egos pushed the nation to the brink. That said, this book didn’t quite land for me. While the level of detail is impressive, I found it […]
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Eliza Hamilton’s Untold Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy
4.5 stars. Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s retelling of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton’s life in My Dear Hamilton is rich with historical detail and vibrant prose. They bring Eliza to life not just as Alexander Hamilton’s wife, but as an influential figure who helped shape a nation. Through extensive research, including thousands of letters, they explore Eliza’s journey from spirited young woman to the grieving widow of a flawed yet brilliant man. Eliza’s fierce love for her country and her complex relationship with Hamilton lie at the book’s heart, and her character shines against the backdrop of a nation struggling to find its footing. The story is episodic, immersing readers in […]
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A Tale of Freedom, Friendship, and Bravery in Pre-Civil War Philadelphia
All We Were Promised transports readers to 1837 Philadelphia, where three young Black women—Charlotte, Nell, and Evie—struggle against societal constraints and personal secrets. Charlotte, who recently escaped slavery, lives as a servant to her white-passing father in a city she thought would guarantee her freedom. Nell, from a wealthy, freeborn Black family, is passionate about the abolitionist cause and introduces Charlotte to the movement. Their paths intersect with Evie, Charlotte’s old friend, who remains enslaved and longs for escape. The story delves into the meaning of freedom, both physical and emotional, as each woman seeks a better future in a city simmering with racial unrest and anti-abolitionist sentiment. Lattimore enriches […]
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Stormy Setting, Shallow Story: The Unwedding by Ally Condie
Ally Condie’s adult debut, The Unwedding, sets a classic locked-room mystery against the picturesque backdrop of Big Sur. Ellery Wainwright, recently divorced and alone, goes to the luxurious Resort at Broken Point for what would have been her 20th wedding anniversary. Instead of peace, she finds chaos: she finds the groom at a wedding held there dead in the pool, and a sudden storm traps the guests with no hope of rescue. As bodies pile up, Ellery and two other guests, Ravi and Nina, step into the unlikely roles of amateur detectives. While the setup is promising, the execution falls flat. The characters, including Ellery, don’t leave a lasting impact, […]
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A Slow-Burn Tale with Sparks of Suspense: A Review of Johnston’s Latest
Johnston’s latest literary suspense novel paints a vivid picture of a small Wisconsin town haunted by the mysterious disappearance of three boys in the 1970s. The story centers on Sean Courtland, a drifter who ends up working for Marion Devereaux, a man shrouded in suspicion. Alongside Sean is Dan Young, another wanderer with his own secrets, and Denise Givens, a local waitress whose life becomes entwined with Sean’s after a bar altercation. Detective Corrine Viegas, determined to uncover long-buried truths, watches as these lives intersect and set off a chain of events leading to devastating consequences. While the premise holds promise, the execution is slow. The first half drags with […]
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The Resilience of Women and Books in The Underground Library
In The Underground Library, Jennifer Ryan masterfully captures the enduring strength of women and the profound power of books during one of history’s darkest times. Set against the backdrop of the Blitz, the story intertwines the lives of three resilient women: Sofie, a Jewish refugee seeking solace from her tragic escape; Juliet, a determined new deputy librarian fighting to transform the quiet Bethnal Green Library into a sanctuary; and Katie, a young woman grappling with personal loss and a life-altering secret. When bombs threaten to reduce their beloved library to rubble, Juliet bravely moves it to the Bethnal Green Underground Station. Here, amid air raids and uncertainty, books offer a […]
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Lost Dreams and Hard Realities: Lorraine’s Journey in The Girls We Sent Away
Lorraine Delford’s story is equal parts heartbreaking and enraging. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows Lorraine, a high-achieving teen with dreams of space exploration, whose plans are derailed by an unplanned pregnancy. Her disloyal boyfriend abandons her, and her parents, more concerned with appearances than their daughter’s well-being, whisk her away to a maternity home. Here, Lorraine endures a stifling regimen of “ladylike” lessons, where she’s pressured to give up her baby to restore her family’s “honor.” The narrative digs into Lorraine’s inner turmoil, highlighting her strength and fierce love for her unborn child. The author skillfully immerses readers in Lorraine’s despair and determination, illustrating a chilling reality: societal […]
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A Family’s Past Unravels in the Heart of Italy
Dominic Smith’s Return to Valetto takes readers on an atmospheric journey through a nearly deserted Italian village, where ancient walls hold wartime secrets. Hugh Fisher, a grieving widower and historian, arrives in Valetto on sabbatical, intending to reconnect with his roots and study the fading town where he spent childhood summers. But his plans are upended when he discovers a “squatter” in his inherited cottage—Elisa Tomassi, a Milanese chef claiming Hugh’s grandfather, a resistance fighter in World War II, promised it to her family. Smith masterfully unfolds a multi-generational tale of love, betrayal, and resilience. As Hugh uncovers his family’s dark past and learns of Elisa’s own family’s sacrifices, he’s […]
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A Riveting Return to Connilyn Cossette’s King’s Men Series
“We serve the God who spoke the universe into existence. The God who split the sea to rescue his people. The God who conquered death with an empty tomb. There is nothing at all that he cannot do. So keep your eyes on the Lord, my friend, for he is at your right hand. Do not be shaken” (Psalm 16: 8).—Connilyn Cossette, Shield of the Mighty. 4.5 rounded up to 5.Connilyn Cossette’s latest addition to the King’s Men series delivers a powerful story of love, loyalty, and redemption set in ancient Israel. Zevi, a seasoned captain in King Saul’s army, returns to his hometown of Maresha on a mission to […]
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Espionage Meets Art: Gabriel Allon Returns in Portrait of an Unknown Woman
Daniel Silva’s 22nd Gabriel Allon installment returns the legendary spy to his original passion: art restoration. Now retired, Allon’s peaceful life in Venice with his wife and children gets upended when he’s drawn into the high-stakes world of art forgery. His old friend Julian Isherwood faces ruin over a dubious Van Dyck painting, pushing Allon back into the game. What follows is a skillful blend of art and espionage as Allon crafts forgeries of his own to ensnare a shadowy forgery syndicate and its financial backer. Silva’s sharp storytelling and insight into the art world shine, giving readers an inside look at the craft and deception of forgery. The plot […]
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