Book Review: ‘Connemara,’ by Nicolas Mathieu
Nicolas Mathieu’s novel “Connemara” illuminates a clash of values and visions in contemporary France.
A Book Celebrates James Foley and Confronts a Man Involved in His Murder
Colum McCann and Diane Foley, James’s mother, came together to question one of his kidnappers and write a book that delves into the lives of both men.
Book Review: ‘Until August,’ by Gabriel García Márquez
“Until August” is a “rediscovered” novel that the Colombian master wrote as his memory began failing.
Book Review: ‘Notes From the Henhouse,’ by Elspeth Barker
A brief volume of Elspeth Barker’s writings shows off the late novelist’s ability to soothe, shock and find the humor in dark moments.
Book Review: ‘The Trading Game,’ by Gary Stevenson
In “The Trading Game,” Gary Stevenson spills secrets of the City.
William Whitworth, Revered Writer and Editor, Is Dead at 87
After writing memorable character sketches and fine-tuning others’ copy at The New Yorker, he spent two decades as editor in chief of The Atlantic Monthly.
Petra Mathers, Author Whose Children’s Stories Soared, Dies at 78
Her winsome animal characters and their comic adventures expressed universal truths and feelings, rendered in a naïve and often surrealistic style.
Two Novels About Social Withdrawal
A chilly marriage; a catatonic protagonist.
Book Review: ‘The Extinction of Irena Rey,’ by Jennifer Croft
In “The Extinction of Irena Rey,” a writer goes missing and her translators give pursuit — until things get weird.
Book Review: ‘How to Win an Information War,’ by Peter Pomerantsev
In “How to Win an Information War,” Peter Pomerantsev looks to a World War II propagandist for lessons in the battle between Russia and Ukraine.
Book Review: ‘If You Can’t Take the Heat,’ by Geraldine DeRuiter
Geraldine DeRuiter’s “If You Can’t Take the Heat” expands on her viral, award-winning blog posts.
Book Review: ‘Victim,’ by Andrew Boryga
In Andrew Boryga’s debut novel, a young writer creates a career for himself by exaggerating, or sometimes completely manufacturing, stories of tragedy.
Book Club: Let’s Talk About ‘Erasure,’ by Percival Everett
A scathing satire about race, publishing and identity politics, Everett’s acclaimed 2001 novel is the basis of the Oscar-nominated movie “American Fiction.”
'The Extinction of Irena Rey' asks: Can anything be truly individual and independent?
Jennifer Croft's novel, centered on a group of translators working on a book, is surprising at every turn, moving from profound observations about nature, art, and communication — to surreal events.
THE WOMEN
unCovered Review by Emily Monte, ACLS Absecon Branch
Why can’t a woman be a hero as well?
This question alters everything for Frankie McGrath and challenges the life plans her family has set out for her. They expect her to marry and have children, conforming to the norms of the early sixties. However, she decides that she, too, can be a hero, serving her country and making her family proud, just like her brother did. She applies to the Army Nurse Corps to follow in her brother’s footsteps. Her conservative and highly respected family doesn’t support her decision and, when a tragic piece of news arrives unexpectedly, Frankie’s life takes a sharp turn before she embarks on her earth-shattering journey.
Soon, she finds herself amidst chaos and destruction, realizing that as a young, innocent, and inexperienced woman, she’s like a fish in a bottle tossed into a dangerous ocean teeming with sharks. Within a short span of time, she becomes terrified, numb, and exhausted, navigating days where her heart breaks as she witnesses soldiers younger than her brother losing their lives and civilians becoming expendable amidst the chaos. As Frankie edges closer to collapse, nearly drowning in sorrow, her friends Barb and Ethel extend a lifeline, offering enough emotional support to keep her from giving up.
THE WOMEN, by Kristin Hannah, takes you on a 20-year journey with Frankie, spanning two parts of her life as she struggles to save herself. She risks her life in the process, and upon her return, she realizes that she’s not regarded as a war hero like the men who fought in combat. People avoid discussing the war, and even her own family treats her as though she’s done something to embarrass them, something they’d rather not acknowledge. During the day, she’s compelled to blend into the community, resuming where she left off before the war, while at night, she battles her nightmares and the clutches of PTSD. She comes to understand that she’s not the proud, ideal girl her family wanted her to be and never can be. Eventually, she gives in.
Frankie’s painful journey, marked by losses, battles with addiction, and anger toward those who betrayed and disrespected her, is portrayed with remarkable realism. She’s one of the women from the war whose stories need to be told, remembered, and respected. Will she overcome her inner demons? Will she learn to heal from her pain, forgive those who worsened her suffering, embrace her flaws, and confront her fears that she’s afraid to share with others? Will she ultimately find the peace she’s searching for? Read her story to uncover the answers.
This might be one of my favorite works by Kristin Hannah. After reading her closing note, I gained a deeper appreciation for the years of hard work she put into creating these vivid characters and crafting realistic descriptions of war zones, leading us on this unforgettable journey.
Book Review: 2 New Books by Terese Svoboda
Terese Svoboda considers what’s worth protecting in a new novel and a story collection.
The Question of Joe Biden’s Age May Be a Matter of Style
What we think is a question of age may be a matter of style.
Book Review: ‘The Enigma Girls,’ by Candace Fleming
Britain’s youngest code-breakers, brought to life in a new nonfiction book by Candace Fleming, were normal teenagers: playing pranks, attending dances.
Book Review: Three New Short Story Collections
New books by Bora Chung, Rafael Frumkin and Laird Hunt explore the chaotic intricacies of being alive.
A Bee’s-Eye View of the World
Using clever camera methods, a new photo book illuminates how honeybees see plants and flowers.
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