Recent Reads
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
I really enjoyed this book. Based in Minnesota in 1958 it centers around a murder.
The victim is not a nice person. Most people in town are not surprised or sad that he is dead. However, as much as he was known to be a mean spirited individual, there are other people they liked less. A war veteran and Native American who brought home a Japanese bride is their target.
This story kept me interested. I liked the characters and I didn't figure out who until it was revealed.
4 Stars
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
It is only now that I'm realizing this book was written by the same author as the first one I reviewed.
I think I'm a fan.
I really, really enjoyed this story of Odie, Albert, Mose and Emmy.
Again in Minnesota but this time in 1932. The depression is on and these 4 orphans escape from the Lincoln Indian Training School and set off to find their way.
The stories of the people they encounter along the way, some kind, some not. Are all very interesting.
Their bond is moving.
5 stars
The Last Life by Claire Messud
Simply put, it was shear stubbornness that got me through this utterly dull book.
I gave it a good go but 200 pages in I was really regretting my decision to read this book.
Nothing happens. The end.
1 star (that's being generous)
Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies
1st book of a trilogy.
WWII Occupied France.
A novel about three sisters surviving in France during Nazi occupation.
As I read stories like this I often wonder how I would do in such a situation. I pray I never learn the answer to that question.
I really enjoyed the story of Helene, Elise and Florence. Each with their own unique way of fighting and surviving.
This is #1 in a trilogy.
4 Stars
Hidden Palace by Dinah Jefferies
2 in this trilogy
This picks up with Florence (the youngest of the three sisters from book one) who is forced to flee France when she discovers she has a German father.
She lands in England with Jack (also from book one) and reconnects with her mother who immediately sends her to Malta in search of her long lost sister, Florence's aunt.
I enjoyed this book but honestly it wasn't as interesting to me as book one.
3 stars
Night Train to Marrakesh by Dinah Jefferies
3 in this trilogy
Originally this is where I started. I was 100 pages in when I realized this was the third book.
So I had to put it down while I read the other two books.
I'm glad I did. I enjoyed how the author continued the story with different yet related characters.
The three sisters are present in this book however, the main characters are the daughter of the younger sister Florence, and the mother of Victore (Elise's husband who was murdered by the Nazis in book one).
4 Stars
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Good Night Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea
I listened to this one.
WWII about the volunteers known as the Donut Dollys.
The Red Cross utilized these volunteer women by sending them out to the war front.
Their specific mission was to go to the battle fields to serve active soldiers coffee and donuts as well as warm smiles and listening ears.
All of the Red Cross records for those who served as Donut Dollys were destroyed by fire. This story is based on letters, and a few stories of an actual Donut Dolly.
4 stars
