Review: The Bathing Women, by Tie Ning

 

THE BATHING WOMEN
by Tie Ning
Scribner, October 9, 2012
978-1451694840
Hardcover, 368 pages
(US) $25.00, (CA) $28.99






Four women come of age amid Mao’s Cultural Revolution in a small village near Beijing. Taio is a children’s book editor while her sister Fan lives in America; both are daughters of Wu and Yixun. Fei balances a life of pleasure and danger, while YouYou dreams of becoming a chef. Wu and Yixun are sent to the River Reed labor farm, where their lives are difficult and lonely. Wu becomes sick with symptoms of dizziness and frequent syncope. She is sent home to rest and seek a diagnosis. Dr. Tang determines her symptoms are psychological, not physiological. Even though she loves Yixun, she abhors the farm. Her decision made, she devises a plan to stay home permanently. This requires the in-depth adulterous services of Dr. Tang. One day Tiao meets Dr. Tang’s niece, Fei. Without provocation, Fei slaps Tiao in the face, and calls her mother Wu a whore. Fei’s own mother is dead. She was denounced at a public gathering, humiliated and forced to submit to an odd but disgusting punishment ironically witnessed by Tiao. Fan and Tiao are inseparable as children and Tiao assumes the big sister role as protector. About a year after Wu returns from the farm, she gives birth to another daughter, named Quan. Quan is beautiful and adored by everyone. Taio feels uncomfortable and strange with her. When Fei insinuates that she looks like her uncle, Tiao’s suspicions rise.
The novel does not flow linearly but rather is pieced together randomly through scattered snippets, flashbacks and memories that interconnect the four women. For this reason it is a challenging book to wrap one’s head around. That said, however, it is a literary gem of poetic prose that unmasks a complex story of jealousy, adultery, deception and acceptance. The Bathing Women is an emotionally poignant novel by Tie Ning.


 

Disclosure: A copy of The Bathing Women was given to me for a candid review. 


This review also appeared in Historical Novels Review (November 2012) Issue 62

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Review: A Hundred Summers, by Beatriz Williams

Personal Thoughts......

The setting of A Hundred Summers takes place in and around Watch Hill, Rhode Island.  As a child I vacationed along this same stretch of beach with my family each summer.   Later, my parents moved to Misquamicut to be close to the shoreline.   However,  the visions of "38", and it's aftermath were still vivid to them. They were 10 years old when the hurricane hit.  They decided that they wanted to be at least 3 blocks from shore. They never regretted a day spent near the Atlantic beaches.

I consider myself very lucky to have experienced life along the Misquamicut shores. Memories are cherished of that time.  If you have never had authentic Fish and Chips, or clam cakes, then head to Rhode Island sometime soon.  Yum! Yum!

I was often told stories of the 1938 Hurricane that decimated the South County shores of Rhode Island.  In fact, my Great Aunt had a cottage there.  When the storm hit, the winds, rain and storm surge was so violent, parts of her home's foundation were found blocks away.   Only a few homes were left standing. Over the years, time wipes away memory and cottages and businesses have emerged along the Atlantic shores.  If you ever doubted the expression  that history repeats itself, than the tempest of last October, 2013 known as Hurricane Sandy was confirmation, and a rapacious reminder.

Here is a You Tube video filmed in September 2012 by CBS Chennel 5, Boston,  on the 75th anniversary of the 38 Hurricane.

For me, the cautious words of my parents haunted me as the visions of Hurricane Sandy smashed into the coastline once again with equal velocity.

Review: The Girl Who Married an Eagle, by Tamar Myers

THE GIRL WHO MARRIED AN EAGLE
by Tamar Myers
William Morrow Publisher
May, 2013 
pb, 288 pp, $13.99 
978-0-60-220385-4.

Julia Newton, a recent American college grad, attends a lecture about missions in Africa and decides she has found her life’s purpose. At the airport she is met by Hank, a widower and minister who will be her main contact and support. He lives with his quirky daughter, Clementine, otherwise referred to as the Great Distraction. Nine years old and very bright, she warmly welcomes Julia.

Julia finds herself teaching at an all-girls boarding school in the Belgian Congo comprised of runaway child brides from the Bashilele people. Chief Eagle is the leader of the tribe, members of whom are known both for their attractiveness and their gruesome headhunting practices. He has just chosen his 23^rd wife, an eight-year-old beauty called Bukane. Bukane escapes, but in her flight she is attacked by hyenas. She is discovered by the missionaries and, after her wound heals, she attends the mission school. Shortly afterward, Chief Eagle arrives in full regalia to claim his property. A confrontation between the impulsive Julia and the arrogant Chief Eagle has dire repercussions.

The Girl Who Married an Eagle is the final book in the author’s Belgian Congo Mysteries and easily stands alone. Tamar Myers draws on her childhood experiences growing up in the Congo to dramatize this captivating story. The characters are vivid and three-dimensionally tangible. Clementine is an endearing, clever imp whose irresistible charm exudes cuteness, but her humor and bantering with adults mask an unimaginable grief. Myers captures many touching moments with keen wisdom and sensitivity, and she paints brutality and violence with an impressionist’s palette. The Girl Who Married an Eagle also provides valuable insight into the value of women in the male-dominant culture of pre-independence Congo in the 1960s.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided by HNR for review in the May 2013 issue of Historical Novels Review.

Review: Shrapnel

SHRAPNEL 
By William Wharton
William Morrow
May 2013
Hardcover, 272 pages
(US) 9780062257376
(US) 23.99

William Wharton died in 2008, but the memoir he wrote about his experiences in World War II will live forever.  These are intimate letters, personal and unfiltered.  He reminds the audience that many of his stories were kept secret, even from his family; his book was released posthumously. Shrapnel is a short work but nevertheless a strong and robust accounting of his relationships, fighting experience, and deepest sentiments. He never wanted to be a soldier, never felt compelled to throw himself in harm’s way, but regardless became a decorated veteran.

I must admit, I had doubts about reading about WWII from a personal perspective. However, this is a rare and candid portrayal of war, unembellished and humble. I am impressed with the author’s storytelling ability, as each page compels the reader to continue. Although there are many WWII books available in print, Shrapnel should be required reading for any students of American history. It is at once shockingly modest and highly inspirational.  Wharton bares his soul and shows how the war theater played out as one of America’s greatest tragedies.

Disclosure: Copy provided at no charge by HNR for review in August 2013 issue. 

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Review: CRIES OF THE LOST and DEAD ANYWAY by Chris Knopf

  SOON TO BE RELEASED....AVAILABLE ON PRE:ORDER

CRIES OF THE LOST, Chris Knopf

The Permanent Press, November 22, 2013, $28.00, Hardcover, 288 pages, 978-1579623326.

In his much awaited sequel, CRIES OF THE LOST, Chris Knopf takes the reader on the quest to find out “who was Florencia?”  Arthur Cathcart teams up with companion Natsumi Fitzgerald and together assume multiple disguises to elude discovery.  All Arthur really knows about his wife is that she came from Chile.  As the story begins the two are headed to the Cayman Islands to attempt the retrieval of whatever was left in her safety deposit box. Although he successfully obtained her assets from her secret account at the First Australia Bank electronically, the box  from her account, required his appearance. 

Chris Knopf is an inventor of complex intrigue in a digital age. The journey Arthur begins, leads him and Natsumi on a daring escapade as if they are on a global scavenger hunt. Each revelation uncovered,  presents another question to chase. The two manage to stay one step ahead of the killer, and one step ahead of the law. The action is swift with continuous “in the nick of time” close calls. An armchair gripping novel that will compel you to read on.  The author balances the danger and unknown with the humorous witty banter, delivered in a natural cadence between Arthur and Natsumi.  

CRIES OF THE LOST is an engrossing novel that will challenge your cognition as you attempt to solve and unravel the plot. Chris Knopf’s has a gifted imagination that promises spectacular and unexpected adventure to engage readers. With the successful pairing of Arthur and Natsumi, a third book would be welcomed.  CRIES OF THE LOST will undoubtedly be a 2013 Best Pick.

DISCLOSURE: I received an advance copy of this novel from The Permanent Press.

September 5, 2013

Wisteria Leigh

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

A short review of DEAD ANYWAY.....how it began. Who killed Florencia?

 

DEAD ANYWAY, Chris Knopf

 The Permanent Press, September 12, 2012, $28.00, Hardcover 248 pp, 978-1579622831.

With an explosive and unexpected beginning through to the end, DEAD ANYWAY, is a complicated and brilliantly conceived mystery.  Arthur Cathcart, critically wounded, his wife Florencia murdered when she fails to reveal information demanded by an intruder.  After a long recovery, he comes to terms with the tragedy, and is determined to track down his wife’s killer. His world turned upside down, Arthur is slammed with a realization that his beautiful wife Florencia, an intelligent woman, who owned her own insurance company, had a secret and dangerous life. One that she led apart from him.  His injuries bring him near death, however, he devises a plan that includes his faked death. Thus with an incredible advantage he is able to pursue the killer. Chris Knopf ‘s conception for imaginative plot has established him as an outstanding writer.  His mysteries leave me anxious for the next one…..soon!

DISCLOSURE: I received an advance copy of this novel from The Permanent Press.

September 5, 2013

Wisteria Leigh

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

In Memorial: Lion Crosses Rainbow Bridge

In memory of my heart dog, 

Lion

 aka

 B's Cowardly Lion. 

November 25, 2002- August 22, 2013

Life as my pet. 

Adopt a Greyhound

Run free beautiful boy!

Review: Ghellow Road, by T.H. Waters

GHELLOW ROAD: A LITERARY DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL'S JOURNEY

T.H. Waters

Verefor Publishing Company

October 14, 2010

302 pages, pb

$10.30 US

978-0-9828931-1-1

GHELLOW ROAD, a literary diary will consume your attention from the first page. It is a coming of age story about a young girl named Theresa.  Promoted as a novel, the author admits much is drawn from childhood experiences. You will find this to be a rich heartfelt novel of a family devastated by a mother with serious mental illness.  I will forgo the short summary as it would spoil the reader’s experience, but instead offer a glimpse, as a prologue to a play about to unfold.

The story takes place in a small town called International Falls with a population just over 10,000, somewhere in Minnesota.  Theresa was born in 1965 smothered by the love of two parents and a brother, Mikie. In diary format throughout, we learn about her life, her point of view. She was five when she first realized there was something very wrong with her mother. Although her mother most often demonstrated her love, with affectionate kisses and endearing names, Theresa knew things weren’t right.  She would often disappear, she heard things, she had a look. When this happened, Theresa and Mikie would often end up at the homes of various relatives. One day, they are betrayed by their loving Dad, who had always been the stable parent. Their future is bleak.  

The main protagonist is Theresa, outwardly happy and sometimes shy who despite the odds, makes many very good friends.  Yet, inside she is a cacophony of conflict, desperately seeking stability and a normal life. Once, she is told by a palm reader.... “it doesn’t matter what a man’s name is or where it is that he may take you. The only true force in life is l-o-v-e. Look for a man who has love for you in his heart, and it is there that you will find the meaning of happiness on this earth.”  

An unforgettable novel that puts a spotlight on mental illness and its corrosive potential on families. My apologies to the author, for not reading her book sooner as it is my only regret. T.H. Waters as written an inspirationally affecting novel that will beguile every reader.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. The review submitted my honest opinion. 

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Wisteria Leigh

August 13, 2013

Review: Blood of Tyrants: George Washington and the Forging of the Presidency, by Logan Beirne

BLOOD OF TYRANTS: George Washington and the Forging of the Presidency

Logan Beirne

Encounter Books

April 23, 2013 Kindle Edition

438 pages print version

$27.99 US, $14.99 Kindle

ASIN B00AUZS12E

When Independence Day approached this year, I searched my backlog of TBR books and without hesitation selected BLOOD OF TYRANTS.  Skeptics may question whether another book about our first president would offer new insight.  Logan Bierne has written a dramatic and entertaining history of George Washington pulled from his research.  It is a completely enveloping read,  with lesser known anecdotes and stories about George Washington to satisfy the curious. For example, Did you know his teeth were made from hippopotamus ivory and human teeth, not from wood?  

As our country struggled to emerge as a united collection of states, Congress wanted to micromanage the war through Washington’s leadership. This approach failed miserably.  It became clear to Congress that they needed to delegate full control for the armed services to George Washington, their Commander in Chief. With this decision, the American Revolution changed direction with the outcome destined for success in the hands of George Washington.  That Congress would grant such absolute power to one individual is surprising.  Just imagine how difficult it would be to change the Commander in Chief’s job description today, in the middle of a war.  Had Washington faced our current divisive partisan politicians on Capitol Hill what results might the country have suffered?

BLOOD OF TYRANTS shows how the Presidency of the United States and the role of Commander in Chief  merged as a result of the American Revolution.  When deciding the role of America’s President, the people looked to the brilliant leadership shown by George Washington, a proven success.   According to Bierne, some believed Washington had an immortal bullet-proof  shield of protection that kept him safe.  He was known to be an active inspirational commander, brave and fearless who wanted to protect all Americans, Patriots and Loyalists for the good of the new nation.

Logan Beirne has a deliberate purpose as he presents a focused approach specifically on the role of Commander in Chief in America’s early political theater.  BLOOD OF TYRANTS will astound readers with new awareness. Without a doubt it promises to provide much discussion and reflection among readers, both students and  historians.  One of my best pick reads for 2013.

Wisteria Leigh

July 5, 2013

DISCLOSURE: I obtained a copy of this Kindle edition on Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Greyhound Runners Turn Runway Fashion Models

Ask any greyhound owner to talk about their rescued greyhound and they will all have remarkable stories to share. When you take an athletic racer off the track to live in your home, you might expect that they need a lot of exercise. Not true. These former race dogs would prefer the couch and a couple of walks a day.  Proceed with caution....you'll have to hold on to the leash tight- especially when they see something of interest: moving car, squirrel, bird, plastic bag. I have a fenced 6' pen for those times when the chill in the air turns a midnight walk into a nightmare. 

I do confess they all have coats and pajamas or cozy blankets.  It's not to be cute really, they no fat layer and are all muscle with a very thin skin and short hair. Greyhounds are easily chilled and will overheat quickly in the summer. 

My current pack of three, B's Cowardly Lion (Lion), Red Bud Diablo (Wizard), and Full of Beans (Vincent Van Beans...or just Beans) love to go for walks. Beans,a former foster dog, is a young two year old. He is now officially part of my three-pack.  When I came across this You Tube video of adorable greys sporting fashionable knitted sweaters....I just had to share. 


I hope to knit one or two...oops, I guess now it'll have to be three. 

Check it out!


                                Greyhound Runners Turn Runway Fashion Models

This You Tube video came from a fun and informative website called Greyhounds4me. 


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

Saturday Sagacious Insight & Reflection

Saturday Sagacious Insight & Reflection

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, 

people will forget what you did, 

but people will 

never forget how you made them feel.” 

― Maya Angelou

Review-Angelopolis by Danielle Trussoni

ANGELOPOLIS
Danielle Trussoni
Viking Adult-Penguin Group
March 26, 2013
9780670025541
Hardcover, 320 pp






Honestly I loved ANGELOPOLIS.  As a fan of Deborah Harkness, I was intrigued by this series by Danielle Trussoni.  The genre is not in my normal comfort zone.  However, after reading the novels of Harkness and Trussoni,  I am now a huge fan of  this category of historical fantasy and mythological magic.  This shouldn't surprise me, after all I was brought up on fairy tales and Greek Mythology.  Who doesn't love fairies and angels?  Danielle Trussoni 
will ensnare you in her richly imagined suspenseful world of fallen angels. Her writing style is absorbing, rich with imagery and realism.  Enchanting, enveloping and exotic. 

ANGELOPOLIS, is the second novel in this series, but easily stands alone.  For those readers who like this reviewer have not read Angelologist, a New York Times bestseller it is not too late to back track. I guarantee after reading book two, you will crave the next book in the series and should definitely pick up ANGELOLOGIST in the mean time. 

Highly recommended...plot was full of enough twists and turns. Characters were memorable, often chilling and some otherwise endearing. Verlaine is now an elite angel hunter and works for the Society of Angelology in Paris.   It is now ten years since his appearance in ANGELOLOGIST when he first saw the illuminating Evangeline descend from the Brooklyn Bridge.  Verlaine soon learns that Evangeline is still alive, and the discovery leads him to risk all to pursue her. Who knew there were bad angels among the good?  The angel hunters pursue evil, the fallen angels comprise an army of various species with distinct characteristics. 

Historical reference to Rasputin and the the Romanov's, along with a plot that includes the famous Faberge Easter eggs,made for Tsar Alexander III,  add  authenticity and mystery to the plot. Trussoni takes the reader from Paris, to St. Petersberg and finally Siberia-where underneath an off-line nuclear reactor the final showdown takes place.  

Don't miss ANGELOPOLIS...an enticingly tense and ethereal adventure among angels and angelologists where the line between good and evil is a fine line to cross.  




Angelopolis Book Club Kit



Disclosure: Angelopolis was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to : Jane Shim, Publicity Assistant

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Houdini-Sweet Kitty-RIP

RIP Houdini

1995-2013

Thank you to all my FB friends who have sent 

condolences and cheer to me during this difficult time. 

Houdini-18 Years

I was so so lucky to have an intuitive cat as a sweet fur companion for 18 years. He has been my rock during difficult times. Whether I was in emotional or physical stress he sensed my discomfort and would not leave my side until I was better.   How he always knew when I had vertigo,  is a puzzle to me.  He would lay on top of me to ensure I slowed down, while he purred a soothing and healing mantra.

Luckily, Houdini was a healthy boy until the end. I think he just knew it was time to move on. He refused to eat or drink.  It has been so sad watching him waste away these past few weeks.

I was so lucky to be with him at the end.  He died in my arms, snuggled under my chin. He has joined his buddies, Mystery and Webster at the rainbow bridge.

I love you Houdini..you will be remembered and deeply missed.  -Mom xo

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].