joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

What is it like to be: The Bookbinder (by Pip Williams)

#TheBookbinder #NetGalley

This absolutely gorgeous, WWI-set, historical fiction title is one to savor and read at a leisurely pace. At 448 pages in length, it is one that requires the reader’s time.

Oxford, England-right before war (WWI) breaks out. Two sisters (twins), Peggy and Maude, live on a narrowboat on a canal. They work at the Oxford University Press putting together the books that will one day be read. The job is tedious but, in compensation, Peggy takes home any books with faults, adding to an already large home library.

Maude has an undiagnosed condition that seems somewhat like what today would be called autism. She requires much supervision from Peggy as the story opens. Maude seems content to live in the moment while Peggy is aware of the academic life in Oxford and deeply wishes that she could be part of it.

Oxford-war has begun. A group of Belgian refugees come to work at the press; each has her own backstory. Much attention is given to Lotte, someone who bonds with Maude. Wounded soldiers also come to town and Peggy begins to read to them.

This is how the novel begins; it slowly entrances the reader who wants to spend time in this community and its wide range of characters. There are those who live on the water, those who work in publishing, Gwen (who has the life that Peggy seems to want), the Belgians and many others. Spending time with all of them is a wonderful experience.

Highly recommended to historical fiction readers. They will want to know how the lives of the characters unfold in friendship, family, work and love.

As an aside, those who are interested in how books were actually made in the days long before a digital world, will learn a great deal here. These details enhanced the reader’s ability to enter the characters’ worlds.

Note that the author has written one previous novel; readers may well want to look for that one as well.

Here is what Library Journal concluded in a starred review:

VERDICT Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction about strong women, like the works of Kate Quinn, Beatriz Williams, and Laura Willig.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 July 2023

Some e book bargains for 7.5.23

First in the now long running series

Part of the author’s newest series. Third entry coming soon.

Now out: Little People, Big Dreams-American Dreams

Five stars *****

I’ve reviewed many titles in this series. Here is something excellent for those who enjoy these stories of Little People with Big Dreams; it is a collection of that is organized chronologically beginning in 1880s and going through the 2000s.

Start with Harriet Tubman in the very first entry and in this section also meet Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald and others. The next part includes Iris Apfel and Elvis Presley among the entries. Move along to Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Mindy Kaling and Megan Rapinoe in their time periods along with so many inspiring people in the featured short biographies.

It is very easy to recommend this book. It is perfect for home and school libraries. Each entry is nicely laid out and enticingly illustrated; time lines are also included. This is a book that will be dipped into again and again.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 July 2023 (how appropriate!)

Can she do it? Clara and her Potty by Angela Zigann

#ClaraandHerPotty #NetGalley

Potty training is one of those developmental milestones that parents and kids often find challenging. For this reason, many books have been written to entice children’s cooperation and rid their parents (and them) of all that is involved with diapers. This title introduces readers to Clara. She has noticed that a friend now wears “undies” and she is curious. Soon after, her mum brings home a potty for her. Clara and mum together work together and in a positive manner as Clara makes progress.

This book may be helpful to adults who are working with a child on this skill. Take a look to see if it is one that belongs in your collection.

Many thanks to Go Crazy Happy Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 June 2023

What is life like for: The Manhattan Girls (by Gill Paul)

When readers who have heard of Dorothy Parker think of her, they often imagine her at the Algonquin Hotel issuing bon mots. Sarcastic and seemingly in possession of herself, many envied her. However, this historical novel about Dorothy and some of her friends and acquaintances reveals that she had many reasons to feel unsettled and unhappy. The support of three friends helped her to get through.

Early in this novel readers learn that Dorothy is having trouble finding work. She is also having many difficulties in her marriage; her husband came back from WWI a changed (and unpleasant) man. Dorothy’s friends include Jane, a newspaper reporter; Winifred who is an actress and, Peggy who works at a magazine. They form a bridge group where they not only learn to play cards but reflect on life.

These characters are surrounded by many men. They include those who spent time at the Algonquin. All are men of their time and their treatment of women is often condescending.

Will these friends find their happy/happier endings? Find out in this well written work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in August 2022.

From the Publisher

The Sunday Times Bestsellers List — the UK’s definitive book sales chart

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/f2c6f942-da35-11e9-8fc3-6e1b00e49ce4?shareToken=8a9ba125eb74b4513224de8c348a1f84