Bibliophiles rejoice: The Lions of Fifth Avenue A Novel by Fiona Davis

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsMarch 8, 2020

Fiona Davis has written a number of historical fiction titles.  Each book is set in an iconic NYC landmark and has a dual narrative structure and timeline.  In this, the strongest of her novels yet, the reader spends time at the main New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue.

The story in the past begins around 1913.  The iconic library has just opened.  The superintendent, Jack; his wife, Laura; and their two children, Pearl and Harry actually live in an apartment inside the enormous new library.  Jack, in addition to his job, is writing what he hopes will be the great American novel.  Laura, up until now, a woman who married for love and cares for her family wants more.  She enrolls as one of very few women at the Columbia School of Journalism.  Jack and Laura’s desire for fulfillment leads to conflict, misunderstandings and tragedy.  The fallout from their actions influences the story that takes place in the 1990s which is about their descendants.

In the present, Sadie works as a curator at the very same library on 42nd Street.  Her love of all things bookish is apparent.  Under Sadie’s watch, volumes are being stolen from the library.  How do the past and present collide?  Read the book to find out.

I learned a lot about collectable and antiquarian books as well as the library through reading this novel.  I now know more about valuable books and how they are both vulnerable and protected. Clearly Ms. Davis has been meticulous in her research and loves her subject.

There are themes to this novel in addition to the mystery, romance and depictions of life at the Columbia School of Journalism,  the Village and the library.  What sacrifices are women asked to make and when are they too much?  How much is owed to a family?  Can we be forgiven for mistakes?  How important is it to have a relationship and to take risks for it? Who should define what a person wants in life?

Ms. Davis does an excellent job of connecting the two narratives.  The book is a page turner that will be eagerly embraced by her loyal readers and will also be enjoyed by those new to the author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I recommend it very highly.

Broken Ground by Val McDermid

Two other books in this series are also bargains this week! Highly recommended.

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 18, 2018

#BrokenGround #NetGalley

Val McDermid writes a number of series; of them all, the Karen Pirie novels are my favorites. Broken Ground is the newest of these.
I enjoy Karen. She is a quirky woman who has faced a significant loss and is still recovering. In this novel, she gingerly considers a new relationship. She is an old fashioned copper who cares about justice and what is right. She is loyal to those on her team who are still learners.
Karen is the head of the Historical Cases Unit in Scotland. Spending time with her, the members of her team (including her adversaries) and her cases is always time well-spent. In this novel, there are several stories; one relates to events of WWII, another to a serial rapist, and there is also a present day murder. Each of these plots is explored satisfactorily.
I finished this book today and am already looking forward to what happens next in the series. I highly recommend both this book and the series.

Many (!) thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this satisfying read.

I very much enjoyed this historical novel set during WWI. It combines engaging characters and gardens. What a good combination!
What made this book a bit different from other books set in the period was the attention given to a character who was a conscientious objector. Also the author pays attention to issues related to equal pay for women.
Highly recommended for historical fiction fans.

Brontë

by Manuela Santoni

This graphic novel imagines the lives of the Brontes. There are the father, the somewhat dissolute brother, Branwell and of course, those three sisters, Anne, Charlotte and Emily. The sister’s relationships and their writing lives are depicted here. Much attention is also given to Branwell and his impact on his siblings. The illustrations are all in black and white and evoke the lives and times of the family. Those looking to learn more about this family and those who could enjoy a new take on those they already know may enjoy this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by Ben Handicott, Kalya Ryan

Pub Date 22 Jun 2021

I confess that I love puzzle books for kids. They do not require screens yet can keep children entertained. They are especially useful for times when kids are confined in some type of transportation.

This title has a variety of activities that require nothing more than colored pencils, a little imagination and some thinking. What could be better?

A few examples of the puzzles included here are a spot the difference, jumbled up bird names, odd one out, and find the hidden name. There is also room for coloring. Consider this one for a child you know.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title.

A Novel

by Sara Nisha Adams

This author’s love of books, libraries and people shine through in this title. The novel tells the story of Mukesh and Aleisha as well as some others. Mukesh was widowed and feels lost without his wife. When he comes across her copy of The Time Traveler’s Wife, he wants to return this overdue book to the library. This is a surprisingly difficult expedition for him. Mukesh even literally has difficulty getting in the library door which he does not know how to open.

Inside the library is Aleisha who is halfheartedly performing her duties as a summer employee. While her brother always adored the library as a child, Aleisha did not enjoy being there. Will this change?

Over the course of the novel, these two characters interact and their lives change as the result, in part, of a book list.

Bibliophiles will very much enjoy the book’s premise and will root for the characters. They will also enjoy seeing the book titles and lists that the author includes in this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my onw.