Many of the historical novels that I have read recently have employed a dual timeline with two protagonists as a structure for the narrative. In this novel, both timelines are told through the eyes of Evelyn Herbert, daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon and wife of Borogard Beauchamp.

Eve’s father helped to underwrite the work of Howard Carter in Egypt. As many know, Carter “discovered” the tomb of Tutankhamun with its many riches and historical artifacts. Eve was there when this significant event took place.

The story moves back and forth in time. In the present, it is the 1970s and Eve has suffered a number of strokes. Full credit to Ms. Paul for her sensitivity and ability to make readers feel the difficult impact that these had on Eve.

In the past, Eve grows up, is a debutante, meets Borograve and follows her interest in archaeology and lives her life. She has friends, children and a world around her.

The two narratives converge when Ana wants to interview Eve. She is tasked with understanding the events at the time that the tomb was found. Eve knows something important and will have to decide whether to reveal this.

I very much enjoyed this novel. It is leisurely paced, has well developed characters and lets readers witness a significant discovery. Readers will feel the heat of the sun and visualize the landscape of Egypt.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this absorbing historical novel. All opinions are my own.

Avidly Reads Opera

by Alison Kinney

Over the last few years I have taken a number of music history classes. One of them touched on opera but that was just a brief introduction. So, I was very interested in reading this title. It did not disappoint.

The author is an unabashed fan of opera. She draws the reader in immediately with an account of her reaction to a death in one of the first operas that she saw. Ms. Kinney then tells readers that this is not a spoiler for her book as people usually die in them.

The author relates her experience in viewing an opera production at Attica State Prison. This clearly makes the point that the world of opera is not only for the elite.

Ms. Kinney is an unabashed fan who has learned a lot about what might be her favorite subject. She engagingly introduces readers to her experiences, knowledge and enthusiasm for the genre.

I highly recommend this one for both novice and seasoned people who want to engage with this art form.

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

by Erwin Moser

This is a charming cartoon-like picture book that looks perfect for a toddler. The cover engages readers right away with Boris traveling in the bathtub. The included tales follow the seasons. They have engaging illustrations and stories that are simple and short, perfect for a little one’s attention span.

A note explains that these stories are newly released in English. I am glad that they were.

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

by Christine L’heureux

This children’s title is really a cautionary tale for the adults in their lives. Caillou and Henry play together at school. When they leave the building Henry’s father is on the phone and ignores his son. In contrast, Caillou’s dad interacts with him.

At home, Caillou’s dad limits screen time and, when Caillou has time with a tablet, his dad plays a game WITH him, not letting the screen become a babysitter. After a specific amount of screen time, Dad reads a book with Cailllou.

Parents may read this book with their toddler to teach them limits and to remind them that there are other activities to enjoy. It also looks to parents to engage with their kids.

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

Thriving

Follow Your Dreams One Step at a Time

by Carey Jones, Illustrated by Bodil Jane

This vibrantly illustrated book would make a wonderful gift for a new grad or someone who is embarking on a new phase in their lives or someone who wants some succinct inspiration. The words are not necessarily new but that does not mean that they are less true or helpful because of that. The text is enhanced by the absolutely gorgeous illustrations and borders throughout this title. A great pick for the right person…or maybe yourself.

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

Jodi Picoult has a magical talent for writing novels that address social issues and concerns while, at the same time, offering readers an involving story with plot, character and a bit of education.

This time the background (and foreground) issue is the Covid epidemic. For some readers, it might still feel too close and they might want to skip reading this title. I would argue against that. In addition to re-experiencing some of the trauma, I was also reminded of how far life has come (at least for those who have been vaccinated). This, of corse, does not mitigate the deep losses that so many experienced in the real world.

The protagonist of this novel is Diana. When the story opens, she is working for Sotheby’s and is in a relationship with a surgical resident at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Diana is working with a client who seems to be based upon Yoko Ono. Due to Diana’s work, readers are treated to some interesting art and music history. I enjoyably learned a lot about Toulouse Lautrec.

Diana and Finn are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Finn cannot/chooses not to go because of the emerging pandemic and his need to be at work. He encourages Diana to go on the trip and she does. Finn’s emails to Diana offer all of the horror of Covid, especially the early impotence that medical professionals felt in the wake of this tsunami of an epidemic.

Diana makes it to the Galapagos but is stranded there because travel is cut off. She manages to get settled, leading her to meet with a troubled adolescent, her father and her grandmother. They open Diana up to a new world. It is most likely no coincidence that our main character is living where theories of evolution were formed as she may be adapting and changing too.

The Galapagos are beautifully described and form a contrast to life in New York. Which place is right for Diana? Which relationship? What plot twists will Ms. Picoult bring to this, her latest novel? Read the book to find out. I highly recommend it.

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

“This Side of Murder?”

Anna Lee Huber’s novel, is an historical mystery that is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. A group of characters is stranded on an island, (think “And Then There Were None”), as the action unfolds. Widow Verity attends an engagement party weekend, while trying to find out whether her husband, Sidney, was a traitor during WWI. Not the most believable plot but Verity is a plucky character and one that I rooted for.  Book provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.  Thanks NetGalley!

So good to spend time with her: Eleanor by David Michaelis. Now in paperback

https://joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2020/07/01/so-good-to-spend-time-with-her-eleanor-by-david-michaelis/
— Read on joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2020/07/01/so-good-to-spend-time-with-her-eleanor-by-david-michaelis/