I enjoy a wide variety of novels, including historical fiction, action/thrillers, fantasy, chick lit, and humour. But every so often, I need to read a book that will stretch me and take me out of my comfort zone. I'm not talking about a different genre or style- I'm talking about those books that will move me and maybe even change me. Sarah's Key by Tatiana deRosnay is one of those books. Not only is it a great piece of historical fiction that will possibly teach you something new, but it will also break your heart and make you empathize and grieve for someone else. Sarah's Key is a powerful, gripping novel that just might change you.
The novel, like Kate Morton's The Forgotten Garden, takes place at different points in time. It alternates between ten-year old Sarah, living in Paris in 1942, and an American journalist living in Paris during the present day. Sarah awakens one morning to the French police pounding on her family's apartment door. She is taken away along with her Mother and Father, but not before she locks her little brother in a hidden cupboard, sure that she will return before long. In contemporary times, Julia is assigned a piece on the anniversary of the Vel d'Hiv roundup. As she investigates the historical events, she is shocked to learn that the culpability for the roundup extends to the French police force and government, and perhaps even to her husband's family. When she learns that young Sarah was arrested in the roundup, she is determined to discover what happened to the little girl.
If you are in the mood for that novel that will leave a lasting impact, give Sarah's Key a read. Though it is not a feel-good novel, it is deeply engrossing. I couldn't put it down.
Showing posts with label Past. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Past. Show all posts
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Past and Present, Intertwined
I love novels that alternate between the past and the present. When a novel like this is well done, the historical story enriches the story taking place in contemporary times. Two novels that do a brilliant job of intertwining the past and present to make one richly complex story are The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, and The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson.
The Forgotten Garden is a title that I instantly fell in love with. A few chapters in, I knew that I loved this novel, and the rest of the story did not disappoint. Morton beautifully weaves this story, seamlessly blending mystery, history and fairy tale together, and telling a story across several generations. I was captivated and absorbed by this book and deeply invested in the fate of each heroine. It is an exquisite story- deeply moving, acutely tragic and yet profoundly uplifting and hopeful.
It is 1913. A small child is found at the docks in Australia. The dockmaster and his wife decide to raise the child as their own, since she is unable to tell them who she is or why she is alone. As an adult, Nell sets out to solve the mystery of her past. But it is a complex, layered mystery, and it is not until after her death that her grandaughter is able to fully solve the mystery. This novel takes place at several different points in time. As you read, you slowly put the pieces together until you have a truly wonderful story. I just loved it. I have recommended this novel many times, and everyone who has read it has really enjoyed it as well. I also read Morton's A House at Riverton, and while it can't compete with The Forgotten Garden, it is an excellent read as well.
More recently, I read The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson. This novel takes place in Cornwall, in the 17th century, and in present day. Julia is a woman in a dysfunctional relationship with her friend's husband. He breaks up with her to make amends with his wife, and he gives her an antique embroidery book. Written in the book are diary entries from 19 year old Catherine, an embroider living in Cornwall in 1625. Catherine is kidnapped from her church by pirates and brought to Morocco as a slave. Catherine writes about her terrifying experiences, and Julia journeys to Morocco to learn more about Catherine's story. As Julia encounters Catherine in her writings, she must find her own path, and perhaps her own love story as well. The Tenth Gift offers a glimpse into a different time and place, a different culture, and an oft ignored part of history.
Both novels are enchanting, and Johnson and Morton demonstrate the ways the past can enrich the present. I highly recommend them both.
The Forgotten Garden is a title that I instantly fell in love with. A few chapters in, I knew that I loved this novel, and the rest of the story did not disappoint. Morton beautifully weaves this story, seamlessly blending mystery, history and fairy tale together, and telling a story across several generations. I was captivated and absorbed by this book and deeply invested in the fate of each heroine. It is an exquisite story- deeply moving, acutely tragic and yet profoundly uplifting and hopeful.
It is 1913. A small child is found at the docks in Australia. The dockmaster and his wife decide to raise the child as their own, since she is unable to tell them who she is or why she is alone. As an adult, Nell sets out to solve the mystery of her past. But it is a complex, layered mystery, and it is not until after her death that her grandaughter is able to fully solve the mystery. This novel takes place at several different points in time. As you read, you slowly put the pieces together until you have a truly wonderful story. I just loved it. I have recommended this novel many times, and everyone who has read it has really enjoyed it as well. I also read Morton's A House at Riverton, and while it can't compete with The Forgotten Garden, it is an excellent read as well.
More recently, I read The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson. This novel takes place in Cornwall, in the 17th century, and in present day. Julia is a woman in a dysfunctional relationship with her friend's husband. He breaks up with her to make amends with his wife, and he gives her an antique embroidery book. Written in the book are diary entries from 19 year old Catherine, an embroider living in Cornwall in 1625. Catherine is kidnapped from her church by pirates and brought to Morocco as a slave. Catherine writes about her terrifying experiences, and Julia journeys to Morocco to learn more about Catherine's story. As Julia encounters Catherine in her writings, she must find her own path, and perhaps her own love story as well. The Tenth Gift offers a glimpse into a different time and place, a different culture, and an oft ignored part of history.
Both novels are enchanting, and Johnson and Morton demonstrate the ways the past can enrich the present. I highly recommend them both.
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