Are you ready to add three good books to your reading list? Well, these aren’t really that new so you’ve probably already read them but let me tell you about why I liked these books.
Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh is the story of a small coal mining town. It’s citizens make up the neighborhoods of Little Italy, Swedentown and Polish Hill. One family, the Novak’s, will be a witness to the changes in landscape and atmosphere as they raise their five children during the 1940s.
This story really captivated me with the setting. I especially loved reading about how the women in were going out to work, perhaps the first in the families who sought work outside of the home. They experienced a freedom they didn’t have before but I thought there was also a loneliness there that I don’t think many were prepared for as they had never been away from home.
To me this book seemed like the perfect snapshot of an era. I have a couple of other books by this author and I think I will be in for a treat.
Source: Personal copy
The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar is an emotionally charged book. The main characters Frank and Ellie have lost their only child and now their relationship is in crisis. When Frank is offered a job in India the couple feel this might be the way to find their way back to what they had.
In India, Ellie seems to thrive and gets on well in her new home. Frank is finding that business conduct is different from what he was accustomed to and for him life in his new home is a bit more challenging. But the bright spot in his life is the child of the the couple who work in their home. Ramesh is a bright boy and Frank sees so much potential in him if only he could have a life like what any boy in the States could have.
As Frank gets closer to Ramesh, Ellie starts to resent this and not only that but Frank is not making friends of Ramesh’s dad. The boy’s father feels the American is very intrusive and only makes him look bad. The situation gets more tense and a point of not return is reached for the families. I was so upset with Frank for not seeing clearly how his behavior was out of line.
I think this would be a wonderful book for discussion. I didn’t particularly like the ending so that’s probably the only reason why this book is not one of my favorites of the year but still an engaging read.
Source: Personal copy
The House At Riverton by Kate Morton is the story of an Aristocratic family in England during the Interwar years. There are secrets, violence and through it all the all-knowing house staff who pledge to be there for the family.
Grace is the 98-year old narrator of the story. A director has approached her to film the story of Riverton and it’s inhabitants and through flashbacks she relates how she first arrived at Riverton as a maid.
At the center are two sisters, Hannah and Emmline, whom Grace watched as they grew up. In particular she feels a connection with Hannah and that connection will lead her to make some drastic choices in her personal life.
While the story of the sisters was interesting I loved reading about the house staff. How loyal they were to the family. So loyal that when one of the staff members goes to war and comes back with different views on the way things are, I thought you could really tell how the rest of the staff loved him but were disappointed by him. Maybe even a bit alarmed by him and his notions.
There were some unanswered questions for me in the end, but I still enjoyed this book a lot and look forward to reading another of her books.
Source: ARC
There, done with three mini reviews. I still want to tell you about two other fantastic books I’ve recently read so hopefully I’ll get those done before the end of the year. So have you read these? What did you think?
I liked all 3 as well, especially: The Weight of Heaven.
I have had The Weight of Heaven for a while now. I know I have to get to it. I have heard good things about Jennifer Haigh as well. I think I have The condition by her. I did read and enjoy The House on Riverton.
I read the Haigh book when it first came out so I’ve forgotten a lot of the story but recall enjoying it. She wrote a sequel which I was curious about but never got around to reading. I really liked The House at Riverton and finally broke down and ordered her newest (I’m too far back in line for a library copy and am impatient)! I’m hoping it comes before Christmas so I can read it over break.
diane – Isn’t it a great book for a discussion? Not a big cast a characters but all wanting very different things. I read her other book The Space Between Us and really liked that one as well.
Nicole – I hope you’ll enjoy it! Something in particular about the end didn’t sit well with me but still I give it high marks! I have The Condition sitting on my shelf too. One day….
Danielle – I want to say that I first heard of her through you. I didn’t realize she had a sequel. Hmm, I’ll have to look into that. While I thought all characters were interesting, it was the three daughters who really made in impression on me. Hope you get your book before Christmas!
I am just weighing under the possibility of breakdown from putting all these and other books in my wishlist. OMG! This end of the year is not good for visiting blogs, everyone tells you what books they liked and you are trying to figure out how to get them lol!
These all sound good. Serena’s been telling me I really need to read The Weight of Heaven. Maybe in the new year.
all three of those sound like good books especially the Weight of Heaven.
I’m undecided about the Weight of Heaven. I loved her first book, but it did produce a lot of inner turmoil. This one sounds similar in the sense of being torn between distress and the pleasure of her writing.
I enjoyed both The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden, but that are unanswered questions in both. Still, Morton recalls worlds from the past that I enjoy visiting.
I already put Baker Towers on my list, when you first mentioned it, but I might have to check out Weight of Heaven now. India is one of my favourite settings.
The House at Riverton was definitely one book I truly enjoyed – glad to read that you liked it! 🙂
Those books sound good! I’ll have to make sure to check them out!
Here’s wishing you a Happy Holidays, Iliana! 🙂
Veens – Just add them all to the list. Pretty soon, the list turns into a book too 🙂
Anna – You gotta listen to Serena! 🙂
Stefanie – It was good. I wish I had read that along with a book group because I’d love to discuss that in a group setting.
jenclair – Yep, this one will probably make you feel the same way as Space Between Us. I wanted to reach inside the pages and shake some of the characters. In particular the dad who was just crossing all kinds of lines.
Jodie – I love to read stories set in India too. I’ve never been there and hope to one day. It just sounds so chaotic, vibrant, different. Hope you’ll put both on your list!
Coffee and a Book Chick – Have you read any of her other books? I can’t wait 🙂
Melody – I think you’d like them. Good stories with lots of drama! Merry Christmas 🙂
I have all 3 books on my shelves, but haven’t read them! I loved Thrity Umrigar’s THE SPACE BETWEEN US.
They all sound good, especially Baker Towers.
I’ve not heard of the House at Riverton but I adore books that are narrated by the octo and nanogenarians – I ‘ll look into it. THanks.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
I read The House at Riverton this year and really, really enjoyed it. I’m guessing that it will go on my top 10 reads for this year but I haven’t actually made out that list yet 🙂 I can’t wait to read more from this author. Sounds like the other two books are really good as well!
I have The House at Riverton and look forward to reading it. I checked out The Weight of Heaven from the library and had to return it both times, unread. I know I must read this book in 2011!