12/29/24
Shy Creatures, by Clare Chambers. Mariner Books, 2024. 392 pages.
In this bittersweet novel it is 1964, and psychiatry is beginning to move from the trend of medicating patients to listening to them.
Please see “Reviews – Fiction”
Category: Uncategorized
A Gift for Readers who are Shoppers
12/13/24
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue, by Julie Satow. Doubleday, 2024. 476 pages (360 before photos and bibliography).
Journalist and author Satow presents us with a colorful journey through the aisles and offices of three of New York City’s mid-twentieth century upscale department stores, and the lives of the women whose visions and work made their ventures exceptional.
Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction”
Of Silence and Stories
11/26/24
The Cemetery of Untold Stories, by Julia Alvarez. Algonquin Books, 2024. 227 pages.
This novel introduces us to two very different Dominican-born women, whose lives intersect through a magical tale of untold stories.
Please see “Reviews-Fiction”
“A Female Action Figure Come to Life”
Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction, by Lynne Olson. Random House, 2023, 427 pages.
This lively biography of Christiane Desroches-Nobelcourt (1913-2011) reads like an adventure story of successes and stymies, petty problems and great strides, with an intriguing heroine.
Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction”
Two Haunting Tales with Strong Women at Their Center
10/23/24
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd, Atria Books: 2020, 381 pages
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield, Atria Books: 2019, 496 pages
Both these books are set in Victorian England, and both are a blend of humor, ghost stories, and the supernatural. They’re also very moving in their themes of love and
Memoir as Page-Turner
9/25/24
A Little Less Broken, by Marian Schembari
Flatiron Books, 2024. 272 pages.
In her 30’s a woman who seems successful in her career, marriage, and motherhood, learns that she is autistic, and her world finally makes sense.
Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction”
A Quirky Coming of Age Story for Grown Ups
9/17/24
Death and Other Inconveniences, by Lesley Crewes
What begins as something of a farce becomes a humor-filled and generous story of grown-ups finally growing up. Please see “Reviews-Fiction.”
A Lesser Known Immigrant Experience
Songs for the Brokenhearted, by Ayelet Tsabari
Random House, 2024. 352 pages.
This beautifully conceived and crafted novel brings to life a lesser known immigrant experience: that of the Yemeni Jews who arrived in Israel in 1949 and 1950. Their story opens up a world of tragedies and beauties.
Waterways as a Source of Life and Stories
8/20/24
There Are Rivers in the Sky, by Elif Shafak. Knopf, 2024. 464 pages.
One of the best novels I have read this year. Please see “Reviews-Fiction.”
Women and Weaving in 17th century England
Blue Hawk by Chloe Turner. Deixis Press, 2024. 304 pages.
Those interested in fabric arts as well as women’s history will enjoy this novel, based on historical records of the 17th century cloth industry.