Author Archives: Paige

Run Me to Earth, by Paul Yoon

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This story primarily focuses on the effects of warfare on innocent civilians living in a war-torn society. While the beginning starts off in a 1969 Laos town with bombs dropping like rain and airplanes swarming over like flies, this is a minimal part of the story. The results after the war are the central emphasis.

It begins with three teenage orphans Alisak, Prany, and Noi who scavenge supplies and help a farmhouse-turned-medical facility in exchange for money, shelter, and food. They risk going into the dangerous apocalyptic-like town of Phonsavan with bombs dropping all around to find medical care and pick up hurt civilians while befriending a doctor at the facility named Vang. However, this setting only lasts for the first 28% of the book (on a Kindle). With the four seeking to leave, they are then separated while on their way to be rescued. It is at this point where the story really begins. 

The remainder of the book sheds light on what happened to Alisak, Prany, Noi, and Vang after being separated. Some of them were released after being imprisoned by communists and reeducated for seven years, though it does not recount their time or reeducation in prison. Other characters were rescued only to experience a sensation of loneliness and separation, while some did not make it. The suffering ensued by each reflects the dejected nature of post-traumatic stress that civilians experience when growing up in a battle zone.

There are no chapters; it is divided into parts by character. The first part (the first 28% mentioned above) is told from Alisak’s point of view. It then goes through four other characters viewpoints in sections detailing what occurred after being separated. 

The setting was different, and I enjoyed the premise. I did not feel connected with Alisak or Auntie, but I really enjoyed Prany, Noi, and Khit. Since it jumps right into the story from the start, the beginning first two parts of Alisak and Auntie felt slightly disjointed as I was trying to piece a few things together. Overall, I really liked the novel though it was not an expeditious page turner for me. Nevertheless, it is an important story that speaks volumes. Many thanks to Netgalley, Paul Yoon, and Simon & Schuster for this ARC.  Visit Paul Yoon’s blog to learn more.

More on this topic:
President Barack Obama Visits Laos
Communism in Laos
Laos during the Vietnam War

Location of Laos.

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Chappaquiddick, by Leo Damore

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Why did Ted Kennedy flee the scene of his wrecked car with his dead friend inside? 

This book exposes SENATORIAL PRIVILEGE at its finest. Leo Damore’s account is bursting with facts that account for what happened that mysterious night when Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne left a party together in 1969 only to find one of them dead the next morning. 

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Why was he found casually strolling about town early the next morning, rather than reporting the incident?

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In this account, the reader is thrown into the mystery of that July night that would absorb the news for the rest of the summer of 69’. Starting with the days leading up to the party, Leo Damore shows a detailed break-down of all the evidence that has been accounted for to-date. From different witness reports that were accumulated that night, to the delayed autopsy report, to the court proceedings, Leo Damore presents the evidence that was surfaced after-the-fact while also questioning the evidence that would never be examined. 

Was Mary Jo already dead before the car accident? Who was driving? Were they having an affair?

The beautiful Mary Jo:

Mary Jo

Before the book begins, I recommend reading the “Chronology” found in the beginning which presents a quick timeline of events from June 5, 1968- November 27, 1970. Also, I found the “Cast of Characters” at the beginning extremely helpful. The end of the book provides photocopies of reports, statements to the chief of police, etc.

I recommend it to lovers of conspiracies, true crime, and Kennedy fanatics. **However, it is an arduous read and is not for your casual reader. Literally, the author includes everything and everyone that could be linked to this crime. I felt like there was too much, and at different points the information could have been condensed. And, the rigorous 600+ pages are written in the typical non-fiction tone. **

More on this topic:
Chappaquiddick according to the Washington Post

What Really Happened: A Play-by-play

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Night Boat to Tangier, by Kevin Barry

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The format and style for this book was overly confusing. The style reads like a play, but the format is just spacing without any indicators. For example, you frequently must figure out when a character is speaking. It was a lot of work.

The language also created a challenge. While many words were not found on my Kindle, some sentences didn’t even make sense to me. I am not sure if this is due to a cultural difference, but as a Westerner I was lost and confused about the context often. 
The story was also hard to follow because there were pieces left out; it would skip from one topic in a paragraph to something completely different in the next without ever filling in those missing pieces.

The blurb explains the synopsis quite well. The two men, Charlie and Maurice are old drug dealers waiting at the port looking for Maurice’s daughter. While waiting, they reminisce about their dark past. In my opinion, however, I feel like the blurb should be written in the style and format of the book so that the reader gets a taste of what they are getting into. 
I felt like Charlie and Maurice were both interesting characters with interesting backgrounds, but I didn’t feel emotionally attached to them.

Also, a few pages into chapter one I started counting the number of f**k bombs. A few pages into the chapter I counted 13, so that means there are 13+ in chapter one alone. This type of language continues this way for the remainder of the book, if not picking up its pace. There is also a lot of sex and drug usage.

While this wasn’t the book for me, it has received many great reviews that you might check out on Amazon and Goodreads. Thanks to Doubleday Books and Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

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The Last Train to London, by Meg Waite Clayton

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This novel is based on the organization and implementation of the real Vienna Kindertransport that was led by Geertruida Wijsmuller. This fictional story occurs prior to 1940, and primarily happens during 1938. 

We see a Dutch couple, Truus (Geertruida) and her husband Joop Wijsmuller, who are childless. Truus is a brave and outspoken woman who risks her life countless time to seek refuge for helpless children. We also see the rich Jewish family of Stephan, who is stripped of everything once the Germans invade Austria. There is the family of Zophie (Stephan’s best friend), whose mother is a journalist reporting the true crimes of the Nazi’s and eventually is on the run. And, there is also Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi in charge of ridding Germany of its Jewish population through emigration.

Beginning in 1936, we see the pre-invasion environment of Austria through the eyes of Stephan and Zophie. The “re-culturing” that Hitler aimed to achieve is a common topic of discussion in Stephan’s household among his parents and family members who are strong admirers of art. Soon after the Nazi’s have began assaulting their culture, German soldiers in their brown shirts with swastikas march in while Stephan and Zophie rehearsing a play. How will Zophie, an Aryan, react when Stephan is treated with brutality by Nazi’s? Meanwhile, after invasion, Truus plans to transport a large number of children in danger to London. 

It was hard for me to get invested in this story. There were too many characters in motion for me to get attached and emotional. With the chapters being so short, it also took a long time to get to know them. There was too much dialogue between Truus and Joop that was about everyday things which overcrowded their character. It felt like too much information was included about the planning process and mundane arbitrary paperwork that went into Truus’ operations rather than focusing on her “in action”. While the information was appreciated since lending to authenticity, it took away from the story and the characters. At times, they felt so far away from me because I felt clustered and weighed down in intentions, ideas, and procedures. I wanted to be in my feelings, but it didn’t happen.
The story was at a dull but tolerant trot until 65% (on a Kindle) in which the plot starts to build and the story starts to take flight…but it’s almost over at that point.

During the pre-invasion, there are details in this novel about degenerate art and artists. For more information regarding this topic, I would highly recommend the nonfiction book Hitler’s Last Hostages: Looted Art and the Soul of the Third Reich by Mary M. Lane.
Many thanks to HarperCollins, Edelweiss, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Geertruida Wijsmuller:

WijsmullerMeijer1965.jpg

Adolf Eichmann:

Adolf Eichmann, 1942.jpg

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The Glass Woman, by Caroline Lea

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17th Century Iceland: Witchcraft is punishable by death. Women are held submissive by virtue of Biblical scriptures. Food is scarce and the ocean is a death trap. The season of winter looms over villages like the shadow of the Engill dauðans. 

Rosa trades her freedom and future by marrying the well-off bóndi Jon in order to help save her ill mother. After marrying and moving away, she is met with the haunting realization that his croft is filled with secrets and the village brimming with gossip. Her husband is distant, but the noises are near. Is she going mad hearing things?

Filled with Icelandic saga references and superstitions, this is a story that I found bewitching. The beginning was a bit difficult for me to adjust to with the use of old language, but I could not stop reading. This novel kept me engaged throughout. I was constantly trying to figure out how did Jon’s first wife die? How did he kill her, or did he have someone else do it? What are the mysterious noises in his croft? Will Rosa be safe, or will she run, or will the marriage grow into love? What about her and Pall? Is Petur to be trusted? 

I recommend reading on a Kindle in order to translate the Icelandic words and phrases; however, my Kindle was unable to translate some. There was a glossary of Icelandic words in the very back, but I didn’t realize that until I had finished reading. Many thanks to HarperCollins, Caroline Lea, and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. 

17th Century Icelandic Tales
Witchcraft and Sorcery in Iceland

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Night of Power, by Anar Ali

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Night of Power is the considered the most holiest of nights in Ramadan. While the title itself connotes a religious and cultural tone, the book actually focuses on the social constructs within a family of refugees. The family in the story are India-Africa-Muslim, having been part of the Indian-Asian Ugandans who fled Uganda in 1972 under Ida Amin (the Butcher of Uganda). However, their past is not a central topic and is only mentioned in a flashback to provide a short background of where they came from. I thought that this might also include Indophobia because of the circumstances, however, Indophobia was not a theme or point that was brought up. The central theme revolves around the broken relationship between the family. It chronicles the dynamics between father, mother, and son. 

The main characters alternate between three family members who live in Canada: Mansoor, Layla, and Ashif. The father of the household, Mansoor, strives for success in his business. He wants a better life for his family and is haunted by the memories of his own father. The mother, Layla, holds onto her heritage and religious roots although her husband has made it clear that heritage and religion are not needed in his house to be successful. Ashif, the son, grows to become a busy corporate suit, and his parents fall into his young adult life as ambiguous shadows of his past.

Different priorities and definitions of respect create friction between the family of three. They struggle to look beyond the scars of their relationships with each other in order to heal. Each character struggles with their own identity and assimilating into a new culture that often creates internal conflict. 

There are a lot of Punjabi and Arabic words in this book, so I recommend reading it on a Kindle to translate if you are not familiar with Muslim customs. 

I really wanted more from the characters and more from the story line, to go deeper and enter the complexity of a cultural climax but felt I only got a spoonful instead of the bowl. I knew this was about family crisis from the blurb, but was interested to see how Ramadan was involved with the story line and that aspect fell short. However, it was still an enjoyable read and I liked it. It’s a short read, being only 240 pages. Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking, and Anar Ali for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Fast Facts on Ramadan

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Caligula: The Mad Emperor of Rome, by Stephen Dando-Collins

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Did he really appoint his horse to Senate? Did he really commit incest with his sisters? Did he really try to erect a colossal sized statue of himself in the Temple of Jerusalem? Did he really set Pontius Pilate free? 

This account of Caligula attempts to settle myth from reality while separating his cruelty with his dark humor. Rather than starting at his reign, this begins when Caligula is two years old. It recounts his father, Germanicus, and his successful campaigns under Tiberius. The reader experiences Germanicus’ heavy influence on the empire and on Caligula. Germanicus is the primary focus until approximately 18% (on a Kindle). Upon the death of Germanicus, the reader is thrown into familial conspiracies, senatorial plots, and marital affairs that saturate Caligula’s environment while growing up.

It isn’t until 27% (on a Kindle) that Caligula is deemed emperor. Caligula’s aqueducts, two new legions, rebuilding projects, and constructions are detailed. It is at 34% under the chapter “Enter that Monster” that Caligula is recorded to have changed in behavior after having suffered and survived influenza. His obsessions with the arts, sex, and entertainment are accounted for. It is with these obsessions combined with his lavish spending, paranoia, unpredictable violent outbursts, and the jealousy of others that lead to his demise. 

The summation leads to the finale of Caligula’s mental health. Depression? Schizophrenia? Bipolar disorder? Hyperthyroidism? Wilson’s Disease? The author goes through various mental health conditions to support evidence on his claim concerning Caligula’s mental health. 

Being only 287 pages on Kindle (or 272 pages hard copy), this is a crash course on Caligula. It is full of interesting facts and fascinating tidbits of history. The comparison between Trump and Caligula at the end was speculation and possessed too many opinions that should be left to the reader.
I recommend this as a good introduction to Caligula. Many thanks to Edelweiss and Turner Publishing for this copy in exchanged for my honest review.

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The Lost Daughter, by Gill Paul

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A telling chronicle of love and loss. Without the tough moments, the outcome of life would be different. Would you trade a heartbreak in your past if you knew that you would be sacrificing something fulfilling that you would have in your future?

1918- There were always rumors that perhaps one of the Romanov girls survived. In The Lost Daughter, the story begins with the Romanovs being taken to the Ipatiev House. Being held as captives by the Bolsheviks, we see their imprisoned state through the eyes of the third daughter, Maria. Shortly after, Maria and her family are murdered but miraculously she survives. She is met with a new changing Russia, but how can she continue without her family? 

1973- In Australia, Val’s father is dying, and she knows little to nothing about his past in Russia. He continues to murmur, “I didn’t want to kill her” which leaves Val with even more questions. Her mother left her when she was only thirteen, and without any other family she knows she must dig to uncover the lost remnants of her family’s history. 

Historically, Gill Paul outdid herself. Spanning from 1918-1976, the reader is propelled through Russia’s changes. Communal blocks, rations, assigned jobs, “shock workers”, banned Orthodox churches, and secret police permeate the lives of Soviets after the Romanov’s are killed. Ironically, Maria’s children are raised under the watchful eyes of communism and implanted with proletariat ideals. How can the same supporters who killed her own family claim they have the best intentions for her children? 

“Where was the Red Army? Stalin called himself ‘father of the nation’; now was the time for him to prove it.” 

Within Maria’s life we see a story of forgiveness, strength, perseverance, and hope. As a character, she transforms from a vulnerable and helpless young lady into a courageous and resilient woman through times of affliction and times of joy. The character of Maria is a hero, and she will stay with me for a long time.

HIGHLY recommend to lovers of historical fiction and the effects of the Bolshevik revolution. Please note, there is a rape scene at the beginning. Many thanks to NetGalley, Gill Paul, and HarperCollins for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

More on this topic:
Where The Romanovs Where Murdered: The Ipatiev House
Maria Romanov and Her Demise
Maria Romanov
Stalin’s Secret Police

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The Bookseller of Kabul, by Asne Seierstad

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The story starts out with the chapter “The Proposal” in which Sultan Khan, the bookseller, feels that he is ready for a new wife although he already has one. And while Afghan customs permit more than one wife, some of his family are against his decision. The author concentrates on Sultans decision and the effects it has on his family. The reader is taken inside the head of the first wife, Sharifa, and his new young bride. Through their voices, we see a glimpse of the caste system. 

“A wedding is like a small death.” 

While emphasizing Afghanistan customs through the tangled emotions that the family experiences because of Sultans marriage decision, its culture is revealed through the occurrences in the bookshop. With Mansur Khan working in his father’s bookshop, the reader sees a colorful and vibrant city that sometimes weeps for its people. He sees the effects of war surrounding them and craves a different reality. 

Though not nonfiction, I still found the information and story enticing. The author writes with a journalists touch and has an affinity for incorporating political thought through the dialogue. The Foreword at the beginning of this book explains how the author ended up living with the Khan family in Kabul. It is a must read before beginning the story since the story is based on real events and people, although considered a work of fiction. 

Being only 288 pages, it is a short read for those pressed with time.

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The German House, by Annette Hess

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Eva is navigating life as young adult while trying to balance newfound independence. Accepting a new job translating at a trial, she is torn between her career and her boyfriend, Jurgen, who wants her to be a stay at home wife. Eva then learns that her own family does not agree with her involvement as a translator in the trial either. Translating for the Polish victims of the Holocaust, Eva is met with stories of horror and bravery. But as the trial progresses, she can’t help but feel there are secrets her family is hiding. 

This is a book that grows on you as you read. Having said that, it took time to get to know the characters. They felt out of reach at first, and it was hard to get to know them for almost the entire first half of the book. The beginning was slow to start, and it wasn’t until around 40-50% of the book that I felt like I was getting into it. This was primarily because the plot was slow to develop, and the characters were distant. It takes a while to get used to the writing style as there are no chapters and it skips around a lot. 

The story presents a lot of tough questions to the reader. It tests the waters of human nature speculating the condemnation of one alone for the killing of millions. 
I would have liked to have heard from other characters perspectives more. Specifically, Walther Schoomann, Sissi, and David Miller. In the end, I felt left with unanswered questions about some of the characters.

The courtroom drama and the trial were my favorite part. Halfway through, I could not put the book down. The last few pages of “Part 3” were very powerful and moving. Many thanks to Edelweiss and HarperVia for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

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