Author Archives: Paige

The Weight of Heaven, by Thrity Umrigar

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A young American Michigan couple, Frank and Ellie, grieve the loss of their 7 year old child, Benny. The story focuses on the grieving process individually for Frank and Ellie when losing a child. After Benny dies, the couple then moves to India when Frank accepts a position there. They see it as a form of escape. Frank quickly attaches himself to Ramesh, the 9 year old child of the poor Prakash and Edna who are locals of India. Once Frank begins to overstep his boundaries as friend to father, the thriller begins. Prakash, the father of Ramesh, does not agree with the relationship Frank is developing with his son and feels like he is trying to replace him as a father. Meanwhile, Ellie feels Frank is replacing their passed son Benny but just wants Frank to be happy again. However, there is a BIG plot twist in the end of this novel in regards to the decisions Frank makes- How far will he go?

The reader sees the reactions, thoughts, and struggles through the eyes of the parents who have lost a child. I took a star off because of all the bickering and arguing between Frank and Ellie. The arguing and fighting was heavy and dating. I felt like the story could have endured without each and every single argument. To be frank, it got old and draining.

The story is not just about the grieving process, but also the moral dilemma of globalization through Frank’s job. His company has caused much pain in the local village. At times, the locals riot and push for him and the company to leave India. The reader also experiences a small taste of the caste system in India.

This book is not for young readers or for the faint of heart. I say, though respectfully, that you must be in a strong place mentally to endure the entirety of this novel. It notably includes– Miscarriage, murder, abuse, suicide, alcoholism, globalization sex, religion, and of course death’s affect on those left behind.

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What is the What, by Dave Eggers

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Although written by Dave Eggers, it is a narrative account of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. It details the plight of the Sudanese refugees. 

The story begins with Valentino being robbed in his American apartment as an adult. When he is knocked out by one of the thieves, he thinks back to his life in the Sudan. He then begins his story of his exodus at the age of seven, when he and thousands of other boys cross the desert by foot. Wild animals, guns, bomb, death, militia, and starvation constantly threaten the boys chance for freedom and survival. “Should we stop? I whispered as we ran. No, no. Run. Always run.” But even if they survive the labyrinth of the desert, they must then find a country to host them so that war does not claim them.
Throughout his narrative account, the chapters sometimes resume back to his current state in America–stuck in a chair, a telephone chord wrapped around him while he is being robbed. I enjoyed his comparisons to being held captive in his own apartment to his turmoil in Sudan. While he could be whimsical and sarcastic at times towards his robbers, it was disheartening to hear the voice of the true refugee, “You would not add to my suffering if you knew what I have seen.”

I highly recommend What is the What for anyone interested in historical fiction, cultural anthropology, and social behaviors. It is a story to savor and one that you will never forget.

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The Light From The Dark Side Of The Moon, By Norman G. Gautreau

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The description for this book is slightly misleading. The majority of this novel centers around romance rather than actions, experiences, and history. The story is told through flashbacks Henry has as a 92 year old man; so it alternates between his present time at 2014 and his past time with Elodie during WWII.

From the moment Henry crash lands behind Utah beach, he is rescued by Elodie, a member of the French resistance who is posing as a German nurse. While healing, he journeys with her and her resistance group across France. Most of their journey materializes while taking a group of refuge children across the Pyrenees. At times, a historical incident might occur but it is typically overshadowed by their budding romance. The story was very slow moving at times. 

The character of Elodie seemed romanticized and fanciful. She had no flaws and was capable of anything without effort. From musician, to a sharpshooter, to a nurse, hero, linguist, tour guide, and the list goes on…her character was unbelievably unblemished. As a result, this caused her flawless character to seem unauthentic.

The most entertaining element of the novel was the character of 92 year old Henry. As a vehemently sarcastic, energized, and strong-willed 92 year old, his character was entertaining and whimsical. However, he was too often pining for his lost war love, Elodie. Everything reminded him of her- perfumes, songs, tastes, beaches, dogs, foods, semantics; and, the writing would sometimes fill a whole page at times explaining how he missed her so. At times, it felt extraneous. Again, too much romance for me.
I did like the ending.
3.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley, Blank Slate Press, and Norman G. Gautreau for providing me with a copy of this novel.

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The World That We Knew, by Alice Hoffman

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I have to admit that I was ambivalent about the description of this novel, but I was completely swept off of my feet. From the first line, you are pulled into the world painted by Alice Hoffman. Yes, this is historical fiction with a splash of magical realism; and yes, it is awesome. This book is filled with insightful quotes, and will saturate you with sensibility and nostalgia. 

From the involvement of the Huguenots, Jewish resistance groups, Operation Spring Breeze, etc., I was blown away by the amount of history she incorporated. I would say that there is more history surrounding the characters in this novel than fantasy. While this novel does bare magic, the story revolves around the setting in history.
The fantasy advances the internal conflict within the social setting of Germany and France itself while magical realism vividly paints this picture over the atmosphere of WWII that have never been put into words before. Beasts, angels, and fate contribute to the blanket of symbolism and metaphorical environment of Nazi occupied territories. 

I did not enjoy when the golem is made in the beginning. The creation itself seemed to unnecessarily drag on and it almost made me want to stop reading. However, it was only for a chapter, although a tiresome long chapter. This was minute and not enough to take off a star. 
If you like WWII novels, I recommend adding this to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Alice Hoffman for giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel. The opinions in this review are my own.

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The Undertaker’s Assistant, by Amanda Skenandore

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In this novel, the main character, Effie, reaches to answer the questions- Can science prove the spiritual and emotion? Does emptiness feel better than pain? Is it better to be alone during life or alone after life?


The beginning of the story is slow to start, and required many recesses on my part in order to proceed. It was difficult to tell where the direction of the story was going at first. It seemed like one activity jumped to something unrelated. But then around 40% of the novel I was able to attach myself.


The story is very dark, per the title itself, and centers around the motif of death. While the story details Effie’s life as an undertaker’s assistant in New Orleans as a freedman during the Reconstruction Era, she constantly affiliates her experiences to death itself not only in her thoughts, but shares these thoughts with those around her. The writing style carries dark comedy, which I found enticing and humorous. At times I found myself laughing out loud at Effie’s awkward social interactions.


This historical aspects were my favorite part. Effie is able to tell the story of the Reconstruction Era, in her own unique way as an embalmer, through the party scenes and political organizations. The sociology in Louisiana at this time are best reflected in her relationships which comprised of all shades, budgets, and walks of life. Most of the brutality and violence incorporated was researched on part by the author and is included in the epilogue.


I recommend reading this book on the Kindle since there is profuse use of anatomical words, historical 19th century vernacular, and French spoken in this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amanda Skenandore, and Kensington books for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

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The Secret Letter, by Debbie Rix

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Are morals innately defined by organic character or predominately influenced by the setting of anthropology? Does everyone retain some secrecy behind their own veil of security? Do familial ties remain constitutional if bartering with infringement? 

The experiences and journey of Magda and Imogen are refreshing and genuine, rather than romanticized. The story is not always ideal for the character, and likewise the character is not always faultless. This story range focuses on identifying the connection between the two main characters, Magda and Imogen, following the modern historical fiction trend. Yet, the association between the two girls is intriguing from the beginning and stays constantly alluring throughout the entirety of the novel.

The inclusion of the radio broadcasts, leaflet prints, speeches, and newspapers clippings added to the authenticity of the story. Likewise, the dialogue between the girls and their mothers is especially palpable. The mother-daughter relationships were carefully crafted and conscientiously instrumental throughout the story. 

The Wrens (Womens Royal Naval Service) are detailed through Imogen. I appreciated that the prose of Imogen during her time as a Wren did not transform into an entire address on women’s suffrage. The reader did experience the injustice of equality during the time period through Imogen, but it was uplifting that she was not paralyzed by this notion in order to foster her success.

This story incorporates the resistance of The White Rose group, but it only included the same information that other WWII novels have. So, I was hoping for new information. 
Also, the age of the surviving characters at the end is questionable.

This story is based on the inspiration of her parents- her mom was a Wren and her dad who was an RAF fighter. The epilogue at the end is a must read but only after finishing the story as it contains spoilers.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Debbie Rix, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

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The Long Flight Home, by Alan Hlad

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This novel doesn’t go into details of the Nazi war crimes, and the Jews are never mentioned. The focus is more on the romance between the two main characters than on the history. You don’t have to know a lot about pigeons or aviation to follow the story. But on the same token, you will not learn much.

Most of it centers more around the relationship between one specific pigeon and her owner. I was hoping there would be more information regarding the pigeons war effort; for example, the messages that they delivered that were helpful to the RAF and what not. Yet, the only messages the reader is made known of are the messages that the pigeon delivers between the two main characters who have a budding romance. The encounters that the pigeons had with the war, spies, citizens, and enemies itself are not detailed in this novel. The dates for the chapters suddenly stop after chapter 3, so you have to guess the timing of the rest of the novel while reading.

You will be reading this novel for the story rather than craft of literary devices. Relationships and dialogue are romanticized. The story is intriguing and the development is carefully calculated that makes for an enjoyable read. The ending was amazing. On the other hand, the writing style was mundane. While I did enjoy the concept of this story, overall it is 3 stars out of 5.


No sex. No obscenities. Minimal vulgarity. Would be okay for a high school student to read.

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The Summer Country, by Lauren Willig

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As noted in the summary of this story, the chapters alternate between time-periods rather than characters/POV. I found both time-periods equally enthralling because of the enigma of characters and the lineage, thereof, involved. The love story, deceitful relationships, and family history is carefully crafted.

The focus of the slave(s) was on the innate character and the thoughts of the slave, rather than what was physically suffered and the explicit brutality that was endured. The notable and frequent grotesque nature of the physical treatment of slaves is not as detailed and accounted for as a result. Because of this focus, some of what was endured seems left out or ignored. The same is felt towards the topic of gender equality during this time; the subject was included but not explicitly detailed.

The time period was on point. So much so, that there are many words included from that time period that are uncommon today. I have included a picture of a couple of these, but the entire novel itself had a plethora of vernacular that I was unfamiliar with. (Because there are so many of these words used, I recommend reading the Kindle edition so that you can simply highlight the word on your Kindle and find the meaning instantly.)
The setting was a unique one, but was slightly missed. The author did describe what Barbados looked like, but the reader does not actually feel totally immersed in the actual Barbadian culture itself; this might be due to the bulk of the story happening on the plantation rather than within the city.

Through this story the author poses the following–Does blood make a family? What is the relationship between justice and justification? Does the law of nature trump the law of man? Does freedom primarily reside in the physical or the emotional?

Although there were some aspects that could have been better, this novel is still a 5 star. The story-line was so cultivating and the characters so carefully molded, it was definitely hard to stop reading.

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Wunderland, by Jennifer Cody Epstein

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My biggest dislike was the historical accuracy of the novel. Many dates were off, among other things. For example: In 1935 Ilse is part of the BDM but has not experienced or succumbed to any racial propaganda, which is largely unlikely. The Nuremburg Race Laws were started in September of 1935; but before that time they already tolerated violence against Jews and that year in particular was a violent one.


The story reasons Isle joining the BDM to feel like she is part of something. Yes, the feeling of being part of change and being something bigger was appealing, while the monetary value was also substantial to those effected by the recent depression shortly before. Everyone had their own reason for joining, but antisemitism was prevalent and very much understood–especially with BDM leaders and it is ignored in this novel until later in 1938. Among other things during this time, they were indeed taught to identify Jews as the enemies. The novel does not accurately reveal these thoughts or ideals for youth members until years later.
In another chapter set during 1936, it talks about British Boy Scouts coming to participate with the Hitlerjugend. This seems highly unlikely since Hitler’s Party banned the Boy Scouts in 1935.

I didn’t enjoy chapter for Ava as much as I did the chapters for Renate and Isle. Some parts of the chapters for Ava almost seem like “fillers” and unrelated.
There is an attempt to connect the story to Alice in Wonderland, but it is done so loosely and poorly. The transitions and timing of this connection are not smoothly made and are awkward for the reader.

However, I did enjoy the ending to this novel and the overall relationship between Isle and Renate.

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When We Left Cuba, by Chanel Cleeton

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I did not read the first book, Next Year In Havana. But you do not need to. The first few chapters go into the background of the first book. I was not lost at all.


Since this was categorized as historical fiction, I had a different expectation for this novel and was disappointed. Mostly it’s about how Beatriz doesn’t want to be in America, and how she wants to go back to Cuba. Although she continues to constantly remember Fidel ruining her family situation and his regime killing her revolutionary brother, she just wants to go home to Cuba. That’s the most history you get about Cuba during this time period, nothing that peaks into detail just that Fidel revolutionized the country and killed her brother amongst others. It lacks the culture, language, and framework for their politics. Everything is surface level. Nothing historically interesting or new.
The dialogue is bland and impersonal, nothing very conceivable.

This is a ROMANCE:
Around pg. 100 the story seems like it’s going to start, but quickly goes back to beautiful Beatriz and her attraction to the Senator. This is the bulk of the book- the relationship between her and the handsome Senator.
It seems like the romance was just thrown into the setting of the early 1960’s in Florida. And then, all of a sudden Beatriz is part of the CIA. Most of the story-line did not seem planned or seriously thought out. Little excitement even after halfway through. Everything always went back to her love affair. 85% romance 15% random things happening to Beatriz.

Overall disappointed, 2.5 stars out of 5. This was a missed opportunity for what could have been a good novel.

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