The Last War
Author Ana Menéndez strikes again with a beautifully crafted and executed work of words. The Last War is the story of the photojournalist known as Flash and her correspondent husband Brando. Flash puts her dreams, plans and desires on hold for a long time without even noticing, to follow Brando around the world to conflict areas as a freelance photojournalist. When she lingers in Istanbul, entranced by the city and enjoying the tastes and sights of peacetime she is confronted with a mysterious letter incriminating her husband Brando in an affair. From that day her world turns a sour, she questions the validity their relationship, the truth of that letter, her husband and even herself. Could this be the one conflict her lens can't overcome?
I love Menéndez's writing, it is precise and defined, while still doted with description. It is the language of a confident author- but not overly so that she doesn't mind being vulnerable on paper. I did enjoy this novel, I love the stories of photojournalism wishing that one day I could be carried to far off places to capture moments on film in crucial times. I really felt Menéndez had familiarized herself with the life and work of a photojournalist and correspondent extremely well, so well that this novel acted as non fiction and I had to remind myself that it was not!!
If that sounds a little too dark, deep and not something you are interested in- I just have to say, it is all not what it seems. As in life our minds wander, our fears get the best of us and we sometimes begin to live as though life has crumbled from underneath us. Stunning twists and turns make The Last War just one more reason to snap up anything by Menéndez you see. It gets my award- a stellar five chicken book award, reserved only for the best of the best.
What is that clucking about?? You will just have to read it and you'll find yourself clucking about it too.
Title: The Last War
ISBN:9780061724770
Subtitle: A Novel
Author: Ana Menéndez
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Subject: General Fiction
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 256
The Sweet By And By
The Sweet By and ByAuthor Todd Johnson weaves this novel together by southern twinged chapters, each of them focusing on the voice and impressions of five individual characters who get to tell their side of the story. Together it is a symphony, the sounds join to form the music of a full life. It is beautiful to see the impact each life has on the next and just how they combine and connect throughout the entire book.
The Sweet By and By is one of those that while it might not receive the hype that it truly deserves, it is written superbly and will draw the reader in from the first couple pages. The subject matter of the elderly, old friendships and family all meet up at the nursing home- that doesn't sound like it could draw in a young person it, right?? Well- I dare you to try it! I fell in love with these women and their problems and weaknesses just as much as with their strength and resolve. I admired them.
However it didn't necessarily start out that way. When picked it up, it sounded interesting but as I realised it was mainly about a couple older women living in a nursing home I was almost shocked to feel attached to them, yet I was. I can't relate, I don't understand them in so many ways, but somehow they warmed me into their circle, and it all felt real- like I couldn't leave them sitting there and not finish the story they had to tell. I am amazed that this book reached out to me how it did, and it blessed me the whole way through. Each page, each chapter all written with flawless prose enraptures even the less willing reader. I wish I could choose classics- this one would be on my very short list. I highly recommend this read, young and old alike -no question. Loved it.
Be sure to check out Todd Johnson's Tour- he will also be interviewed by Book Club Girl!
Title: The Sweet By And By
ISBN: 9780061579523
Author:by Todd Johnson
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Type: Fiction
Subject: Reminiscing, Friendship, Older Women
Copyright:2009
Publication Date: March 2009
Pages: 303
I'd like to work together to bless others, so I have decided that all of the proceeds from purchasing products using any of my link affiliations (Powell's Books or Tom Shoes) will be donated to Living Water International an organization quenching global thirst. You can also donate directly if you would like. Thank you!!
The Secret Keeper
The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris
321 Pages
Fiction/Mystery Thriller
Dutton Books
April 2009
To Danny Sierra Leone used to be a distant land, one filled with unknown plights and faceless bodies, but after his first trip there those bodies have faces, and the plights have a scene. He is a journalist and is sent on assignment to the war zone of Sierra Leone to be the eyes and ears of his newspaper for the world. While there Danny is captivated by an American woman, Maria. She lives in Sierra Leone working with the child soldiers from the RUF giving them what no one else dares, a second chance.
He fell hard for Maria while he was there, but that was four years ago. Life has taken him back to his homeland now, London. There he has a wonderful girlfriend, Rachel, he has a job, and while he has every intention of getting on with life and forgetting all the events of Sierra Leone. This resolve crumbles when he gets a distressed letter from Maria telling him that she needs him. What does it take to leave life behind in order to sort out ones past? A letter, a feeling, a desire?
Sierra Leone is far from being at peace. Upon his arrival Danny sees through the intentions of painted facades and slightly spruced up neighborhoods to the core of reality. While he searches for answers to his own questions, he uncovers dirt that was meant to hide. The Secret Keeper by Paul Harris is a mystery, a thriller, a murder mystery, but more than that it is about a nation of people who are learning to live together again and about one man who's heart is stretched between two nations.
I completely enjoyed my time with The Secret Keeper. The mystery and thrill took me along for the ride easily and the descriptions and perspectives made the conflict in the book come alive completely to me. I have high expectations of international fiction since is that is what I read most often, and The Secret Keeper did not disappoint! Paul Harris captivated my heart and my mind in this great read, I enjoyed it all out. I found myself biting my nails and forgetting to stop to eat!
Dreadlock Girl rating: 89/100
Make sure you check back tomorrow! I will have a guest post by the author of The Secret Keeper, Paul Harris. He was a correspondent for four years in Africa where he covered the conflict of Sierra Leone. Paul is currently the US corespondent for The Observer and lives in New York City. He will be writing about child soldiers,worldwide. I can't wait, but I will and I'll post the guest post tomorrow.
For more information on this book, and the Paul Harris: The Secret Keeper
