scenic, taut, historic, enjoyable
354876
I'll state from the outset, that my desire for this novel was both only historic, and scenic, and i got both out of it. The cover, and title did it for me having never read anything about Portugal, and what connection it could have with Nazi Germany fueled my interest. The author makes the most out of Portugal's geographic location to project weather, storm clouds, and rocky barren coastal imagery into the text, which pleased my imagination. Wilson wove the historical context of WWII into an interesting tale of plot and intrigue. Some of the negativity towards this novel is undeserving. It may be hard to read at times in that some scene / context changes are not delineated well. Reading about sexual encounters are not my thing so i just skipped to the end of it. The year jumping is so common now in movies, that it's not so hard to follow. Maybe the reader should take a break at each year jump so as to reset. And other criticisms concerning portrayal of Portuguese men as sexual deviants, rapists, etc, are somewhat pointless as this is fiction, not a travel guide.
3801534
LOved the historical information and the filmed scenery.  Narrative is not intrusive, as can be the case.
4872485
What I most enjoyed about The Woman Behind the Waterfall was the complexity of the narrative and in particular that way it switches back and forth between first-person and third-person, and between the perspectives of various characters; this prevented the reading experience from becoming monotonous at those points where the plot seemed to be developing slowly.  Renderings of scene are vivid to the point of being suffocating at times, but the sentences doing the description are often so sonically pleasing that one may want to read one or two of them aloud.  I personally have never been to Ukraine, but I imagine that people who have spent time there will get a nostalgic thrill from the loving yet realistic treatment of the countryside and the language.  The incorporation of some Ukrainian words into the narrative was handled deftly, intensifying the sense of place without becoming confusing.  Some readers may be put off by the fantastical elements of the plot, but the novel is mostly realistic in its portrayal of character and emotion: characters who behave selfishly and sometimes even cruelly are nevertheless treated sympathetically, and the novel does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths that even the most intense feelings can change with circumstances, and that we often resent the ones we should, and indeed do, love.
4475596
Other than the occasional foray into Sherlock Holmes territory, I very rarely stray into historical fiction, especially period mysteries. I very often find them quaint in a non-threatening way, and so I generally pass on them. They usually care too much about the time period and too little about the plot.

However, Grace and Disgrace by Kayne Milhomme is not your average historical mystery. Sure, it contains a few of the tropes youd expect -- highly intelligent but afflicted detective, etc. -- but it so exceeds expectations as to render any resemblance acceptable.

First of all, the Irish Constable, Tuohay -- bizarre, I know -- makes for an interesting protagonist for this Boston-based story. Hes wry and perceptive, a great central figure to help unwind the plot about a chase for the Templar Diamond, which carries with it the sort of cultish connotations youd expect, based on the name.

Wonderfully written and properly paced, Grace and Disgrace moves along at fine but casual clip, not overly punchy but not too droll and dry, either. Theres quite a bit of description, especially of physical features, but they work within the context of the novel. I cant say enough about how slick the prose is. Milhommes command of the periods patois feels authentic and unforced.

Theres quite a bit of intrigue to be had here, and Milhomme handles it deftly. The details, plotwise, are handed out at the right moments, and the descriptions give Boston a life that would, in other novels, feel like a cardboard cut-out, instead of the real thing. Feel free to give Grace and Disgrace a shot, if you're in the mood for a well-composed period historical novel.
3750267
i really enjoyed this warm, personal family saga, rich in detail and humor. The narrator brings the time and the people vividly to life. Historical photographs abound and the meticulously constructed family tree at the end is quite impressive. A great read!
2964999
I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the setting, the time period - all meshed together to create this beautiful read. In particular, I loved how the landscape and path the small band of travelers traversed echoed the emotional journey of a couple of the characters. The strengths and weaknesses of the characters melded together to create this excellent example of humanity redeemed by Christ. Although enough detail was provided, it felt as if you were starting to read already a few chapters into the book. The ending was satisfying - although I found myself wishing for a little more detail. Maybe not a sequel, but a slightly longer book.

The historical details provided truly added to the book; the author made you feel as if you were walking alongside this band of people, breathing their air, seeing what they saw. As each character was sketched out within the first few chapters, you began to feel depths of the pain they were in, and the echoes of choices made in the past.

I can fully recommend this book with five stars - the style of writing was enjoyable, and the story line, while not always urgent, kept me turning page after page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Franciscan Media in exchange for my honest review.
1209162
The plot is plausible, the characters are appealing, the settings exquisite.  It would cost a bundle to make.  But there's romance, friendship, adventure, and I so much appreciate that the characters  aren't jumping in bed with each other.
3105358
This paragon of colorful and lovely writing is now often classified as YA, young adult.  My unabridged version would be a challenge for less than a strong high school reader.  The language is appropriate for the mid-1700s setting primarily in Scotland.  That makes the vocabulary sometimes obscure or unfamiliar to twenty-first century readers.  That is surely not a complaint.  The story, language, and structure are terrific.  The story: David Balfour at age 17 becomes an orphan upon the death of his father.  Following instructions his father had given the local preacher, David seeks the uncle he never before knew existed, the one holding the family's traditional manor.  The uncle's shady dealings with some sailors lead to the sailors' taking away David without his consent.  Upon the ship, David faces personal hardships as well as seeing rather unsavory men doing rather unsavory things.  When a curious event leads to Alan Breck's entrance onto the ship, David's life changes in ways he couldn't have foreseen.  He and Breck become allies and friends through many harrowing events, including a battle with the ship's sailors, shipwreck, false accusations, overcoming political differences, and life on the run through dangerous and inhospitable terrain in Scotland.  The politics of the day influence their tale and life in Scotland, where many disagree with the British king.  David as a character is very well made, Breck nearly so, and their relationship, which becomes central to the story in many ways, is developed beautifully.  This reader was a bit surprised that the tale never left the British Isles, but found it to be exotic, exciting, and captivating.  Good adventure in great writing.
2822834
This is a beautifully crafted story; the voices of the characters ring true even though they cross many decades and backgrounds. I felt the presence of The Lake (Lake Superior) throughout - its moods and seasons reflecting the power and beauty of this particular place.  But perhaps more importantly, the connections between the characters and their surroundings - the Lake, the island, the north shore - are clearly and cleanly drawn making the story both believable and mysterious.
1976106
I loved this novel, for its humor and its tight and straightforward narration of the plot. The writing is sparing, with only the most necessary details. To write so tightly, the author must have edited it carefully and it shows. Not a sentence is wasted.

You know this book was written `tongue in cheek' from the get-go, because it is set, in the first sentence of the book, in 1900, in a place called Witless Bay, the reverend keeps a talking parrot in a room behind the pulpit, and  the parrot squawks during sermons. People's names are funny and the characters are distinct and memorable for their eccentricities.

I especially loved Margaret, who takes all maters of importance in her hand. She also drinks and has a prodigious sexual appetite. She is frequently `over- the-top', shooting bullets through a photograph of her boy-friend's "fianc-to-be" or taking over his parents' bedroom. She is generally a lot of fun throughout the book.

Other characters are likewise full of vigor, delightful or strange, especially if you don't take them enormously seriously. The book reminded me slightly of Shipping News, which also takes place in New-Finland, though in a different era. It too is as endearing and touching and fun.

The Bird Artist is also an historical novel. I think that for an historical novel to grab you, it has to capture the pace of the era as well as the `spirit' of the people and their geography. The Bird Artist is successful on all accounts, side by side with its humorous identity. It takes you back to the days when light houses were often the only way for fishermen to get back to shore; when it took several days in a mail-boat to get to Halifax, when arranged marriages were not out of the question, and the pace of life allowed time to sit on your porch and paint, without the distractions of a radio or TV.

What a fine, gentle sea breeze this book is!
25700
I'll review the Potomac Eagle as an example of what's on this set.

There was music at the beginning which, while fine enough music, I wasn't sure I wanted to hear throughout the trip. I wanted train sounds and to have enough narration to know where we were. Fortunately, that's what we got. This was a pleasant excursion trip.

There is plenty here for those interested in the operation and/or history of railroads. Additionally, there is plenty to please those wanting the experience of a train ride through beautiful scenery. If your interest is American history, you'll find some of that here as well.

We were in the cab with the engine crew from time to time during the trip, watching the actual operation of the train from the inside. In addition to the railroad history for this excursion trip, the narration included some American history from before 1776 and the Civil War, with homes and plantations dating back to the 1700s.  There were sightings of deer and eagles. There was some detailed discussion of the eagles and eaglets. We followed the river, of course, and there was lots of waving to and from friendly people in canoes.

During parts of the trip we heard only our announcer. At other points we heard the actual sounds from the train and sometimes the people on it. At times we were viewing the scenery as if we were in the front, sometimes in the middle of the train, and often from somewhere in front of the train. Occasionally we must have been viewing it from a helicopter or at least somewhere high and from a distance, for a good view of the full length of the train.

The scenery was beautiful and the history fascinating for those who are interested in American history.

This was just one of the trips in the set, each one being distinctively different.
3456579
If you like historical fiction, here is a book to take you to another place and another time...and one that will keep you reading the hours away. The characters are well defined and the plot is woven together in such a nicely intricate way that you'll feel like you're watching a drama unfold. I'd gladly recommend this one!
3437314
I had seen The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth R. years ago on PBS and it was a pleasure to see them again. The historical merits are much greater than in more recent works. The Shadow of the Tower was a nice bonus.
815220
Set in a stunning locale and featuring interesting characters and intrigue aplenty, "In The Shadow of Denali" provides some solid entertainment for fans of historical fiction. I greatly enjoyed how the authors wove in unique historical details, bringing Alaska to life for me as a reader. In fact, by the time I closed the pages of this story, I found myself longing to drop everything and make a trip to Alaska myself, to enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the majestic Denali mountain up close and person! And I quite liked the main characters of Cassidy and Allan, each growing in their understanding of who they are and how God is at work in their lives. The relationship that unfolds between them is sweet to behold, making for both tender and light-hearted moments. And speaking of light-hearted, the orphan teen Thomas made for some truly funny moments that I quite appreciated, as I am also quite a clumsy person and could picture myself in the exact same sort of predicaments that Thomas encountered!

As someone who enjoys mystery and suspense, I thought the authors did a great job at weaving such elements into the story as well. As a reader, I was left on the edge of my seat wondering at how the truth would unfold and what twist the authors had up their sleeves. The great characterization and the action-filled pages kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. By the time I turned the final pages of the book, I was left with the thought that I am glad that this is not the last time I will meet these characters.

Peterson and Woodhouse's collaboration, "In The Shadow of Denali", is a fine start to the series indeed. I look forward to seeing where things are headed next in the Heart of Alaska! I award this novel a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
1350207
Wonderful adventure/melodrama set I know not where, and I know not when.  The old-timey language and customs and settings are a refreshing break, and the story was good to start with, and had a satisfying ending. These days of twisting plots and tech touches were abandoned when I allowed myself this breath of fresh air.
3112720
Although less compulsively readable than the "Bartimaeus" series, "Heroes" amply rewards a leisurely reading.  The opening section, which introduces the lead character by the correct device of showing him in action (rather than asserting his qualities verbally), builds slowly without being boring.  It rather feels confining, which I realized later is an accurate reflection of how the lead character feels in that setting, and is probably a testimony to Stroud's gifts at evocative storytelling.  The transition strikes with startling abruptness, launching our hero on his own variation of a quest.  This section of the book is interesting, enjoyable, containing a number of surprising turns of action and some even more surprising developments of character.  Then comes the end of a quest, an after-quest, an inadvertent confrontation, and an intentional confrontation, each of which is progressively more enjoyable, leading to an ending that I, at least, found quite satisfying.

The section described above as an "inadvertent confrontation" lasts several pages and ranks as one of the most tense and evocative scenes of supernatural terror I have read.  Absolutely outstanding.  Indeed, this scene is what moved me to write a review of the book.  Persist through the slow-paced opening, enjoy the quest-like events, and there will be a nice little treat waiting for you about four-fifths of the way through the book.  The ending will not disappoint, either.

A good book from an author I am counting on to keep me entertained through old age.
2669459
Very entertaining--good escape and informative about the area.  I like historical novels and characters were well drawn.  The role of women at the time was well represented.