Lord, I have been more chased than chaste.—Ursula Parrott, Ex-Wife Seemingly out of nowhere, precociously aphoristic and coolly unsentimental, the debut novel Ex-Wife appeared in 1929 to much scandalized acclaim; originally published anonymously, it brought a life-altering celebrity to its hitherto unknown author, Ursula Parrott, just thirty years old, who found herself not only controversial […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/07/20/none-too-gay-divorcees-ex-wife-ursula-parrott/

The first thing you’ll hear about pregnancy in the contemporary novel is: there is nausea. Morning sickness makes the world “tilt slightly,” the unnamed narrator in Louisa Hall’s Reproduction reports. It interferes with thinking, writing, getting anything done. Above all, it creates an obligation to make excuses and break off. When the narrator misses meetings […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/07/20/the-pregnancy-plot-reproduction-louisa-hall/

It is probably safe to say that until the early evening of June 14, readers of serious newspapers and intellectual journals such as this one were unlikely to come across references to Vasily Grossman and 3D dog posters, George Balanchine and plastic women’s handbags, Yasujiro Ozu, macramé owls, Lauren Bacall, and Miss Piggy’s Guide to […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/07/20/robert-gottlieb-1931-2023-daniel-mendelsohn/

“There is a big secret about sex,” wrote Leo Bersani in 1987. “Most people don’t like it.” The same might be said of translation, which many readers secretly consider a necessary evil. Even the very best produces a lingering frustration, an irritable awareness that we didn’t get what we came for. If translation is like […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/07/20/the-republic-of-translation-historiae-antonella-anedda/

The death of the musical comedy lyricist Sheldon Harnick on June 23, ten months shy of his centennial, brought forth a torrent of memories that I’d hardly anticipated. Long ago I consigned the formative part that the American musical theater played in my early cultural development to the dead letter office of my consciousness. As I […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/06/30/poet-of-shubert-alley-harnick/

Their Lost Daughters by Joy Ellis is the second audiobook in the Jackman & Evans murder-mystery crime series. Narrated by Richard Armitage, the author delivered an engaging, twisted case involving missing girls. Come see why I loved this Audible Plus audiobook…

Their Lost Daughters
by Joy Ellis
Series: Jackman & Evans #2
Narrator: Richard Armitage
Length: 9 hours and 46 minutes
Genres: Crime Fiction, Mystery
Source: Audible Plus
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Two girls go to a party, only one returns alive

Toni, the surviving teenager, is found delirious, wandering the muddy fields. She has been drugged and it’s uncertain whether she’ll survive. She says she saw her friend Emily being dragged away from the party. But no one knows who Emily is or even if she’s still alive. . .

Meanwhile the drowned body of another girl has been found on an isolated beach.
And how does this all relate to the shocking disappearance of a little girl nearly a decade ago, a crime which was never solved? The girl’s mother is putting immense pressure on the police to re-open the high-profile case.

Each one of them is someone’s daughter and the police must give their families justice and closure

DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans of the Fenland police are stretched to the limit as they try to bring the perpetrators of these shocking crimes to justice.
There is evidence of an illegal drinking club run by a shadowy group of men, who are grooming teenagers. And the team come across a sinister former hospital called Windrush which seems to house many dark secrets.

Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending.

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I read a review of a later audiobook in the series from a fellow blogger and was ecstatic to learn the series was available in Audible Plus. For those who prefer to read them, they are also available in Kindle Unlimited.

This is the second audiobook in the Jackman & Evans series, but Audible recommended I listen to it first. So here we are. This was a riveting case that quickly pulled me in. I honestly cannot believe I’ve never read this author before.

DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans of the Fenland police are pulled into a case when two girls attend a party and only one returns. The case leads us down several paths when the body of another young girl is discovered on an isolated beach. The girls who disappeared may have been part of an underage drinking club. Next we have police fraud and the team reopens a missing girl cold-case from a decade ago. Who is Emily and where is she?

The author spun a clever tale and pulled the different threads together to fully immerse the listener. We end up with four missing girls and the author delivered some interesting twists. The crime unit worked well together, and I liked both Jackson & Evans. They play off each other well. We get enough forensic and police procedural details to give an authentic feel without bogging down the story. It felt grounded and realistic.

Richard Armitage narrates, and what could be wrong with that? I enjoyed everything about it, from his voices to the tone he set.

Fans of police procedural novels, crime thrillers and murder-mysteries will want to scoop up The Lost Daughters.

Amazon* | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/06/their-lost-daughters-by-joy-ellis.html

In his remarkably poignant memoir, The Way It Was, Alvin Fuhrman intricately threads the lines of personal history, technological evolution, corporate progression, communal bonds, and cultural inheritance. The book stands as an intimate examination of Fuhrman’s life, charting his path as a telecom pioneer and community stalwart while also exploring his experiences in the army and his personal ebbs and flows.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book emerges when Fuhrman recounts the vibrant narratives of the Muenster community. This includes the inception of the Germanfest and the lasting influence of the Muenster Men’s Choir. The very essence of the memoir serves as a tribute to the industrious and committed individuals who shaped Muenster into the community it is today. It’s not all joyous recollection, however, as Fuhrman confronts the heartbreaking loss of his son, Gene. These poignant moments contribute a profound emotional depth to the memoir, reminding the reader that life is an intricate dance of happiness, victory, loss, and resilience.

The narrative occasionally delves into the more technical aspects of Fuhrman’s life, specifically when discussing the evolution of telephone technology and the trials of cablecasting. Yet, the unadulterated sincerity of Fuhrman’s voice within The Way It Was renders it an enthralling read. His memoir skillfully encapsulates the spirit of the times it navigates—the simplicity of the pre-digital era, the rigors of war, and the leaps of technology that have reshaped society. The backdrop of Muenster, with its deep-rooted German lineage and tight-knit community, becomes a lively participant in the narrative, enhancing the overall allure of the memoir.

Alvin Fuhrman’s The Way It Was is an eloquent and engaging memoir. It transcends the boundaries of a single life, narrating the broader tale of a community and a bygone era that bore witness to significant transformation. Despite the occasional foray into technical discourse, the memoir resonates on a human level, offering a deeply meaningful exploration of life, loss, community, and the unstoppable advance of technology.

Pages: 388 | ASIN: B09ZQ1K354

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/30/the-way-it-was/

House Made of Sound takes readers on a rollicking journey through the afterlife, filled with music, mystery, and second chances. Jensen Bennett, an ordinary man whose life has taken a downward turn, unexpectedly finds himself in the realm beyond existence when he boards a decrepit 747 on its final flight. Despite the initial bleakness of his situation, Jensen’s fortunes take an intriguing turn as he discovers that the afterlife has become the residence of the late rock star, Hedley Grange. In a stroke of luck, Jensen learns that Grange possesses vital information about a hidden and priceless rock ‘n’ roll album, lost to the world. The discovery of this unreleased treasure could transform Jensen’s life, offering him the opportunity to reclaim his happiness and rebuild his future. However, time is of the essence, as a vacationing doctor near the crash site holds the power to revive Grange permanently, thereby extinguishing Jensen’s last chance to locate the valuable album.

Author Freeman Jayce seamlessly combines elements of music, adventure, and the supernatural to craft a unique and entertaining tale. The book deftly explores themes of redemption, fate, and the unyielding power of music. Jensen’s journey through the afterlife is filled with surprising encounters, unexpected twists, and moments of both humor and poignancy. The author’s writing style is infused with a lively energy that mirrors the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll itself. Readers will find themselves eagerly turning pages as they accompany Jensen on his quest to locate Hedley Grange and secure the elusive album. While the premise of the book is undeniably intriguing, some readers may find the concept of the afterlife and its rules slightly challenging to grasp initially. As the story unfolds, the pieces fall into place, and the supernatural aspects become integral to the plot’s development.

House Made of Sound by Freeman Jayce is an entertaining and imaginative novel that creatively blends music, mystery, and the afterlife. Jensen Bennett’s adventure through the spirit world offers readers a chance to reflect on life’s second chances and the enduring power of music.

Pages: 395 | ASIN: B0BY5PK571

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/30/house-made-of-sound/

“The Map Colorist”, penned by Rebecca D’Harlingue, is a remarkable historical narrative that intricately portrays the life of Anneke and her family, nestled in the heart of seventeenth-century Amsterdam. Anneke, born into a family of mapmakers and colorists, is captivated by her father’s youthful tales of African explorations and develops a yearning to map the enigmatic African continent herself. This family of map artisans, nestled in the close quarters of their Amsterdam abode, experience a shift in dynamics when Anneke’s extraordinary talent earns her a coveted position at the esteemed Baleau map printing firm. Anneke’s journey henceforth, marked by her employment under the affluent Willem de Groot, spirals into a labyrinth of deceit, with ramifications that reverberate throughout her family.

D’Harlingue masterfully captures the ambiance of the period, fostering a strong emotional connection between the reader and the naive yet ambitious Anneke, with her forbidden aspirations of joining the male-dominated profession of mapmaking. “The Map Colorist” is thus a captivating read for enthusiasts of historical fiction, as it artfully intertwines the personal with the historical.

This breathtaking novel effortlessly earns a full five-star rating. D’Harlingue’s narrative prowess shines as she evokes empathy and investment in her beautifully fleshed out characters, along with their aspirations, triumphs, and tribulations. This subdued, yet potent tale will resonate with discerning readers, particularly those with a penchant for rich historical detail. The Dutch setting may remind some of “The Miniaturist” by Jessie Burton, yet “The Map Colorist” carves out its unique narrative trajectory.

My singular critique is that I wished for a more extensive exploration of Amsterdam’s bustling city life. This would allow readers to truly immerse themselves in the vibrant streets amidst the prosperous merchants. The compelling narrative arc leaves readers on tenterhooks as they wonder whether Anneke will fulfil her dream of creating a map or have her aspirations crushed under the weight of a tumultuous world riddled with adultery, murder, and duplicity.

Pages: 312 | ASIN: 1647425476

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/30/the-map-colorist/

In L.M. Coppa’s captivating novel, The Shady Oaks Division, we are introduced to Jill, an intriguing protagonist grappling with the unforeseen trials of early retirement. However, this is not your conventional tale of a retiree finding new hobbies or traveling the world; Jill, at the tender age of 45, is departing from a highly unusual career – that of a trained assassin.

From the outset, Coppa expertly ensnares readers into Jill’s unique existence, which is far from ordinary even in her supposed tranquil retirement. Imagine what you might do in the wee hours of a sleepless night; Jill opts for an unconventional choice, tiptoeing into her neighbours’ house to listen to the rhythmic symphony of their snores and subtly adjust their family photographs.

A defining strength of the novel is the decision to center around an inherently flawed protagonist. With Jill, Coppa gifts us an idiosyncratic character who showcases a somewhat dismissive approach to safety and displays a rebellious streak often associated with adolescence. This compelling blend of traits can make her challenging to admire, yet irresistibly fascinating to follow.

The narrative employs a clever, seamless oscillation between present happenings and past events. Coppa skillfully illuminates the traumatic history that shaped Jill, providing just the right measure of detail to instigate understanding without veering into the territory of the gratuitous. However, the novel could benefit from some restraint in the depiction of mundane events.

Coppa’s portrayal of dialogue shines for its authenticity and effective contribution to plot progression. Overall, the book maintains an enticing pace, perfectly balancing action and intrigue to hold the reader captive until an unpredicted conclusion. The Shady Oaks Division, in essence, is an invigorating amalgam of drama, suspense, and an unconventional romance, distinguished by a protagonist whose very flaws make her all the more compelling.

Pages: 369 | ASIN: B0C6FPDMBD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/30/the-shady-oaks-division/