Book Report

[stormkeeper_lovedoris]

 Coventry by Helen Humphreys – Happiness is a novel by Helen Humphreys. Years ago, I’d searched for a copy of this one but I swear my library system never had it. And then I found a copy…..inside a Little Free Library! Jackpot! This novel tells two Englishwomen’s stories – they meet during World War I and are quickly separated, only to meet again on a very fateful night during World War II. The novel is this quietly elegant look at human nature and resilience during the worst circumstances. Grade: 8

 

The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner – Like the above book, this one too is historical fiction. But this one is phluff, complete with plot contrivances and things wrapped up too neatly. It held my interest all the way through though, so I have to give it that. The basic plot is that in 1906, Irish immigrant Sophia is eager to leave New York’s slums so she becomes a mail-order bride to a man in San Francisco. And she gets more than she bargained for. Grade: 6

 

Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher – You ever pick up a book and it’s exactly what you need to read? That was this book. I will re-read it many times. (Also – amazing – just like “Coventry”, I got it from a Little Free Library! I love my city, which is full of people who read and give away good books). So what’s it about? Basically the author shares wisdom and ideas and comforting thoughts about both the perils and the positive aspects of aging. Mary Pipher was 70 when she wrote this; I’m “only” 49 but I felt like this book was like a comforting discussion over tea with a favorite Aunt. It is awesome. Grade: 8

 

Chasing Me to my Grave by Winfred Rembert – This is both a memoir and a collection of artwork by the late Winfred Rembert. He lived from 1945-2021. Growing up in the South, he lived through some horrific things – he witnessed lynchings and was lynched himself but survived. He spent a year in prison without being charged for any crime. Late in life, he was encouraged to work on his artwork and he became something of a sensation. I was far more interested in his life story. Grade: 7

 

The Owl Killers by Karen Maitland – I loved one of the author’s other pieces of historical fiction. This one had a great set-up and great setting, but it didn’t really come to anything. Taking place in 14^th century England, the book gives us a community of religious women called Beguines, a gay priest, a young outcast, a rogue band of men who enforce laws on their own….it should’ve added up to something good but it doesn’t. Grade: 5

Comments

[nytshd3]

Women rowing north sounds wonderful. Also, 70 is the perfect age for a favorite aunt for someone our age :)

Out of curiosity I decided to see if coventry is available now at the library, and it looks like there's one copy at one place. Crazy since I feel like she's a wonderful author and I'm surprised they wouldn't have it. Really awesome that you found it at the little free library.

I'm not familiar with Winfred Rembert but i think i'd be way more interested in his life story too!

So disappointing when it feels like there's so much potential in a book and it just goes nowhere.

Thanks for sharing as always!

[stormkeeper_lovedoris]

Yeah it's weird that Coventry just didn't get the exposure that it deserves.