“Once you have read a book you care about, some part of it is always with you.”
Novel Blondes December Book Reviews
NetGalley was very, very good to me this month. Three of the four reviews are of digital books they provided. My honest, unbiased opinions are shared here.
Beautiful Exiles
by Meg Waite Clayton, ebook, historical fiction, pub date July 1, 2018
Meg Waite Clayton introduces Martha Gellhorn and she’s a real pistol. Full of pluck and packing a smart mouth, with blonde hair and legs “up to there,” she catches the eye of Ernest Hemingway. This was in a bar in Key West, as Marty traveled with her mother and brother in the winter of 1936. Martha was already an established writer of some renown, which was an attractive trait to Hemingway as well. The Spanish Civil War erupts, Europe appears to be in crisis, and Hemingway goes back in to journalist mode. Gellhorn joins him in Spain, and she absolutely flourishes in the dangerous atmosphere. Attraction between the two accelerates into romance, and Hemingway’s second marriage ends.
The pair marries in 1940, on the cusp of America’s involvement in World War II. Initially they ignore the war, building a life in Cuba, drinking and getting antsy with the routine of married life. Ultimately, they both take off to chase the stories, which leads to the demise of the marriage. It’s an ugly end with a showdown in Paris. Marty Gellhorn stood her ground with one of the most mythic, bombastic figures of the 20th century. She made a name for herself as a war correspondent, covering almost every major conflict over a 60 year career. Clayton introduces this amazing woman in such a fascinating story, I’m wanting more. Nonfiction selections on Martha Gellhorn are now on my TBR list!
The Gatsby Affair
by Kendall Taylor, ebook, nonfiction, NetGalley review copy, pub date August 8, 2018
Do you drive slowly past horrific traffic accidents, compelled to look? If you’re a gawker, peering through these pages at the relationship of Scott and Zelda may be just for you. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Sayre are the ultimate Golden Jazz Age power couple, with charisma, wit and drama propelling them into the spotlight. Scott’s writing and Zelda’s talent for pushing the envelope lead to a lifestyle that was glamorous beyond their expectations.
The Affair
Picture the summer of 1924, along the French Riviera. Scott wrote while Zelda was left to amuse herself. Not one to be lonely when other options abounded, Zelda became friendly with Edouard Jozan, a dashing French aviator. Little is known as to the exact nature and depth of the relationship, but the author Kendall Taylor, surmises that infidelity occurred. Zelda may even have proclaimed it herself, whether to create drama and jealously, or to come clean and repent. This summer romance so early on in the marriage marked the relationship of Scott and Zelda for the rest of their lives.
Scott’s writing seems to obsess with the theme of betrayal, and several of his characters post 1924 are modelled after Jozan. Zelda’s high-strung nature devolves into full-blown mental illness, fueled in part by her need to feel accomplished in the shadow of Scott’s success. Particularly revealing and gruesome are the mental health treatments of the day. Being wealthy, well-known and beautiful did not grant any better access to healthcare. In fact, the brutality of Zelda’s inpatient treatment is appalling, but common for the era.
In conclusion, Kendall Taylor’s research is impeccable and discerning. Her ability to write nonfiction that reads like a juicy story makes this book a hypnotic dive into a marriage and era that ultimately reveals the tarnish behind the Golden Jazz Age.
Lost Roses
by Martha Hall Kelly, ebook, historical fiction, NetGalley review copy, pub date April 9, 2019
This engrossing historical fiction is billed as the prequel to Lilac Girls, a breakout hit of 2016. Martha Hall Kelly introduces readers to another generation of the Ferriday family, this time featuring Eliza Ferriday and her dear friend Sofya. These young women are set to take on the world as daring travelers. Fortunately they possess enough wealth and connections to satisfy their wanderlust. World War I looms, and cuts short a visit to Russia by Eliza. Sadly, the women separate with promises to write often and resume their friendship once the dust settles on turbulent times.
Sofya and her family leave the city of St. Petersburg for their summer estate. Once there, another strong willed woman enters the Sofya’s life and changes it dramatically. Varinka is the hired kitchen help for the family, but her involvement with radicals endangers Sofya and her family. Across the Atlantic, Eliza has taken up championing the cause of female Russian emigres as she waits to hear from Sofya. She suffers personal losses during this time as well, but finds comfort in providing for the Russians as she awaits word from her friend. All three women converge in Paris, where wrongs are made right and as the war ends they can move on with their lives. This beautifully written story unfolds with rich detail and finely drawn, strong female characters. While told from multiple viewpoints, it progresses steadily to a satisfying conclusion.
The Printed Letter Bookshop
by Katherine Reay, ebook, contemporary fiction, NetGalley review copy, pub date May 14, 2019
Author Katherine Reay provides readers with an upbeat story that should appeal to any independent bookstore lover. Main character Madeline has a few curve balls thrown her way. A successful attorney, she’s ready to make partner and her hopes are dashed as the book opens. Years of pouring all efforts into her career have not paid off, much to her frustration. She’s drawn to a small community to lick her wounds, intrigued by the recent inheritance of a small book shop from an aunt she ignored for years.
However, what she finds are two employees, Janet and Claire, each dealing with life challenges while trying to keep the store afloat financially. Rather than close up shop, Madeline attempts to honor her aunt’s efforts in running the business. Madeline’s view of small town life changes as she sees that relationships among her employees, the business and the townspeople are all important community components. Throw in a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a lot of small town good feelings, and Reay has created an ideal book for a cozy winter tea and reading afternoon.
In conclusion, I’m still in the throes of fascination with The Lost Generation writers. Not sure how to shake it, but do I really need to worry? I’ll move on when I’m ready to I suppose. Here are some links to more biographies and works by Hemingway and the Fitzgeralds.
