The Demon of Unrest

by Erik Larson

PenguinRandomHouse

    Larson brings an incredible amount of detail to this telling of the few months leading up to  beginning of the Civil War. Perhaps we didn't need to hear so much from Mary Boykin Chestnut's diary of social life in Charleston, or about the dastardly, vain, secessionist Edmund Ruffin. But you can't help but worry for poor Major Robert Anderson, in charge of Fort Sumter as food and munitions runout, with no communication available, no orders or idea of what reinforcements might be coming.

    It's a story we think we know, but with much more detail; it will cause you to think about our own political times.

    I also highly recommend Larson's other books - he's a wonderful writer - especially Dead Wake, In the Garden of Beasts and Isaac's Storm.

If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local bookstore or this great place:bookshop.org

    

 A Short Walk Through a Wide World

by Douglas Westerbeke

Avid Reader Press/ S&S

    Aubry Tourvel is a young Parisian girl when we meet her, in 1885, about to begin an adventure that will cover the world several times over. There will be friends, lovers, enemies and the monster that is her need for constant movement. There will also be libraries and magic. Eventually Aubrey will find that there is a method to this madness.

    An involving and thoughtful novel, not be missed.

If you would like to know more about this book, or own it, please visit your local independent bookstore, or this great place: bookshop.org

 I Cheerfully Refuse

by Leif Enger

Grove Atlantic

    In a frighteningly plausible future the rich in America live on the coasts and "employ" indentured servants; reading and education have become looked down upon by much of the country; the richest are called "astronauts" and control medicine as well as much else.

   Still, this is a novel with much beauty, love, humor and the adventures of several lifetimes on Lake Superior. Enger writes knowledgeably and lovingly of sailing through storms, the beauty of them and of the peace that precedes and follows them. Ultimately, this is an optimistic look at what the economic divide might bring. Don't miss this one.

If you would like to know more about this book, or own it, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org

 A Good Life

by Virginie Grimaldi

translated by Hildegarde Serle

Europa Editions

May 28, 2024

    Grimaldi is a best-selling author in France; this is her first book to be translated and released here in the states. With any luck, we'll get many more.

    Family, love, abuse, mental illness and the struggle to make "a good life". This book manages to include all of these things without becoming terribly heavy and while maintaining a great sense of humor.

If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please try your local independent bookstore or this great place:bookshop.org

Four Shots in the Night

by Henry Hemming

Public Affairs

   This is not an easy book to read. It tells of the infiltration of British agents into the IRA during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It centers on a murder of one informant, most likely carried out by another and considers the weight of this murder (and many others like it) on the British "handlers" of those involved. It also gives an overview of the Troubles and the political movements and lives of those trying to find a solution. 

    It's strength is in the details of the time and place but most especially in the people that he so respectfully brings to life.

 Return to Blood

by Michael Bennett

Grove Atlantic

May 21, 2024

    Hana Westerman has left the Auckland Police Force, but she and her family are caught up in a dangerous case much too close to Hana's home. All the characters are very well drawn, especially Hana's friends and family. You'll learn quite a lot about Maori culture and probably want to know more. This is a good mystery and an interesting introduction to a place and a people.

If you'd like to know more about this book, or own it, please check with your local independent bookstore or this fine place - bookshop.org