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Conundrum
A happily married man with three small children decides one day he no longer wants to live. He gives himself leukemia and nine months later is dead.
This is the conundrum Lisa Sitteroff is determined to solve regarding her dead father—the tale her mother, Ruth, told Lisa and her two brothers, Rafferty and Neal, throughout their childhood. But Lisa, now thirty and watching Raff suffer from the ravages of bipolar illness, believes if she can solve this puzzle, she might somehow save her brother. For Raff’s pain is intrinsically tied up with feelings of parental abandonment.
What starts as a noble goal for Lisa soon grows into a vicious family war, wreaking destruction on Lisa’s marriage. Lisa discovers details of her parents’ relationship that her mother has long hidden. Shocking clues appear as Lisa reads a letter her father, Nathan, wrote before he died, prompting her to visit Nathan’s former boss, Ed Hutchinson. From him, Lisa learns that her engineer father helped design a generator run by radioactive materials. Ed lets slip that Nathan participated in a dangerous secret experiment, a fact her mother discounts as Nathan’s cause of death. Accusations and excuses fly. Yet, how much of what Lisa uncovers is true? Is truth solely subjective?
Lisa sifts through layers of lies as she journeys into her father’s story, seeking to understand this man she never knew. Meanwhile, her mother responds in fury and tries to destroy Lisa’s life, determined to keep Lisa from uncovering her dark secrets.
Conundrum explores the rocky landscape of betrayal and truth, asking whether a search for truth is worth the price, and showing how separating from toxic family members might sometimes be the only recourse for survival. Lisa pays a high price for truth, but in the end finds it worthwhile.
This is the conundrum Lisa Sitteroff is determined to solve regarding her dead father—the tale her mother, Ruth, told Lisa and her two brothers, Rafferty and Neal, throughout their childhood. But Lisa, now thirty and watching Raff suffer from the ravages of bipolar illness, believes if she can solve this puzzle, she might somehow save her brother. For Raff’s pain is intrinsically tied up with feelings of parental abandonment.
What starts as a noble goal for Lisa soon grows into a vicious family war, wreaking destruction on Lisa’s marriage. Lisa discovers details of her parents’ relationship that her mother has long hidden. Shocking clues appear as Lisa reads a letter her father, Nathan, wrote before he died, prompting her to visit Nathan’s former boss, Ed Hutchinson. From him, Lisa learns that her engineer father helped design a generator run by radioactive materials. Ed lets slip that Nathan participated in a dangerous secret experiment, a fact her mother discounts as Nathan’s cause of death. Accusations and excuses fly. Yet, how much of what Lisa uncovers is true? Is truth solely subjective?
Lisa sifts through layers of lies as she journeys into her father’s story, seeking to understand this man she never knew. Meanwhile, her mother responds in fury and tries to destroy Lisa’s life, determined to keep Lisa from uncovering her dark secrets.
Conundrum explores the rocky landscape of betrayal and truth, asking whether a search for truth is worth the price, and showing how separating from toxic family members might sometimes be the only recourse for survival. Lisa pays a high price for truth, but in the end finds it worthwhile.
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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451 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 14, 2012
CONUNDRUM is the story of Lisa Sitteroff, a thirty-year old woman whose life is coming unraveled. It is a work of fine literary fiction that explores the powerful psychological issues inherent in family relationships, issues that lie just beneath the surface, or deeply submerged and hidden.
Lisa has a marriage on the rocks, a conniving manipulative bitch for a mother, a suicidal manic depressive brother, a deceased father, who haunts her.
To cope with the forces marshaled against her Lisa sets out on a voyage of self-exploration, a trip she hopes will answer questions about who she is, and assist her brother in his struggle with his inner demons.
Along the way, Lisa discovers that the underpinnings of her family history are predicated on deceit, deception and possibly even murder.
At a critical point in the story, Lisa has this revelation:
“Until now, perhaps like most people, I had thought truth a constant-something that would exist even if the universe disappeared. Universals. Facts. But, in the midst of this noble search, my own perception of truth had shattered-regarding the constancy and loyalty of family.”
What makes a book good, a really good book, is its ability to tell a story with universal implications. A story about an old fisherman and his fight with a great fish tells us about the human struggle. A little girl’s view of a summer in the rural South instructs us about the tragedy of racism.
C. S. Lakin has risen to this level in CONUNDRUM. Through Lisa Sitteroff she has delved into the recesses of all our family histories, where perhaps it is a better to let sleeping dogs lie.
Lakin’s prose is impeccable, her voice unique.
I just hope Lisa’s mother got what she had coming to her.
(I received a free review copy of this book as a reviewer for World Literary Café.)
Lisa has a marriage on the rocks, a conniving manipulative bitch for a mother, a suicidal manic depressive brother, a deceased father, who haunts her.
To cope with the forces marshaled against her Lisa sets out on a voyage of self-exploration, a trip she hopes will answer questions about who she is, and assist her brother in his struggle with his inner demons.
Along the way, Lisa discovers that the underpinnings of her family history are predicated on deceit, deception and possibly even murder.
At a critical point in the story, Lisa has this revelation:
“Until now, perhaps like most people, I had thought truth a constant-something that would exist even if the universe disappeared. Universals. Facts. But, in the midst of this noble search, my own perception of truth had shattered-regarding the constancy and loyalty of family.”
What makes a book good, a really good book, is its ability to tell a story with universal implications. A story about an old fisherman and his fight with a great fish tells us about the human struggle. A little girl’s view of a summer in the rural South instructs us about the tragedy of racism.
C. S. Lakin has risen to this level in CONUNDRUM. Through Lisa Sitteroff she has delved into the recesses of all our family histories, where perhaps it is a better to let sleeping dogs lie.
Lakin’s prose is impeccable, her voice unique.
I just hope Lisa’s mother got what she had coming to her.
(I received a free review copy of this book as a reviewer for World Literary Café.)
October 16, 2013
This is the first-ever book by C.S. Lakin I've read. Picked it up because I heard some buzz about it on Twitter.
While CONUNDRUM was suggested to have a "Jodi Picoult likeness" about it, I found the storyline less gripping than I had hoped. However, Ms. Lakin does have a way with words, each sentence carefully crafted and orchestrated into a whole.
My sense was the events in the book weren't those that unfolded in a natural storytelling manner, but in a contrived, and therefore less-climactic manner. I found the protagonist, Lisa Bolton slightly annoying and less true to character, slips of the author finding her way into Lisa's thoughts, and partiularly annoyed with the protagonist's continuance on rephrasing or "suddenly remembering" a line from Shakespeare or Eliot. The protagonist is not an English professor or student, but a landscaper/gardener who also loves farm animals. The two seemed incongruent and more congruent with the author whose bio reads, "contemporary allegorical fantasy...fairytales."
As for the CONUNDRUM itself, it all seemed quite plausible, almost to the point of being spelled out for us readers. In the end, I wasn't left with an ah-ha moment anymore than I would have been had I stopped reading in the last 2/3. I did keep reading because I wanted to see if and what stakes Lakin put on the protagonist and therefore reader.
This is a smart, well-versed book for those who consider themselves "word nerds," and those who have an affinity for classic works, but it is in no way comprable to Jodi Picoult, who seems to be in a class of her own.
While CONUNDRUM was suggested to have a "Jodi Picoult likeness" about it, I found the storyline less gripping than I had hoped. However, Ms. Lakin does have a way with words, each sentence carefully crafted and orchestrated into a whole.
My sense was the events in the book weren't those that unfolded in a natural storytelling manner, but in a contrived, and therefore less-climactic manner. I found the protagonist, Lisa Bolton slightly annoying and less true to character, slips of the author finding her way into Lisa's thoughts, and partiularly annoyed with the protagonist's continuance on rephrasing or "suddenly remembering" a line from Shakespeare or Eliot. The protagonist is not an English professor or student, but a landscaper/gardener who also loves farm animals. The two seemed incongruent and more congruent with the author whose bio reads, "contemporary allegorical fantasy...fairytales."
As for the CONUNDRUM itself, it all seemed quite plausible, almost to the point of being spelled out for us readers. In the end, I wasn't left with an ah-ha moment anymore than I would have been had I stopped reading in the last 2/3. I did keep reading because I wanted to see if and what stakes Lakin put on the protagonist and therefore reader.
This is a smart, well-versed book for those who consider themselves "word nerds," and those who have an affinity for classic works, but it is in no way comprable to Jodi Picoult, who seems to be in a class of her own.
June 26, 2012
For complete review, visit: http://bit.ly/LOhyaB
Conundrum resonated with me on many levels, having experiences which mirrored those in the book. People I love are burdened with the very real, life-altering effects of depression and bipolar disorder. Others struggle with their interpersonal relationships and their inability to see beyond the mistaken truths they have created for themselves to cope with the unhappiness in their lives. C.S. Lakin takes these issues head-on, as she does marital discord, infertility and financial disaster.
She takes them on, works her characters through them one incredibly painful step at a time, offers some hope, allows others the imperfect happiness they have fought for, and stepped away from still others in disassociation to protect the rest. Neither does she leave any of them faultless or absolutely justified in their actions, even the best-meaning of them. In Conundrum, there are no absolutes, no pat answers, no definitive "vorpal sword to defeat the Jabberwok".
Set in 1986, in rural-ish Marin Country, California, north of San Francisco, the central plot of the story revolves around Lisa's journey into her father's past. A brilliant mathematician, Nathan Sitterhoff worked in the aerospace industry which provided nuclear energy for the long-distance space probes of the Gemini project. In this story within the story, well-developed and well-researched, Ms. Lakin's plot, characters, and motivations all ring true.
In the process of uncovering the truth one fragment at a time, Lisa Sitterhoff alienates her family and raises more questions than she could ever hope to answer. Seeking out associations 25 years gone, each character involved relates their own personal, often conflicting truths. It is up to Lisa to toggle together the mismatched perspectives to create a hazy, incomplete picture of the past—one that will ultimately set all three siblings free. For me, the ordeal resembled watching someone else work a jigsaw puzzle with my hands tied behind my back and my mouth taped shut.
However, the mystery of Nathan's death serves as a catalyst to healing and hope for his children, rather like chemotherapy. Truth, the figurative drug necessary to bring about the emotional recovery so desperately required first must bring the family body as near death as possible. C.S. Lakin uses the metaphor of cancer to powerfully incorporate the lies, half-truths and misconceptions that quite nearly destroy Raff, Lisa's marriage, and any hope Neal ever has of becoming more than his mother's appendage.
With her intelligent, insightful prose, C.S. Lakin has created very real, very flawed characters struggling with raw, debilitating circumstances. However, she manages to do so while yet maintaining her own standards. More importantly, she broaches the themes of hope, healing, forgiveness and compassion in a manner anyone of any faith (or lack thereof) can embrace. While her characters engage in some very un-Christian activities, profoundly worldly and she faces them head-on, in Conundrum, she proves my thesis that one need not resort to the salacious, crass and profane to create truly great fiction.
Conundrum is not a fast read. It is not even a fun read. However, it is intensely profound and compelling, one to pause over, read again and surrender to introspection—one which tempts the reader not only onward into more of C.S. Lakin's works but also to the classics which have so obviously influenced her.
Bottom line: I very much enjoyed this book and recommend it. I found it a welcome change of pace and a great addition to my library.
Conundrum resonated with me on many levels, having experiences which mirrored those in the book. People I love are burdened with the very real, life-altering effects of depression and bipolar disorder. Others struggle with their interpersonal relationships and their inability to see beyond the mistaken truths they have created for themselves to cope with the unhappiness in their lives. C.S. Lakin takes these issues head-on, as she does marital discord, infertility and financial disaster.
She takes them on, works her characters through them one incredibly painful step at a time, offers some hope, allows others the imperfect happiness they have fought for, and stepped away from still others in disassociation to protect the rest. Neither does she leave any of them faultless or absolutely justified in their actions, even the best-meaning of them. In Conundrum, there are no absolutes, no pat answers, no definitive "vorpal sword to defeat the Jabberwok".
Set in 1986, in rural-ish Marin Country, California, north of San Francisco, the central plot of the story revolves around Lisa's journey into her father's past. A brilliant mathematician, Nathan Sitterhoff worked in the aerospace industry which provided nuclear energy for the long-distance space probes of the Gemini project. In this story within the story, well-developed and well-researched, Ms. Lakin's plot, characters, and motivations all ring true.
In the process of uncovering the truth one fragment at a time, Lisa Sitterhoff alienates her family and raises more questions than she could ever hope to answer. Seeking out associations 25 years gone, each character involved relates their own personal, often conflicting truths. It is up to Lisa to toggle together the mismatched perspectives to create a hazy, incomplete picture of the past—one that will ultimately set all three siblings free. For me, the ordeal resembled watching someone else work a jigsaw puzzle with my hands tied behind my back and my mouth taped shut.
However, the mystery of Nathan's death serves as a catalyst to healing and hope for his children, rather like chemotherapy. Truth, the figurative drug necessary to bring about the emotional recovery so desperately required first must bring the family body as near death as possible. C.S. Lakin uses the metaphor of cancer to powerfully incorporate the lies, half-truths and misconceptions that quite nearly destroy Raff, Lisa's marriage, and any hope Neal ever has of becoming more than his mother's appendage.
With her intelligent, insightful prose, C.S. Lakin has created very real, very flawed characters struggling with raw, debilitating circumstances. However, she manages to do so while yet maintaining her own standards. More importantly, she broaches the themes of hope, healing, forgiveness and compassion in a manner anyone of any faith (or lack thereof) can embrace. While her characters engage in some very un-Christian activities, profoundly worldly and she faces them head-on, in Conundrum, she proves my thesis that one need not resort to the salacious, crass and profane to create truly great fiction.
Conundrum is not a fast read. It is not even a fun read. However, it is intensely profound and compelling, one to pause over, read again and surrender to introspection—one which tempts the reader not only onward into more of C.S. Lakin's works but also to the classics which have so obviously influenced her.
Bottom line: I very much enjoyed this book and recommend it. I found it a welcome change of pace and a great addition to my library.
May 18, 2012
L.L. Helland's review
May 09, 12 · edit
Read in May, 2012
Conundrum by SC Lakin-Five Star rating.
I was touched by this book from the very beginning, but when the protagonist Lisa Bolton broke the chain of family destruction I wanted to scream. I couldn't put the book down once Lisa had severed ties with her detached mother. There were so many tumultuous family secrets that it seemed almost impossible to ever get away from the sickening pull of a self indulgent mother. There were so many twists and turns that I almost had it figured out several different ways, and the ending was a surprise, but one that helped to alleviate the pain that the protagonist-Lisa had felt. She did more than clear up the families lies and hush-hush hidden meaning behind Lisa's mother stories, but she fixed her marriage with Jeremy. Although she had been under her mother's spell for so long that she didn't even see how it had affected her marriage until Jeremy was in a horrific accident. That was the jolt Lisa Bolton needed to give herself permission to chose her husband over the two faced person her mother was. This story will touch a nerve with the reader. How the decisions that parents make will influence our own lives and hopefully the chapter and verse will have a better outcome. WAKE UP and realize that all though most parents have good intentions for their children, it's best to keep an open mind. Each family member had a tremendous burden to bare, and handled their lives in different ways. With each decision Lisa made it brought her closer to a full-filling life. It didn't seem like it at the time, but when everything was said and done- It was Lisa's salvation to walk away from the toxic relationship she had with her mother. I applaud her for doing what was best for her and her husband. I recommend this book. It makes you want to visit your own relationship with family members. See who sticks beside you in the moment of tragedy and betrayal. Laura Stolmeier
January 11, 2013
To solve a conundrum you need to know the right question, the one whose answer hides the key, the secret that turns mystery into logical consequence. In C. S. Lakin’s Conundrum, Lisa knows well how to solve the mysteries of memorizing poems and songs. References classical and modern abound as she views the world around her. But her own memories, her own family, and especially her dead father and suicidal brother, remain an unsolved conundrum, frustrating her at every turn. Every potential key seems just another dead-end in the maze of her own lost history. Meanwhile her husband and her mother seem determined to destroy her future too.
A controlling mother, despairing brother, marriage falling apart… lost animals given shelter when the shelterer needs somewhere safe of her own… secrets and lies, quotes and applications, all roll together in this beautifully written tale. The author writes with a slow complex cadence, gently pulling the reader into her protagonist’s desire to know more. Each step in the maze leads to new twists and turns. Elliot, Yeats, Shakespeare, the music of the eighties, the mysteries of the age… The protagonist’s wordy analysis, occasionally didactic pronouncements , and introspective nature mesh perfectly. Quotes are used beautifully, and the truth will either set Lisa free or bind her—in the end it’s her choice.
Does a son turn into his father, or a daughter into her mother? Or is our future something we choose for ourselves? This novel sheds intriguing light on the way we see and blame each other when we should look closer to home. Slow reading is balanced with complex allusions, beautiful language with well-drawn quotes, and dark despair with the choice to make a change, making this a genuinely enjoyable and deeply intriguing novel.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to buy an ecopy of this book when it was offered free
July 7, 2012
Conundrum: does the truth set you free? This is the puzzle that Lakin sets out to solve in her novel of the same name. Within it she gives you plenty more and very entertaining they are. Some are so well known I found myself gnashing my teeth trying to remember the answers. Others were unknown to me but I knew I'd forget them by the time I finished the book because that's just the way my mind works.
In Lakin's quirky 'Time sniffers' I learnt a thing or two about black holes and dark matter. In 'Conundrum' I've had my mind expanded by poetry, plutonium and depression. I hasten to say, as I did with 'Time sniffers', that although it sounds like the novel will be hard going the opposite is true. Lakin has the knack of presenting heavy material in a totally digestible manner.
With the hope of saving her older brother Lisa Sitteroff sets out to find the truth behind their father's suspected suicide 26 years before when they were small children. Set against the sparingly but evocatively-described San Francisco area Lakin takes you on an engrossing journey into how depression can ravage sufferers and their families. The short snippets of poetry are so apt I found myself -- no lover of poetry -- lingering on them and wondering at her store of knowledge that she had them at her fingertips to weave into the narrative.
Lakin writes well. Her descriptions are economical and visual. She grabs your emotions with her characters; towards the end, as the pieces start to come together, I found myself with a tight throat on several occasions.
I feel she is going to become one of my favorite authors.
March 12, 2012
Thoughts while reading – Does the truth really set you free – or should you leave sleeping dogs lie. I believed before reading, while reading and still believe that the truth with set you free. Although, at times if another person is not ready to hear the truth, that is when you should leave sleeping dogs lie. The truth will set you free when you are ready to hear it. read more here... http://t.co/eGbCiqdW
October 2, 2012
Amazing author - amazing story. Is revenge really sweet? I am not very good at writing reviews but let me say that this is an emotional, can't-wait-to-see-what-happens kind of book! Super character development and such an interesting
storyline! I have finished two of her books and on to my third! I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in this novel.
storyline! I have finished two of her books and on to my third! I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in this novel.
November 30, 2012
Conundrum is an extremely well written book. The author impressed me with her obvious knowledge and understanding of classic literature. The main character's struggle to unravel the puzzle of her life is compelling. The reader shares her pain, frustration, elation, and, finally, peace. I recommend this book with no reservations. It's a really good read.
May 16, 2019
Conundrum by C.S. Lakin
I can't make a claim to reading a lot of Psychological Thrillers; though I am a fan of Suspense Thrillers my latest foray into the genre was Castles: A Fictional Memoir of a Girl with Scissors by Benjamin X. Wretlind and that one took me way out of my comfort zone. Thankfully this one didn't drag me too far down any tough roads. There were some mighty strange places though.
It seems a good Psychological Thriller is done in first person. That way you get a real look a the psyche of the main character or POV character. I really enjoyed the book and read it straight through and I'm giving it high points, but I'm going to be honest about some of things that bothered me.
The story takes place in 1986 and though there is some relevance to some science technology of that time; other than the that; and the lack of computer Internet; and cell phone; I think this could have taken place anytime. Still the lack of cell phones figures strongly. A lot of the suspense in the story is revolving around connections with people who might have answers to questions. People don't want to leave messages they want face to face and things like that; and having to reach some home base to talk on the phone helps extend things out. At some point it gets tiring that no one wants to give information over the phone though everyone has information. Because of no Internet the hero has to use the library and micro-fiche a lot. Something that is still prevalent today especially for people doing genealogy.
Another device in the story is the cryptic letter. People leave ambiguous letters behind in their life and though it has good information it's difficult to pinpoint the truth and relevance of some of the information. Relationships and inability to communicate figure heavily in the story almost to a point of annoyance.
There are a lot of pop references and some events are mentioned all to help pinpoint that this is really 1986 and they add a small flavoring to the whole plot. Along with memories and speculation that run through the main character's head we have lyrics to songs.
And just like in Vertigo we have the Psychological weakness of a character who freezes and panics under certain conditions. This case its enclose elevators. All of this come through really well for the first half of the story. But we reach a point where the main device of the Psychological Thriller begins to feel as though it's being overused. That's the place where the main character takes every story and clue she gets and analyzes it :and because it all relates to her father's death after mysteriously contracting leukemia, she seems to go over and over the same road with occasional new twists and turns, until I reached a place where my mind shut down when I hit the passages and I would have to go back and re-read a whole section as I realized I'd gone gently half the way to sleep. That might be just me and you have to read this to get a sense of what I'm saying. To be fair though it is this part of her mind that helps envelop the psychological part of this thriller where every clue sends her through the whole series of speculations and often dredges up memories of things that happened throughout her life that she's chose to forget,[and the eventual reason for the lapses in memories in some cases are found in these memories] so it's a necessary growing process that contains a level of tedium.
Despite that bit of sleepy tone this is a well put together story and for the most part has a good pace to it. The writing is excellent in regards to mechanics and grammar though in the e-book there's a weird format problem that split words funny by separating the b eginning letter and the en d letter of a word by one extra space.
Conundrum in this case is referring to story puzzles that include this very story. The main character and her brother love solving the stories; and it's her brothers descent into manic depressive fits that might be similar to their father's behavior before his death that lead her to investigate the conundrums in her fathers death. And about three quarters of the way through the story; for those readers who haven't figured it all out; one of the minor characters offers the conundrum of what he saw but did not hear that contains the answer. She goes into her usual round of speculation and remembrance and from there on, for the reader who has it figured out, it's a matter of wondering when our character is going to get though her drama to figure it out.
This is an excellent read and for those who enjoy Psychological Thrillers and Suspense; this should offer something to keep the mind active while trying to unravel the conundrum. And perhaps the largest conundrum is deciding what parts of the whole are the truth.
J.L. Dobias
I can't make a claim to reading a lot of Psychological Thrillers; though I am a fan of Suspense Thrillers my latest foray into the genre was Castles: A Fictional Memoir of a Girl with Scissors by Benjamin X. Wretlind and that one took me way out of my comfort zone. Thankfully this one didn't drag me too far down any tough roads. There were some mighty strange places though.
It seems a good Psychological Thriller is done in first person. That way you get a real look a the psyche of the main character or POV character. I really enjoyed the book and read it straight through and I'm giving it high points, but I'm going to be honest about some of things that bothered me.
The story takes place in 1986 and though there is some relevance to some science technology of that time; other than the that; and the lack of computer Internet; and cell phone; I think this could have taken place anytime. Still the lack of cell phones figures strongly. A lot of the suspense in the story is revolving around connections with people who might have answers to questions. People don't want to leave messages they want face to face and things like that; and having to reach some home base to talk on the phone helps extend things out. At some point it gets tiring that no one wants to give information over the phone though everyone has information. Because of no Internet the hero has to use the library and micro-fiche a lot. Something that is still prevalent today especially for people doing genealogy.
Another device in the story is the cryptic letter. People leave ambiguous letters behind in their life and though it has good information it's difficult to pinpoint the truth and relevance of some of the information. Relationships and inability to communicate figure heavily in the story almost to a point of annoyance.
There are a lot of pop references and some events are mentioned all to help pinpoint that this is really 1986 and they add a small flavoring to the whole plot. Along with memories and speculation that run through the main character's head we have lyrics to songs.
And just like in Vertigo we have the Psychological weakness of a character who freezes and panics under certain conditions. This case its enclose elevators. All of this come through really well for the first half of the story. But we reach a point where the main device of the Psychological Thriller begins to feel as though it's being overused. That's the place where the main character takes every story and clue she gets and analyzes it :and because it all relates to her father's death after mysteriously contracting leukemia, she seems to go over and over the same road with occasional new twists and turns, until I reached a place where my mind shut down when I hit the passages and I would have to go back and re-read a whole section as I realized I'd gone gently half the way to sleep. That might be just me and you have to read this to get a sense of what I'm saying. To be fair though it is this part of her mind that helps envelop the psychological part of this thriller where every clue sends her through the whole series of speculations and often dredges up memories of things that happened throughout her life that she's chose to forget,[and the eventual reason for the lapses in memories in some cases are found in these memories] so it's a necessary growing process that contains a level of tedium.
Despite that bit of sleepy tone this is a well put together story and for the most part has a good pace to it. The writing is excellent in regards to mechanics and grammar though in the e-book there's a weird format problem that split words funny by separating the b eginning letter and the en d letter of a word by one extra space.
Conundrum in this case is referring to story puzzles that include this very story. The main character and her brother love solving the stories; and it's her brothers descent into manic depressive fits that might be similar to their father's behavior before his death that lead her to investigate the conundrums in her fathers death. And about three quarters of the way through the story; for those readers who haven't figured it all out; one of the minor characters offers the conundrum of what he saw but did not hear that contains the answer. She goes into her usual round of speculation and remembrance and from there on, for the reader who has it figured out, it's a matter of wondering when our character is going to get though her drama to figure it out.
This is an excellent read and for those who enjoy Psychological Thrillers and Suspense; this should offer something to keep the mind active while trying to unravel the conundrum. And perhaps the largest conundrum is deciding what parts of the whole are the truth.
J.L. Dobias
December 26, 2018
The theme of the novel (which the author keeps reminding us) is whether the search for the “truth” surrounding a past incident is good for its own sake, or whether sometimes the door to a past event should best remain closed. In this case the truth to be uncovered involves the heroine’s father’s death — implausibly attributed to “self-willed” leukemia. The novel is well crafted and smoothly written, but overly wordy in parts, especially towards the end where the author spends much too much time wrapping up the plot. In summary: This is an easy to read book with an interesting plot. I give it 4 stars.
January 8, 2018
The beginning was a bit slow for me. But when I got into the meat of the story, I was hooked.
April 9, 2020
Not a fan
Life is too short to read books that don’t capture my interest within the first few chapters, so I cut my losses and move on.
Life is too short to read books that don’t capture my interest within the first few chapters, so I cut my losses and move on.
January 17, 2017
When I hear a riddle, there is a burning desire within me to know its answer as quickly as possible. I cannot let it rest until I know. I once spent an entire afternoon trying to figure out “The Triangle Game”. If you don’t know the one I am referring to, don’t ask – it will drive you nuts trying to unravel it.
This is the best way I would describe Conundrum by C.S. Lakin, the only difference being that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself – eventually the answers will unfold if you read on until the end of the book.
I love trying to figure out a story before all is revealed – it’s like a race of cleverness against my fellow readers. I admit that in the case of Conundrum, I did not succeed. Well played, C.S. Lakin.
Whilst I felt the character and settings lacked embellishment and I cared very little about the success of the main character, it was the conundrums that kept this story going.
I regret listening to this as an audio book. The narrator, Sandy Vernon, rather ruined my experience of the story. From her depiction of the character voices and that time when one character had emphysema and she spoke the dialogue with lots of huffing and puffing in between, not to mention her singing the included song verses. It was particularly grating and cringe-worthy.
Narrator aside, this story is serious and rather sad. It deals with a lot of issues from depression, to infertility, to infidelity. I would recommend it for a more mature audience.
This is the best way I would describe Conundrum by C.S. Lakin, the only difference being that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself – eventually the answers will unfold if you read on until the end of the book.
I love trying to figure out a story before all is revealed – it’s like a race of cleverness against my fellow readers. I admit that in the case of Conundrum, I did not succeed. Well played, C.S. Lakin.
Whilst I felt the character and settings lacked embellishment and I cared very little about the success of the main character, it was the conundrums that kept this story going.
I regret listening to this as an audio book. The narrator, Sandy Vernon, rather ruined my experience of the story. From her depiction of the character voices and that time when one character had emphysema and she spoke the dialogue with lots of huffing and puffing in between, not to mention her singing the included song verses. It was particularly grating and cringe-worthy.
Narrator aside, this story is serious and rather sad. It deals with a lot of issues from depression, to infertility, to infidelity. I would recommend it for a more mature audience.
December 30, 2012
“Conundrum” is Lisa Bolton’s struggle to find truth, to solve a conundrum. She realizes as her brother struggles with bipolar depression, that she had no memories of her father, Nathan Sitteroff. She sets off in a quest for freedom for her brother, and healing for herself and her marriage.
Everything Lisa uncovers in her quest is Lisa’s gift to her siblings as she reveals her father’s life as a conundrum, as she discovers the buried truth of a generation ago.
C. S. Lakin’s style reveals a heart touched with emotion and struggle. One does not write with such mature clarity, without having experienced a depth of pain, healing, and forgiveness.
One of the first surprises was Lisa considering whether freedom lays “in the absolving of guilt… or in the liberating wings of truth”. Many more gems followed and it became one of those books that the reader could not put down.
The author connects the reader with well-developed characters and their stories. Puzzles, disparate images and memories, classical poetry and literature references, and narrative gems await you. Although it may not be free anymore on Amazon, this one is worth the money spent. “Conundrum” is highly recommended.
Everything Lisa uncovers in her quest is Lisa’s gift to her siblings as she reveals her father’s life as a conundrum, as she discovers the buried truth of a generation ago.
C. S. Lakin’s style reveals a heart touched with emotion and struggle. One does not write with such mature clarity, without having experienced a depth of pain, healing, and forgiveness.
One of the first surprises was Lisa considering whether freedom lays “in the absolving of guilt… or in the liberating wings of truth”. Many more gems followed and it became one of those books that the reader could not put down.
The author connects the reader with well-developed characters and their stories. Puzzles, disparate images and memories, classical poetry and literature references, and narrative gems await you. Although it may not be free anymore on Amazon, this one is worth the money spent. “Conundrum” is highly recommended.
March 2, 2012
This book is filled with quotes, poems and puzzles like the story’s namesake. There are several angst filled story lines, and we begin with the threat of a breakdown from the main character’s brother, Raff. In the midst of that chaos is the mystery of her father’s death, the potential breakdown of her marriage, miscarriage and the discovery that her siblings are not what they seem.
It was all one big downer for me. I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters. The chaos was mostly self-imposed and selfish. Sons refused to cut the apron strings; husbands lacked backbones through more than one generation. It was a very catty and uncomfortable ride through a family history that I’m glad is not my own.
Towards the end of the tale flashbacks were used and really disoriented the flow of the story for me. It felt like the author was trying to make the story longer and while there was more to read I didn’t think it pushed the story along. I wish the ending had a more powerful triumphant message it was a let-down after all the pain the characters had suffered.
I would recommend this book to those that enjoy drama and unbelievable constant torment.
January 31, 2014
Years ago, Lisa's father committed suicide by willing himself to get leukemia, or so the story goes. If you buy into that premise, you might enjoy this book more than me.
In an attempt to help her suicidal, bipolar brother, Lisa seems to find out the truth about her father's life and death. She's not going to find those answers from her controlling, emotionally abusive mother, who discourages the odyssey. Her brothers are reluctant to help, her husband has left her, only her best friend, and estranged uncle and his family seem on her side.
CONUNDRUM has so many flaws it's hard to know where to begin. The characters are flat and one dimensional, the plot implausible, and the writing contrived. Are we really to believe Lisa, in her first person narrative, repeatedly quotes poetry in her head? If CS Lakin wanted to use her presumed love of poetry in the narrative, she would have been better off using quotes to start each chapter. The only positive aspect of this novel is that although completely unrealistic, the writer did flesh out the plot.
I forced myself to finish CONUNDRUM, because I hate not finishing novels. I don't recommend this book.
In an attempt to help her suicidal, bipolar brother, Lisa seems to find out the truth about her father's life and death. She's not going to find those answers from her controlling, emotionally abusive mother, who discourages the odyssey. Her brothers are reluctant to help, her husband has left her, only her best friend, and estranged uncle and his family seem on her side.
CONUNDRUM has so many flaws it's hard to know where to begin. The characters are flat and one dimensional, the plot implausible, and the writing contrived. Are we really to believe Lisa, in her first person narrative, repeatedly quotes poetry in her head? If CS Lakin wanted to use her presumed love of poetry in the narrative, she would have been better off using quotes to start each chapter. The only positive aspect of this novel is that although completely unrealistic, the writer did flesh out the plot.
I forced myself to finish CONUNDRUM, because I hate not finishing novels. I don't recommend this book.
June 5, 2014
Really did not like this book. I gave it three stars, however, ONLY because it was well edited and proofed and with so many books riddled with errors it was nice to find one with clean text.
I didn't buy the original premise, that the main character's father contracted leukemia just because he wanted to die. Really?
Quotes from the classics and poetry were strewn around the narrative randomly. The only explanation was that the writer wanted to impress the reader with the breadth of her knowledge of literature. Consider me impressed with the knowledge but completely unimpressed with the need to show it off.
The characters were not believable. And I felt cheated by the mother. The author spent considerable time and energy developing that character and suddenly she was just gone.
All in all a disappointing read.
I didn't buy the original premise, that the main character's father contracted leukemia just because he wanted to die. Really?
Quotes from the classics and poetry were strewn around the narrative randomly. The only explanation was that the writer wanted to impress the reader with the breadth of her knowledge of literature. Consider me impressed with the knowledge but completely unimpressed with the need to show it off.
The characters were not believable. And I felt cheated by the mother. The author spent considerable time and energy developing that character and suddenly she was just gone.
All in all a disappointing read.
January 14, 2014
C.S. Lakin's Conundrum was one of those books that captured my interest quickly, and page by page did not disappoint. Though at times I found myself chewing through long passages, it was a delicious and rewarding journey. Heartfelt, thoughtful and surprising, Conundrum is a gem to be admired.
I found the author's use of quotes, from Shakespeare to Lewis Carol, were well used, further elucidating each character's personal plights. I always love a reference to the Jabberwocky, myself. Each chapter was engaging, each passage bringing me a tiny bit closer to understanding the torments and joys of this complicated family.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Conundrum, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys puzzles - both of the mind, and the heart. A truly well-written story.
I found the author's use of quotes, from Shakespeare to Lewis Carol, were well used, further elucidating each character's personal plights. I always love a reference to the Jabberwocky, myself. Each chapter was engaging, each passage bringing me a tiny bit closer to understanding the torments and joys of this complicated family.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Conundrum, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys puzzles - both of the mind, and the heart. A truly well-written story.
January 25, 2013
Sins of the father -
How far would you go to uncover the truth? Join Lisa on her journey to find a man she never knew. Her father. A man that was the sole reason her family was in disarray, & her brother on the brink of suicide.
C.S. Lakin tells a perfect story of realism, of a family in shambles barely holding it together. I was able to personalize
this immediately. As you join the protagonist on her journey of discovery prepare to be taken for a ride. As you reach that final chapter thinking you've got it all, the best is yet to come. Leaves you breathless.
This is a story of family, this is a story of life & this story is perfection!
How far would you go to uncover the truth? Join Lisa on her journey to find a man she never knew. Her father. A man that was the sole reason her family was in disarray, & her brother on the brink of suicide.
C.S. Lakin tells a perfect story of realism, of a family in shambles barely holding it together. I was able to personalize
this immediately. As you join the protagonist on her journey of discovery prepare to be taken for a ride. As you reach that final chapter thinking you've got it all, the best is yet to come. Leaves you breathless.
This is a story of family, this is a story of life & this story is perfection!
May 28, 2013
Really enjoyed this novel because of the way it stretched my mind. Using many references to other works, it was refreshing to explore TS Elliot's poem and a few lines from Shakespeare as well as Lewis Carroll ... And relate them back to this psychological thriller. Well done, engaging, and though I figured out the puzzle before the end, it was all revealed in a surprising way. Lots of great symbolism too...read it for yourself--you won't be sorry. I've found a new author. Can't wait to explore her other offerings.
June 11, 2022
Going through my old "to read" list - I have so many books I need to catch up on.
The facts of the conundrum are not known. Who was involved? What? Why? Lisa is on a journey to figure out what happened to her father 20 years earlier and to see if it can help her brother with his mental health issues. What she doesn't expect to find is another family who has the answers. from old photos, a trip to NY, and a confession letter found in a desk, this book will keep you guessing on what REALLY happened to Lisa's father.
You can purchase the book here -
https://amzn.to/3mEFGF7
The facts of the conundrum are not known. Who was involved? What? Why? Lisa is on a journey to figure out what happened to her father 20 years earlier and to see if it can help her brother with his mental health issues. What she doesn't expect to find is another family who has the answers. from old photos, a trip to NY, and a confession letter found in a desk, this book will keep you guessing on what REALLY happened to Lisa's father.
You can purchase the book here -
https://amzn.to/3mEFGF7
November 30, 2012
The first lines of the editorial review of Conundrum read like this: "A happily married man with three small children decides one day he no longer wants to live. He gives himself leukemia and nine months later is dead."
The melodramatic description of the plot that Conundrum is an original, mysterious, and strangely satisfying book. I hope we hear more from this author.
The melodramatic description of the plot that Conundrum is an original, mysterious, and strangely satisfying book. I hope we hear more from this author.
October 8, 2012
An excellent adventure into the secrets that families keep and how they can make you who you are or change who you think you are. I would have given it 5 stars but there was a lot of unnecessary back story which made for dry reading in some parts.
February 7, 2014
Good book!! A woman searches for answers in her father's death and uncovers a bunch of surprising answers. Really good story, every so often I felt the author digressed, but as a whole, I enjoyed it.
September 18, 2014
Not bad although boring in places, references not always relevant. Typical evil mom hiding secrets while her kids suffer. The secret about Nathan's death was kept till the end. You still need to decide what the truth is.
July 20, 2014
Another thought provoking book - I like reading C S Lakin's books...
May 19, 2014
This is a great book with an ending you'd never suspect!
February 7, 2014
Impossible To Put Down Women’s Fiction with 22 amazing 5-Star Amazon Reviews!
March 4, 2016
Riveting
Conundrum is a story of searching for and finding startling revelations. It was impossible to put down and satisfyingly concludes
Conundrum is a story of searching for and finding startling revelations. It was impossible to put down and satisfyingly concludes
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