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Year of the Monsoon
Leisa Yeats has always defined herself by the things that are important to her – a good family, a loving relationship and a meaningful job working with kids. Life is good. But within a span of a few weeks, all of that changes. She’s always known she was adopted, but newly revealed lies and secrets kept by her parents make her question everything she thought she knew about her beginnings. Her ten-year relationship with her partner, Nan, is unexpectedly on shaky ground when she discovers that Nan, too, has kept a secret from her all these years.
Suddenly, everything Leisa believed – about her life, about the people around her, about herself – everything is turned upside down, and nothing is as she thought it was. Pulling away to try and sort things out, Leisa reaches out to the wrong people and, in the process, nearly loses herself. Buffeted at every turn by storms that shake the very foundation of her world, Leisa must figure out whom and what she can hold fast to as the winds of change blow.
Suddenly, everything Leisa believed – about her life, about the people around her, about herself – everything is turned upside down, and nothing is as she thought it was. Pulling away to try and sort things out, Leisa reaches out to the wrong people and, in the process, nearly loses herself. Buffeted at every turn by storms that shake the very foundation of her world, Leisa must figure out whom and what she can hold fast to as the winds of change blow.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2013
83 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Caren J. Werlinger
22 books296 followersFrom the author's website: Bestselling author Caren Werlinger published her first award-winning novel, Looking Through Windows, in 2008. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels, winning several more awards. Influenced by a diverse array of authors, including Rumer Godden, J.R.R. Tolkein, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Willa Cather and the Brontë sisters, Caren writes literary fiction that features the struggles and joys of characters readers can identify with. Her stories cover a wide range of genres: historical fiction, contemporary drama, and fantasy, including the award-winning Dragonmage Saga, a fantasy trilogy set in ancient Ireland. Most recently, she created the magical setting of Little Sister Island (a place she and her readers wish were real) in When the Stars Sang and Face the Wind.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 22, 2017
An excellent book, but not a light read. It deals with love and relationships; with family and acceptance; with keeping secrets and forgiveness; with loss and grief ... it talks about lot of tragic and unpleasant events, but at the end it is essentially positive and motivating. By the way the e-book just looks great — nice cover, well done formatting, no errors. All together a great job, Ms. Werlinger!
March 14, 2018
Year of the Monsoon was another great story from Caren J. Werlinger who is becoming a very reliable go-to read for intelligent, well-written drama.
Her characters are mature, well-rounded women with plenty on their plate. The plot is something you can really put your teeth in because it’s certainly not an easy trip for this established couple of 10 years. However, Werlinger works through the often difficult subject matter in a thoughtful way and always manages to instill something positive and uplifting in us at the end. Well done!
f/f
Themes: adoption, keeping secrets, loss, grief, your real family are the ones that raise you, unselfish deeds, Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich starker.
4.2 stars
Her characters are mature, well-rounded women with plenty on their plate. The plot is something you can really put your teeth in because it’s certainly not an easy trip for this established couple of 10 years. However, Werlinger works through the often difficult subject matter in a thoughtful way and always manages to instill something positive and uplifting in us at the end. Well done!
f/f
Themes: adoption, keeping secrets, loss, grief, your real family are the ones that raise you, unselfish deeds, Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich starker.
4.2 stars
July 7, 2022
Hard to read, pushed all sorts of buttons and I had to gird my loins to finish it, especially as the story was far from linear. I’m really glad it did - a moving, emotionally charged book that lives on in my mind.
December 18, 2014
Leisa and Nan have been together for ten years. Their love seems rock solid. But an old secret of Nan's she'd rather forget is threatening to come out and it is driving a wedge between them. Leisa's mom dies and leaves more questions than answers. That and a ton of other events make for a super monsoon in their lives. Can they withstand the onslaught?
This is more of a love story than a romance. When we meet our ladies, they are already a couple. We have some flashbacks (actually a ton of flashbacks, thoughts, and even an occasional flashforward) regarding their backstory. We see them painfully and slowly drifting apart due to Nan's mysterious behavior. When the monsoon hits full force, can their love be strong enough to anchor them or will the deluge tear them apart. Or, will it make them stronger still, if they can survive it?
At its core, the book is about the search for family and acceptance. Which is the real family? The family we are born with or the family we choose to surround ourselves with? Its a complex tale with a variety of interesting characters and a myriad of emotions involved--grief, alienation, fear of loss, anger and distrust, and how all of these emotions can oftentimes overwhelm the most important one of all--love.
I could give this 5 stars for the complex plot and characterizations but for the many scenes all over the book where it suddenly shifts to an entirely different scene. Usually these are flashbacks or thoughts of the POV character in the immediately preceding paragraph where whatever it is they're doing or thinking reminds them of something from before or from what someone said before. I felt that these scenes could be better formatted (maybe italics) to better clue the reader in to the shift. There was even one bizarre scene that was actually a flashforward. Now that really threw me, lol. I'm not sure if the writer was striving for a different style, but she doesn't write like this in her other books. Personally, I think with such a rich story to tell, she doesn't need to do it. It disturbed the flow of the story, and hence this reader's emotions. Fortunately, the scene-shifts happen often enough that it gets easier to navigate in the later chapters. I also had to do a bit of work to keep up with who the different names are that come up in the story. The search function of e-readers are a godsend for this.
4.4 stars
This is more of a love story than a romance. When we meet our ladies, they are already a couple. We have some flashbacks (actually a ton of flashbacks, thoughts, and even an occasional flashforward) regarding their backstory. We see them painfully and slowly drifting apart due to Nan's mysterious behavior. When the monsoon hits full force, can their love be strong enough to anchor them or will the deluge tear them apart. Or, will it make them stronger still, if they can survive it?
At its core, the book is about the search for family and acceptance. Which is the real family? The family we are born with or the family we choose to surround ourselves with? Its a complex tale with a variety of interesting characters and a myriad of emotions involved--grief, alienation, fear of loss, anger and distrust, and how all of these emotions can oftentimes overwhelm the most important one of all--love.
I could give this 5 stars for the complex plot and characterizations but for the many scenes all over the book where it suddenly shifts to an entirely different scene. Usually these are flashbacks or thoughts of the POV character in the immediately preceding paragraph where whatever it is they're doing or thinking reminds them of something from before or from what someone said before. I felt that these scenes could be better formatted (maybe italics) to better clue the reader in to the shift. There was even one bizarre scene that was actually a flashforward. Now that really threw me, lol. I'm not sure if the writer was striving for a different style, but she doesn't write like this in her other books. Personally, I think with such a rich story to tell, she doesn't need to do it. It disturbed the flow of the story, and hence this reader's emotions. Fortunately, the scene-shifts happen often enough that it gets easier to navigate in the later chapters. I also had to do a bit of work to keep up with who the different names are that come up in the story. The search function of e-readers are a godsend for this.
4.4 stars
August 1, 2015
You know the feeling of pure of excitement the moment before you start a book? The sheer knowledge that this book in your hands or eReader, is going to be wonderful. No doubt, no hesitation, you just know and believe in it. That's how I feel whenever I am about to start Caren's book. And I have never been disappointed.
I have read three books written by Caren - Neither Present Time, In This Small Spot and this - Year of Monsoon. Each of them stuck with me for a long time, thinking and pondering about the stories. The characters stay with you even after you have finished because in the midst of reading, among all the turmoils and dramas happening in the books, you start caring for them, each one of them. That's the magic that Caren has, she writes characters that over the pages, become real to you, close to you and without even realizing, you want to know more about them; how they are feeling; how they are coping; what's going to happen; are they well; are they okay; are they going to be okay? You want to know because you care. That's why all the stories move me so much, because I care for them dearly. And that I believe, it's what makes Caren such a marvelous writer.
I have come to known that all the stories written by Caren have a very mature tone in them. What I have only come to realize after the third book is that, despite all the complicated characters with turmoils, lies, complicated relationships, broken hearts, distrustful partners, damaged minds and all things negative, Caren makes sure that there's always a sense of hope in between. It's always there, hidden between the words. And instead of being drown by all the negative feelings evoked by all the dramas, you actually feel hopeful in a very tender manner. It's the way Caren crafts her words, her sentences and her stories that make you believe that there is always light and everything will be okay. There is always a positive note to all things that happen. It's like telling you "Yes, everything in life is falling apart right now" and then there's a silent whisper behind "Maybe they are now falling into the right places". That's how I feel when reading her stories, I feel more inspired; more encouraged knowing that.
This book: Year of Monsoon. I really love how Caren uses Monsoon as a metaphor to life. I live in Asia, and we have monsoon seasons. I have witnessed how Monsoon could damage a city or a town every year. And every year after it passes, life goes back to normal again. We pick up the pieces and rebuild whatever that has lost during the season. I used to think that Monsoon was a curse, but I don't think I would ever look at it the same way again after reading this book. Now I see hope, because I see that now after monsoon passes, everyone, strangers, friends or foes will come together and pick up the pieces for each other, patting at each other back, laughing, smiling, leaving all the animosity behind. Because they know, the monsoon has passed, the houses are going to be rebuilt, the land is soiled, the crops are going to grow again. Life is going to begin anew.
This has been such a good read. Definitely going into my re-read and all-time-favorite list. Thank you Caren for such a brilliant story.
I have read three books written by Caren - Neither Present Time, In This Small Spot and this - Year of Monsoon. Each of them stuck with me for a long time, thinking and pondering about the stories. The characters stay with you even after you have finished because in the midst of reading, among all the turmoils and dramas happening in the books, you start caring for them, each one of them. That's the magic that Caren has, she writes characters that over the pages, become real to you, close to you and without even realizing, you want to know more about them; how they are feeling; how they are coping; what's going to happen; are they well; are they okay; are they going to be okay? You want to know because you care. That's why all the stories move me so much, because I care for them dearly. And that I believe, it's what makes Caren such a marvelous writer.
I have come to known that all the stories written by Caren have a very mature tone in them. What I have only come to realize after the third book is that, despite all the complicated characters with turmoils, lies, complicated relationships, broken hearts, distrustful partners, damaged minds and all things negative, Caren makes sure that there's always a sense of hope in between. It's always there, hidden between the words. And instead of being drown by all the negative feelings evoked by all the dramas, you actually feel hopeful in a very tender manner. It's the way Caren crafts her words, her sentences and her stories that make you believe that there is always light and everything will be okay. There is always a positive note to all things that happen. It's like telling you "Yes, everything in life is falling apart right now" and then there's a silent whisper behind "Maybe they are now falling into the right places". That's how I feel when reading her stories, I feel more inspired; more encouraged knowing that.
This book: Year of Monsoon. I really love how Caren uses Monsoon as a metaphor to life. I live in Asia, and we have monsoon seasons. I have witnessed how Monsoon could damage a city or a town every year. And every year after it passes, life goes back to normal again. We pick up the pieces and rebuild whatever that has lost during the season. I used to think that Monsoon was a curse, but I don't think I would ever look at it the same way again after reading this book. Now I see hope, because I see that now after monsoon passes, everyone, strangers, friends or foes will come together and pick up the pieces for each other, patting at each other back, laughing, smiling, leaving all the animosity behind. Because they know, the monsoon has passed, the houses are going to be rebuilt, the land is soiled, the crops are going to grow again. Life is going to begin anew.
This has been such a good read. Definitely going into my re-read and all-time-favorite list. Thank you Caren for such a brilliant story.
August 4, 2015
The story is heavy, somber-mooded, pull through the first few pages and the book will captivate you! Werlinger set the surprise element well, did a great job alternating the characters between the past and the present. I applaud the author's talent, and welcome more works by her.
January 10, 2015
Great book, heavy topics, and good ending. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is the constant flashbacks. At times I didn't know if this happened in the past, present, or present but happened earlier in the day/yesterday. Messes with the flow of a book for me. Favorite line from the book:
May 5, 2022
Most of the books I’ve read narrate the search and the finding of love between two persons, while few of them retell the struggle of established couples in keeping that love alive.
Year of the Monsoon takes us in the past, the present and the possible future of Leisa Yeats and Nan Mathison, a couple who’s been living together for ten years. Life seems to be going well for them. Leisa is a social worker dedicated to orphans and Nan is a psychologist. You might think that the story won’t be interesting, everything that had to happen between them has already happened.
What could possibly be so interesting about this couple? Well, life is never all diamonds and roses. If you ever wondered what would happen to all the couples that reach their HEA, then this is a book you should read. Because sometimes life is like a constant stormy sea. Sometimes you are on top of the waves, screaming out your lungs that you are in control of everything, and others, you are gasping for air underwater and crushed by the same waves that you had just ridden.
It took me a bit to get used to the narrative style of the book, as whatever is happening in the present has a corresponding part in the past, which Caren J. Werlinger introduces in the form of flashback. I came to like this very much because it’s somehow truthful to our way of thinking. Our minds constantly switch from the present to the past and to the future in a heartbeat. We jump from one thought to another, sometimes even without any sense at all (think of Molly’s monologue in Ulysses!), we overthink and let our brain run free sometimes. And a lot of times we like to dwell on the choices we made and the consequences they brought upon us.
If I didn’t do that, maybe this would have never happened? Why was I so blind not to see what was coming to me? Why was I so stupid?
Caren J. Werlinger uses the metaphor of the Monsoon to describe how life can change and how it all starts with small imperceptible changes that neither of us pick up. Little by little those underground seismic activities start shaking the ground under your feet, and it’s only when you feel the void under your weight, that you realize things have gone too far.
How you grow apart from the one you love. How you don’t recognize yourself anymore. How you long to be understood. How you fear your past can hunt down and destroy your future. How you never really opened up, because you were scared to reveal whole of you, your weaknesses.
I don’t want to spoil anything paraphrasing the plot. There are several characters, and you need to get used a bit at the beginning, but then you start understanding the whole reasoning behind each of them. Every one of them has a specific role, from friends to family. And you will understand that sometimes the concept of family has nothing to do with blood ties.
There’s a lot of angst in this book, but it’s the silent kind, the one that holds your heart in a strong grip. Sometimes, you would want the characters to yell at each other, to do something. That silent acceptance hurts and speaks of words never said for fear, of tears never fallen.
There’s also a bit of a thriller in Year of the Monsoon and many twists that will keep your interest alive.
Some books just speak to your heart. They might not know it, but they secretly teach you things about what you have experienced in life.
You recognize yourself in them.
The Year of The Monsoon has all the angst that I was looking for, because, sometimes, I want to be reminded that life is not always so easy.
That every day you need to fight a little to grasp that bit of happiness. Some people will be kind to you, some other will use you, others will push you down in darkness, but others will lend you a hand to get out of it all. Sometimes even those who love you will hurt you and that will take a toll on you. But they will come back and it will take time to heal your wounds. Some other times, you will be the one doing the harm, and it will take time to be forgiven and to forgive yourself.
I've been through several Monsoons in my life and I guess there will be more to come my way.
Happiness. Destruction. Rebirth. A continuous circle.
It's life. As simple and as complicated as that.
Year of the Monsoon takes us in the past, the present and the possible future of Leisa Yeats and Nan Mathison, a couple who’s been living together for ten years. Life seems to be going well for them. Leisa is a social worker dedicated to orphans and Nan is a psychologist. You might think that the story won’t be interesting, everything that had to happen between them has already happened.
What could possibly be so interesting about this couple? Well, life is never all diamonds and roses. If you ever wondered what would happen to all the couples that reach their HEA, then this is a book you should read. Because sometimes life is like a constant stormy sea. Sometimes you are on top of the waves, screaming out your lungs that you are in control of everything, and others, you are gasping for air underwater and crushed by the same waves that you had just ridden.
It took me a bit to get used to the narrative style of the book, as whatever is happening in the present has a corresponding part in the past, which Caren J. Werlinger introduces in the form of flashback. I came to like this very much because it’s somehow truthful to our way of thinking. Our minds constantly switch from the present to the past and to the future in a heartbeat. We jump from one thought to another, sometimes even without any sense at all (think of Molly’s monologue in Ulysses!), we overthink and let our brain run free sometimes. And a lot of times we like to dwell on the choices we made and the consequences they brought upon us.
If I didn’t do that, maybe this would have never happened? Why was I so blind not to see what was coming to me? Why was I so stupid?
Caren J. Werlinger uses the metaphor of the Monsoon to describe how life can change and how it all starts with small imperceptible changes that neither of us pick up. Little by little those underground seismic activities start shaking the ground under your feet, and it’s only when you feel the void under your weight, that you realize things have gone too far.
How you grow apart from the one you love. How you don’t recognize yourself anymore. How you long to be understood. How you fear your past can hunt down and destroy your future. How you never really opened up, because you were scared to reveal whole of you, your weaknesses.
I don’t want to spoil anything paraphrasing the plot. There are several characters, and you need to get used a bit at the beginning, but then you start understanding the whole reasoning behind each of them. Every one of them has a specific role, from friends to family. And you will understand that sometimes the concept of family has nothing to do with blood ties.
There’s a lot of angst in this book, but it’s the silent kind, the one that holds your heart in a strong grip. Sometimes, you would want the characters to yell at each other, to do something. That silent acceptance hurts and speaks of words never said for fear, of tears never fallen.
There’s also a bit of a thriller in Year of the Monsoon and many twists that will keep your interest alive.
Some books just speak to your heart. They might not know it, but they secretly teach you things about what you have experienced in life.
You recognize yourself in them.
The Year of The Monsoon has all the angst that I was looking for, because, sometimes, I want to be reminded that life is not always so easy.
That every day you need to fight a little to grasp that bit of happiness. Some people will be kind to you, some other will use you, others will push you down in darkness, but others will lend you a hand to get out of it all. Sometimes even those who love you will hurt you and that will take a toll on you. But they will come back and it will take time to heal your wounds. Some other times, you will be the one doing the harm, and it will take time to be forgiven and to forgive yourself.
I've been through several Monsoons in my life and I guess there will be more to come my way.
Happiness. Destruction. Rebirth. A continuous circle.
It's life. As simple and as complicated as that.
September 28, 2014
Caren J Werlinger writes extremely good books. Refreshing, consuming and engaging, ‘Year of the Monsoon’ is an excellent exploration of how a small revelation can impact a long term partnership. Each of Ms Werlinger’s novels is completely different and ‘Monsoon’ brings a new style and a new, slightly edgier, tension. The theme, tone and tale are those of a consummate storyteller.
Leisa and Nan are a happy long term couple whose lives are settled into patterns they have chosen. Good meaningful jobs, a happy home-life, strong family and friends. Sudden bereavement knocks their world and triggers a series of revelations which challenge their partnership and each woman’s sense of self.
The concept of the monsoon, the sudden unexpected deluge that can sweep people away, recurs throughout. But it is the after effects which keep the protagonists rolling from punch to punch. One lie can have far reaching ripples. One of the strongest lessons of the story is how a lie of omission is just as damaging as any other deception.
A powerful supporting cast add to a well rounded and deep study of the interplay between an extended family, some close and familiar, some new and dangerous. The solid friendships and family ties form a network of support many of us will envy, while the new and the judgemental threaten and undermine. The characters are strong, deep and well developed. A mixture of likeable and not, good and bad, Ms Werlinger writes real people. As with each of her previous novels there is theme. This time she explores the feelings and interactions of adoptive parents and adopted children and the biological mothers who gave up their child. An interesting exploration of ‘family’ and how our relationship with who we are, where we have come from, even who we look like, can impact our image of self.
I found this an easier read that other books by Ms Werlinger, less upsetting and challenging. But that doesn't take away from how good it is, rather I found it more enjoyable and more likely to re-read. She really is excellent at crafting a complex emotional story and drawing out the subtle interplays of emotions within and between women. One of the best reads of the year so far… highly recommended.
November 11, 2015
A heavy but realistic book that I thoroughly enjoyed. A bit too long, though, I struggled through the last few chapters. The end dragged unnecessarily.
But, great characters and interesting narrative technique.
But, great characters and interesting narrative technique.
February 2, 2014
Leisa Yeats has a good life.She has a loving family, her relationship with her wife of ten years, Nan, couldn’t be better and she enjoys her job working with children.
Suddenly within weeks, everything changed and Leisa’s well ordered life spirals downwards out of control.
Leisa has always known she was adopted, but never asked for any details. Then she discovers a web of secrets and lies her parents have kept from her for years. Now Leisa begins to question her whole beginning and existence.
Unfortunately at almost the same time, her relationship with Nan goes on the rocks. Nan has kept a deep dark secret from Leisa the whole of their time together. Leisa has totally lost her trust for Nan and her faith in their relationship. Will she ever be able to forgive Nan?
Everything Leisa held dear and believed in has come tumbling down around her and is being swept away. In her haste for some normality in her life, Leisa lets the wrong people in. Leisa is lost and floundering in the stormy waters of her once calm and well ordered life. Who can Leisa reach out to? Who can Leisa hold on to as she is tossed around in the muddied waters of the storm?
Another superbly well written, turbulent, blockbuster of a story from the very talented master storyteller, Caren J Werlinger. This is a story of strife and new beginnings. A story with real, true to life characters that will stay with me for a long time. This isn’t an emotionally easy read, but has some nice light hearted humor to lighten the darkness.
This story fits in so well with the title. How life can be on an even keel, ticking along nicely, then something like a virtual monsoon comes along to devastate it. One thing piles on top of another, destruction and upheaval reign supreme, then the waters go down and life begins to once again get back on track. Not without more stormy waters along the way though. Once the monsoon is over, life can begin again, although not as it once was. Life changes, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.
This story of Leisa and Nan’s lives got under my skin. I was gripped from the very first page and I couldn’t get through it quick enough to find out if their relationship survived against all the odds. These two well developed, multifaceted characters were backed up by a wealth of equally wonderful characters. Some good, some bad, but all playing an important part in the story.
Caren J Werlinger never writes two books with any similarities in the stories, just consistently good writing. So, when picking up one of her books, I know I’m in for a refreshingly different read each time with a good story where romance doesn’t over shadow the plot. Another book for my re-read folder.
Suddenly within weeks, everything changed and Leisa’s well ordered life spirals downwards out of control.
Leisa has always known she was adopted, but never asked for any details. Then she discovers a web of secrets and lies her parents have kept from her for years. Now Leisa begins to question her whole beginning and existence.
Unfortunately at almost the same time, her relationship with Nan goes on the rocks. Nan has kept a deep dark secret from Leisa the whole of their time together. Leisa has totally lost her trust for Nan and her faith in their relationship. Will she ever be able to forgive Nan?
Everything Leisa held dear and believed in has come tumbling down around her and is being swept away. In her haste for some normality in her life, Leisa lets the wrong people in. Leisa is lost and floundering in the stormy waters of her once calm and well ordered life. Who can Leisa reach out to? Who can Leisa hold on to as she is tossed around in the muddied waters of the storm?
Another superbly well written, turbulent, blockbuster of a story from the very talented master storyteller, Caren J Werlinger. This is a story of strife and new beginnings. A story with real, true to life characters that will stay with me for a long time. This isn’t an emotionally easy read, but has some nice light hearted humor to lighten the darkness.
This story fits in so well with the title. How life can be on an even keel, ticking along nicely, then something like a virtual monsoon comes along to devastate it. One thing piles on top of another, destruction and upheaval reign supreme, then the waters go down and life begins to once again get back on track. Not without more stormy waters along the way though. Once the monsoon is over, life can begin again, although not as it once was. Life changes, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.
This story of Leisa and Nan’s lives got under my skin. I was gripped from the very first page and I couldn’t get through it quick enough to find out if their relationship survived against all the odds. These two well developed, multifaceted characters were backed up by a wealth of equally wonderful characters. Some good, some bad, but all playing an important part in the story.
Caren J Werlinger never writes two books with any similarities in the stories, just consistently good writing. So, when picking up one of her books, I know I’m in for a refreshingly different read each time with a good story where romance doesn’t over shadow the plot. Another book for my re-read folder.
September 21, 2017
During the first couple of chapters, I had a bit of trouble keeping track of Leisa, Nan, Maddie, and Lyn. Once I had them sorted out, I became really involved with the story and felt the book to be one of the best and most touching lesbian novels I have read this year--and I've read several. Perhaps because I adopted a child, and perhaps because my longtime partner once gave up a baby for adoption because she couldn't care for it, this story hit close to home. Had I not had these real life experiences, I might have thought the complex family issues a bit over the top; however, I knew all the feelings and this story rang true for me. I most appreciate lesbian novels that are romances and love stories and not just novellas about physical passion. So this one is very special! Thank you, Caren!
May 19, 2023
Story is about challenges in love from those of romantic relationship to those of family. It is not a skim through kind of story and so I felt impatient at one point but I am glad I kept on to learn of the revelations.
I did question a number of times what the co-protagonist was looking for and as i pondered on it I found in me justification for her search albeit still questionable.
Enjoyed it!
I did question a number of times what the co-protagonist was looking for and as i pondered on it I found in me justification for her search albeit still questionable.
Enjoyed it!
September 11, 2016
Lots of angst! However I liked the book very much.
September 3, 2016
A Beautiful Exploration of Relationships and Family
If you've read any of Caren J. Werlinger's previous books you'll know that her work sets a very high standard, with each book offering an exceptionally well-written story. In Year of the Monsoon she again provides a complex plot with fascinating characters. It is an excellent novel!
Nearly everyone has had a period in their life during which they faced great difficulties or changes - the death of a family member or friend, issues in a relationship, or something that feels like a betrayal of trust. Leisa, along with her partner Nan, faces many of these issues all in one year - a virtual "monsoon" that wears her down, and she feels as if she has reached the lowest point possible.
Following the death of her mother, Leisa, who was adopted, seeks out her biological mother, however she finds that "blood" relations may not provide the connections that she seeks.
Some of the sweetest scenes in the book are the interactions between Leisa, a social worker, and a young charge, Mariela. Mariela, who is orphaned, forms a bond with Leisa strengthened by their shared experience of losing their mothers at nearly the same time. Mariela's perceptive comments have depth and meaning, and strike at the heart of what is most important for Leisa.
I enjoyed the fact that Leisa and Nan's story was not about the initial romance, but about their relationship in the long run, the changes within it, and what their relationship could (or could not) endure. Through a brief flashback we find out how Leisa and Nan met, but the story also captures how they grew apart. We can see how a relationship can begin to crumble if lines of communication aren't maintained.
Both Leisa and Nan are very sympathetic, strongly developed characters. I appreciated that they each coped with the unexpected fallouts that they faced from all sides in different ways. The secondary characters are also multi-dimensional and intriguing, including friends and family members steadfast in providing support for Leisa and Nan, and others who seem to have ulterior motives for their actions.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book was that the three different positions of adopted child, biological mother, and adoptive parent were incorporated from multiple and different perspectives, and that sometimes these identities overlapped. Each character's experiences add a layer of understanding to the complex nature of families and relationships.
Year of the Monsoon incorporates themes of family, identity, and building and maintaining relationships. It addresses important questions such as whether holding back secrets is the best way to protect a loved one, or whether it is best to face potentially difficult issues together as early as possible. It also touches on the unspoken issues that simmer in many families.
Set aside time to immerse yourself in this book because with an attentive read you will discover many subtle details within the story. Definitely put Year of the Monsoon on your reading list!
Note: I first posted this review on Amazon (US) on February 1, 2014.
If you've read any of Caren J. Werlinger's previous books you'll know that her work sets a very high standard, with each book offering an exceptionally well-written story. In Year of the Monsoon she again provides a complex plot with fascinating characters. It is an excellent novel!
Nearly everyone has had a period in their life during which they faced great difficulties or changes - the death of a family member or friend, issues in a relationship, or something that feels like a betrayal of trust. Leisa, along with her partner Nan, faces many of these issues all in one year - a virtual "monsoon" that wears her down, and she feels as if she has reached the lowest point possible.
Following the death of her mother, Leisa, who was adopted, seeks out her biological mother, however she finds that "blood" relations may not provide the connections that she seeks.
Some of the sweetest scenes in the book are the interactions between Leisa, a social worker, and a young charge, Mariela. Mariela, who is orphaned, forms a bond with Leisa strengthened by their shared experience of losing their mothers at nearly the same time. Mariela's perceptive comments have depth and meaning, and strike at the heart of what is most important for Leisa.
I enjoyed the fact that Leisa and Nan's story was not about the initial romance, but about their relationship in the long run, the changes within it, and what their relationship could (or could not) endure. Through a brief flashback we find out how Leisa and Nan met, but the story also captures how they grew apart. We can see how a relationship can begin to crumble if lines of communication aren't maintained.
Both Leisa and Nan are very sympathetic, strongly developed characters. I appreciated that they each coped with the unexpected fallouts that they faced from all sides in different ways. The secondary characters are also multi-dimensional and intriguing, including friends and family members steadfast in providing support for Leisa and Nan, and others who seem to have ulterior motives for their actions.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book was that the three different positions of adopted child, biological mother, and adoptive parent were incorporated from multiple and different perspectives, and that sometimes these identities overlapped. Each character's experiences add a layer of understanding to the complex nature of families and relationships.
Year of the Monsoon incorporates themes of family, identity, and building and maintaining relationships. It addresses important questions such as whether holding back secrets is the best way to protect a loved one, or whether it is best to face potentially difficult issues together as early as possible. It also touches on the unspoken issues that simmer in many families.
Set aside time to immerse yourself in this book because with an attentive read you will discover many subtle details within the story. Definitely put Year of the Monsoon on your reading list!
Note: I first posted this review on Amazon (US) on February 1, 2014.
April 25, 2022
What a depressing book.
May 19, 2022
What a fantastic workshop! Caren Werlinger has a remarkable ability to write about difficult situations. This time is no exception.
On the surface, the couple appears to live a happy suburban existence. Both have fulfilling careers and family and friends that are supportive. We gradually learn how convoluted their personal histories are. And it is here that Werlinger's writing shines, as she expertly captures all of the moods.
I couldn't put Year of the Monsoon down once I started reading it. As a result, I've been glued to this book for about 10 hours now. I was unavailable for anyone, yet I have no regrets. There’s so much to experience. I was moved, touched, angry, shocked and terrified. Eventually, I was completely satisfied. It's a lovely narrative about weathering many paranoid ups and downs while having this one and only special there beside us.
On the surface, the couple appears to live a happy suburban existence. Both have fulfilling careers and family and friends that are supportive. We gradually learn how convoluted their personal histories are. And it is here that Werlinger's writing shines, as she expertly captures all of the moods.
I couldn't put Year of the Monsoon down once I started reading it. As a result, I've been glued to this book for about 10 hours now. I was unavailable for anyone, yet I have no regrets. There’s so much to experience. I was moved, touched, angry, shocked and terrified. Eventually, I was completely satisfied. It's a lovely narrative about weathering many paranoid ups and downs while having this one and only special there beside us.
May 18, 2015
This story is one of those that you come across from time to time, that has real depth in storyline and characters. I have read other books by Caren J Werlinger and really enjoyed them, but this one blew me away.
The subject of the story is about adoption in all its faces, from being an adoptee and looking for one's natural parents, to being a natural parent and having one's child find you and then being a couple wanting to adopt a child. The story is also about how a ten year old relationship that seems to be going along swimmingly can suddenly take a turn for the worse and how the two people concerned turn it around to make it better and stronger.
The story had real depth and certainly worth putting the time aside to read thoroughly as it is not one you can just skim the surface. The characters are real people with real angsts that one may come across in life. Leisa and Nan, the two main women in the story, have great depth and their characters are well developed. They ar also backed up by other strong women such as Leisa's aunt, Jo Ann, Nan's best friend Maddie and her partner Lyn and last but not least little Mariela who claims a chunk of Leisa's heart.
I can certainly recommend this book as a good read.
The subject of the story is about adoption in all its faces, from being an adoptee and looking for one's natural parents, to being a natural parent and having one's child find you and then being a couple wanting to adopt a child. The story is also about how a ten year old relationship that seems to be going along swimmingly can suddenly take a turn for the worse and how the two people concerned turn it around to make it better and stronger.
The story had real depth and certainly worth putting the time aside to read thoroughly as it is not one you can just skim the surface. The characters are real people with real angsts that one may come across in life. Leisa and Nan, the two main women in the story, have great depth and their characters are well developed. They ar also backed up by other strong women such as Leisa's aunt, Jo Ann, Nan's best friend Maddie and her partner Lyn and last but not least little Mariela who claims a chunk of Leisa's heart.
I can certainly recommend this book as a good read.
August 23, 2017
MONSOON
I LOVE THIS STORY. THE CHARACTERS WERE SO REAL, RAW AND VULNERABLE.. I SAW MYSELF READING THIS BOOK. IT IS A BOOK OF LOVE, DEATH, LOSS, MISTAKES AND LEARNING AND GROWING FROM OUR MISTAKES INSTEAD OF LETTING THEM CONTROL US, REGRET, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY FAMILY. A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE, FOR CAN LEARN MUCH ABOUT THEMSELVES FROM READING THIS BOOK.
I LOVE THIS STORY. THE CHARACTERS WERE SO REAL, RAW AND VULNERABLE.. I SAW MYSELF READING THIS BOOK. IT IS A BOOK OF LOVE, DEATH, LOSS, MISTAKES AND LEARNING AND GROWING FROM OUR MISTAKES INSTEAD OF LETTING THEM CONTROL US, REGRET, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY FAMILY. A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE, FOR CAN LEARN MUCH ABOUT THEMSELVES FROM READING THIS BOOK.
August 16, 2019
An atypical selection prompted by decision fatigue. But actually I’ve read the author’s lesbian take on Beauty and the Beast, so I vaguely knew what to expect…not much. This one turned out to be fairy tale free contemporary relationship drama straight out of Lifetime television programming. A lesbian couple in the 30s hits a tough (monsoon) year ten years into their relationship. And then drama, drama and more drama unfolds. All quite heightened and melodramatic, but not tediously so, mostly. Some of the drama is of a deliberately contrived variety, some due to the characters…well, stupidity. I mean, these are two well to do people in a first world country, some of their turmoil is just…unnecessary. Leise, especially, she’s just…well, the polite word would be difficult, but kinda want to go with the idiot here. Leise is kind of an idiot. She completely spins out following the death of her beloved adoptive mother and proceeds to make one stupid decision after another. After a while it becomes intolerable, well to me as a reader anyway, apparently her partner managed to put up with her perfectly well. So there’s much to do here about mothers and daughters, families chosen and biological and all that. The book seems to be very strongly prolife. Even lesbians follow through with drunken one night stand pregnancies by guys. And in general, it’s a very heartwarming lachrymose sort of story for fans of…I don’t even know…serious romance? Is there such a thing? The author writes decently enough, but has very pronounced limitations, so that the book seldom gets out from under itself into something good. On average it stays…well, average. At best. There are just many clichés, too many deliberate awwww moments, too much two dimensionality. The dialogue occasionally sounds unrealistic, weirdly scripted even. There’s occasional absolutely unnecessary flashes of omniscient narration. You do get involved with the characters, because it’s that kind of emotionally sappy story, but that just mostly leads to more annoyance by them. Nan, isn’t without her faults, especially a certain strategic telling off she does, that’s just horrid, especially for a professional therapist. But she is still by far the best of the two. So can a woman with a (really not that terrible of a secret, but apparently enough to leads to that entire…no more trust, must eave sort of thing) past and a woman who makes stupid choices based on some inner nobility of spirit or just plain emotional incontinency survive a monsoon? Well, read all about it and find out. But obviously, given the genre, a sappy, family out of a cheesy commercial, happy ending wouldn’t be out of the question. So yeah, it wasn’t terrible, it kinda sorta entertained. It saved me making a decision. User mileage may vary. There’s definitely a readership out there for this sort of thing and I’m just not it, really.
May 17, 2015
This story is one of those that you come across from time to time, that has real depth in storyline and characters. I have read other books by Caren J Werlinger and really enjoyed them, but this one blew me away.
The subject of the story is about adoption in all its faces, from being an adoptee and looking for one's natural parents, to being a natural parent and having one's child find you and then being a couple wanting to adopt a child. The story is also about how a ten year old relationship that seems to be going along swimmingly can suddenly take a turn for the worse and how the two people concerned turn it around to make it better and stronger.
The story had real depth and certainly worth putting the time aside to read thoroughly as it is not one you can just skim the surface. The characters are real people with real angsts that one may come across in life. Leisa and Nan, the two main women in the story, have great depth and their characters are well developed. They ar also backed up by other strong women such as Leisa's aunt, Jo Ann, Nan's best friend Maddie and her partner Lyn and last but not least little Mariela who claims a chunk of Leisa's heart.
I can certainly recommend this book as a good read.
The subject of the story is about adoption in all its faces, from being an adoptee and looking for one's natural parents, to being a natural parent and having one's child find you and then being a couple wanting to adopt a child. The story is also about how a ten year old relationship that seems to be going along swimmingly can suddenly take a turn for the worse and how the two people concerned turn it around to make it better and stronger.
The story had real depth and certainly worth putting the time aside to read thoroughly as it is not one you can just skim the surface. The characters are real people with real angsts that one may come across in life. Leisa and Nan, the two main women in the story, have great depth and their characters are well developed. They ar also backed up by other strong women such as Leisa's aunt, Jo Ann, Nan's best friend Maddie and her partner Lyn and last but not least little Mariela who claims a chunk of Leisa's heart.
I can certainly recommend this book as a good read.
April 5, 2015
Leisa and Nan experience more life impacting issues in a short period of time than some people experience over several years. This story of family, friends, relationships, and people that care deeply about each other moved me to reflect on my life and my family. All most people want is for love one's to be safe, happy and surrounded by people that love them. In addition,this is a story of holding on and fighting for love. As stated by other reviewers, the flashbacks within the same paragraph was quite different from other lesbian romances I have read. The flashforward was an intriguing surprise. Yes, you can do it type of read.
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October 29, 2018Another great book
Second book I've read by Werlinger. Another nail biter,creatively written. So many pieces in the book about Nan and Leisa were very relative to my wife and I. Loved the ending loved the story of the monsoon and how it all flowed together with such a beautiful ending. I laughed and cried at moments of reading this book, but what an adventure it was getting to know all the characters.
Second book I've read by Werlinger. Another nail biter,creatively written. So many pieces in the book about Nan and Leisa were very relative to my wife and I. Loved the ending loved the story of the monsoon and how it all flowed together with such a beautiful ending. I laughed and cried at moments of reading this book, but what an adventure it was getting to know all the characters.
August 6, 2019
So Emotional!
Oh my goodness!! This book was intense and so very, very wonderful!! Beautifully written and flawless, (and let’s face it EVERYTHING Ms Werlinger writes is!!) this tender love story is full of all kinds of emotions. It is deep and meaningful and amazing. This drama had me sobbing in places, angry in others. It made me feel hopeful and happy and loving. It was, simply put perfection!
Oh my goodness!! This book was intense and so very, very wonderful!! Beautifully written and flawless, (and let’s face it EVERYTHING Ms Werlinger writes is!!) this tender love story is full of all kinds of emotions. It is deep and meaningful and amazing. This drama had me sobbing in places, angry in others. It made me feel hopeful and happy and loving. It was, simply put perfection!
August 16, 2017
The only good thing I can say about this book was that it avoided many of the lesbian tropes found in other lesbian books. But, like, that's all. Mostly this was just a depressing read with very little to uplift it. I just really didn't enjoy this book.
April 11, 2021
A more clearer picture of life when you make it through the Monsoon
I started this book at midday and was unable to let it go till I had finished. Leisa and Nan enter the most turbulent season of there life. Marilee is just a child but to rescue her will start the Monsoon. My heart was taken on the most important winds as this couple navigated so much. The characters are are stretched in so many directions I often wondered if they will get back to each other. They loose family that is close, struggle with people who are blood family but not close st all. The dialogue is both difficult and sometimes full of great pain. They ride the the waves as they try to hold onto each other during this year of everything coming to the surface. Caren J Werlinger weaves past, present and future in a story that will grab your heart, make you cry and leave you so full of life. This is an intense read that will need you to keep up with the story. It will also bring a joy admits so much upheaval you can't handle the emotions. Awe but the Joy is life giving! Such a good read.
I started this book at midday and was unable to let it go till I had finished. Leisa and Nan enter the most turbulent season of there life. Marilee is just a child but to rescue her will start the Monsoon. My heart was taken on the most important winds as this couple navigated so much. The characters are are stretched in so many directions I often wondered if they will get back to each other. They loose family that is close, struggle with people who are blood family but not close st all. The dialogue is both difficult and sometimes full of great pain. They ride the the waves as they try to hold onto each other during this year of everything coming to the surface. Caren J Werlinger weaves past, present and future in a story that will grab your heart, make you cry and leave you so full of life. This is an intense read that will need you to keep up with the story. It will also bring a joy admits so much upheaval you can't handle the emotions. Awe but the Joy is life giving! Such a good read.
September 22, 2020
As I have come to expect from this author another deep, layered, complex and issue heavy book. If you don't like angst this book is not for you. Even for Werlinger this book covers many issues and setbacks for the characters, particularly Leisa, all very compelling and sensitively handled. As another reviewer has noted I also struggled a little with the flashbacks and it wasn't always obvious 'when' the scene was occurring. However in books by this author there's always a kernel of hope, and whilst she doesn't write traditional romances or HEA's she does offer a realistic portrait of the ebb and flow of love and relationships that has you rooting for the characters. Another compelling read.
October 25, 2025
In YEAR OF THE MONSOON, secrets and loss play primary roles. Yet the overarching message is one of hope and I never got pulled under by the pain experienced by the main characters Leisa and Nan. Family—what it means, whom it includes, and how to navigate the treacherous territory on the outskirts of belonging—this is the central theme, and Werlinger spins a good tale, weaving together threads of Leisa and Nan's past with their present lives. I'm not one to include spoilers in my book reviews, but the transformation that allows Leisa and Nan to reconnect and create their own family anew (complete with a Corgi and a little girl) is something very special.
Well done, Caren!
Well done, Caren!
May 21, 2023
This is a truly fine novel about a couple whose relationship is fraying. Leisa's parents have died and she has discovered a letter from her birth mother. Her parents had loved her well and she had no desire to find her birth mother until she saw the letter. Around the same time she becomes attached to an orphaned girl in a facility where she works. But Nan, her partner of 10 years, buries herself in her therapy work and is not emotionally available.
Werlinger has produced a complex and heartfelt story. I enjoyed this book and I admire the work that went into it.
Werlinger has produced a complex and heartfelt story. I enjoyed this book and I admire the work that went into it.
April 24, 2022
First book I've listened to by this author, and very pleased to have done so. It's not a fluffy read, it's quite a heart wrenching story, with a lot more downs than ups, but with a happy ending that makes the ride so much worth it. Feelings of abandonment, of not belonging, of what is really a family... it's a hard ride, but it is a beautiful ride that reflects complexities of human nature and relationships. I loved every minute. New narrator to me as well, and kudos to Lisa Larsen.
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