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The Measure of the Moon
"If you ever say anything to anyone, they all die."
When eight-year-old Greer Donner falls off his horse in the Washington wilderness, he braces himself to face the long hike home alone. But screams pierce the darkness, and he stumbles upon a dead-end road where a man is beating a woman—nearly to death. In a moment of courage, he stops the assault, but he's left to face the man, who turns his wrath into an ominous if the boy ever reveals what he has seen, his family will pay the ultimate price. The secret Greer now carries begins his emotional unraveling.
In Seattle, Gillian Trett is a photographer with a troubled marriage and a childhood she's trying to forget. Domestic tension mounts when her husband's stepsister arrives. Desperate for a distraction, and a way to advance her career, Gillian throws herself into uncovering the history behind an old man's Holocaust photo of boys in a forest. The mysterious children and the truth behind the scene haunt her—she can't let go of the image, or of her own shadowed past.
Then a horrifying revelation entangles Gillian's path with young Greer's. The boy and the woman, separated by a generation and a hundred miles, each confront the terrible power of harbored secrets—not only to eclipse the truth but also to illuminate the dark, unknown dimensions of their loved ones and themselves.
When eight-year-old Greer Donner falls off his horse in the Washington wilderness, he braces himself to face the long hike home alone. But screams pierce the darkness, and he stumbles upon a dead-end road where a man is beating a woman—nearly to death. In a moment of courage, he stops the assault, but he's left to face the man, who turns his wrath into an ominous if the boy ever reveals what he has seen, his family will pay the ultimate price. The secret Greer now carries begins his emotional unraveling.
In Seattle, Gillian Trett is a photographer with a troubled marriage and a childhood she's trying to forget. Domestic tension mounts when her husband's stepsister arrives. Desperate for a distraction, and a way to advance her career, Gillian throws herself into uncovering the history behind an old man's Holocaust photo of boys in a forest. The mysterious children and the truth behind the scene haunt her—she can't let go of the image, or of her own shadowed past.
Then a horrifying revelation entangles Gillian's path with young Greer's. The boy and the woman, separated by a generation and a hundred miles, each confront the terrible power of harbored secrets—not only to eclipse the truth but also to illuminate the dark, unknown dimensions of their loved ones and themselves.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2017
328 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Preston
22 books101 followersLisa Preston (1964- ) turned to writing after careers as a fire department paramedic and a city police officer. Experience in her earlier professions enhance the medical and legal passages of her fiction and non-fiction.
Her debut novel, Orchids and Stone, was released by Thomas & Mercer in April 2016, and has been described both as a thriller and as domestic noir.
Her published work includes non-fiction books and articles on animals, particularly the care and training of dogs and horses.
Away from her desk, she spends hours on backcountry trails as a runner and rider, sometimes combining her two outdoor pursuits via the obscure sport of Ride and Tie.
She lives with her husband and Malinois on Washington State's vast Olympic Peninsula.
Her debut novel, Orchids and Stone, was released by Thomas & Mercer in April 2016, and has been described both as a thriller and as domestic noir.
Her published work includes non-fiction books and articles on animals, particularly the care and training of dogs and horses.
Away from her desk, she spends hours on backcountry trails as a runner and rider, sometimes combining her two outdoor pursuits via the obscure sport of Ride and Tie.
She lives with her husband and Malinois on Washington State's vast Olympic Peninsula.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 18, 2017
The Measure of the Moon is a family drama/crime thriller, character driven and more on the literary side of things, I found it both tense and atmospheric also beautifully written.
It is a slow burner but in a good way, Lisa Preston manages to breathe a life into her characters that is utterly gripping – both Greer and Gillian have very different circumstances but so much links them, this yin/yang effect was highly compelling. One moment can have a lifetime of consequences, this is a theme that is explored here somewhat alongside many others, all of which weave a complex yet fascinating tale where the reward is in the coming together of it all.
The exploration of trauma, childhood trauma especially in Greer’s case is wonderfully done – Greer who cannot speak of what he saw and yet if affects his very heart, is a sympathetic and engaging character and the whole novel has an authentic almost noir feel about it. The historical aspects worked well, I am fond of a story that has many strands that interconnect ultimately to give a full picture, as we follow Greer, Gillian and the rest (I was particularly drawn to orphans Alice and Alex) you are immersed into these lives until the final pages.
Overall I was a fan of this one. I’d recommend it for fans of literary crime with family drama elements and clever plotting.
It is a slow burner but in a good way, Lisa Preston manages to breathe a life into her characters that is utterly gripping – both Greer and Gillian have very different circumstances but so much links them, this yin/yang effect was highly compelling. One moment can have a lifetime of consequences, this is a theme that is explored here somewhat alongside many others, all of which weave a complex yet fascinating tale where the reward is in the coming together of it all.
The exploration of trauma, childhood trauma especially in Greer’s case is wonderfully done – Greer who cannot speak of what he saw and yet if affects his very heart, is a sympathetic and engaging character and the whole novel has an authentic almost noir feel about it. The historical aspects worked well, I am fond of a story that has many strands that interconnect ultimately to give a full picture, as we follow Greer, Gillian and the rest (I was particularly drawn to orphans Alice and Alex) you are immersed into these lives until the final pages.
Overall I was a fan of this one. I’d recommend it for fans of literary crime with family drama elements and clever plotting.
April 9, 2017
Greer showed that he was a very mature eight year old. During the assault, he did some quick thinking, even if it was not such a smart move. Yet, Greer saved a life that night. Ever since than, Greer has been haunted by the man's threats. So much to the point that Greer retreats within himself and we the readers see a transformation within Greer to not be the happy boy he once was. Luckily, for him, he had a good family support system with lots of people who cared for him.
On the other hand, Gillian did not have family support. Not even from her husband. That is why I think that when Gillian found the old photo, she committed to finding out the truth. Than when she met Alexandru Istok, who had saved the children in the photograph from the Nazis. They were Jewish; she was focused on trying to give someone a happy ending.
One of the reader questions for discussion in the back of the book is around Gillian and Greer and what the difference between their situations were like when their is family support. Through Greer's story, it shows that support of any kind either family or close friends, is very important. Without it, the results could be devastating. The author did a good job of bring life to the characters and making me the reader really connect with both Gillian and Greer. Although, the rest of the characters in the story were just as important. Nothing better than a story with well-developed characters and a moving story.
On the other hand, Gillian did not have family support. Not even from her husband. That is why I think that when Gillian found the old photo, she committed to finding out the truth. Than when she met Alexandru Istok, who had saved the children in the photograph from the Nazis. They were Jewish; she was focused on trying to give someone a happy ending.
One of the reader questions for discussion in the back of the book is around Gillian and Greer and what the difference between their situations were like when their is family support. Through Greer's story, it shows that support of any kind either family or close friends, is very important. Without it, the results could be devastating. The author did a good job of bring life to the characters and making me the reader really connect with both Gillian and Greer. Although, the rest of the characters in the story were just as important. Nothing better than a story with well-developed characters and a moving story.
April 23, 2017
GNab I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Lisa Preston, and Thomas and Mercer Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all, for sharing your work with me.
The Measure of the Moon is an excellent tale about the binding ties of family and the depth of evil out there in our world. I enjoyed this look at Washington state outside the bounds of Seattle, and becoming a part of the Donner family through the serious emotional trial Greer must face after his ordeal in the woods. The two stories entwine well, keeping you on your toes as the story evolves. Lisa Preston is an author to follow.
pub date April 18, 2017
Thomas and Mercer publisher
The Measure of the Moon is an excellent tale about the binding ties of family and the depth of evil out there in our world. I enjoyed this look at Washington state outside the bounds of Seattle, and becoming a part of the Donner family through the serious emotional trial Greer must face after his ordeal in the woods. The two stories entwine well, keeping you on your toes as the story evolves. Lisa Preston is an author to follow.
pub date April 18, 2017
Thomas and Mercer publisher
July 24, 2022
excellent
I was a bit confused for a while because there are so many characters and stories to follow. But once I got them sorted, this was a moving and thought provoking read.
Major triggers here! Be warned!
I was a bit confused for a while because there are so many characters and stories to follow. But once I got them sorted, this was a moving and thought provoking read.
Major triggers here! Be warned!
July 20, 2017
Gripping and suspenseful - I particularly liked what Preston did with Gillian's character.
September 1, 2017
Bad not worth a star
Not sure how to describe it but unreadable is one. Choice of words is really strange and anachronistic at times. Chewing on the same subject for several chapters, it is hard to read. I forced myself through 1/3 of the book before giving up. Characters are not real, language is bad, terrible at times. I can't understand why would anyone enjoy reading this let alone giving it even one star. I guess I am one of those - Amazon should come up with additional rating system, maybe something like a rat for books like this and a smile for exceptional books, the rest can go for the usual five star rating system.
Not sure how to describe it but unreadable is one. Choice of words is really strange and anachronistic at times. Chewing on the same subject for several chapters, it is hard to read. I forced myself through 1/3 of the book before giving up. Characters are not real, language is bad, terrible at times. I can't understand why would anyone enjoy reading this let alone giving it even one star. I guess I am one of those - Amazon should come up with additional rating system, maybe something like a rat for books like this and a smile for exceptional books, the rest can go for the usual five star rating system.
March 20, 2017
3.5*
8-year old Greer has everything a little boy could ever want: loving parents, a sheltered childhood growing up in the natural beauty a stone-throw away from the Olympic National Park, and five older siblings who nurture and protect him. But his life changes for ever on the night he witnesses a man assault a woman in the woods. Little Greer knows wrong when he sees it, and he is not afraid to step in and confront the assailant. Due to his brave intervention, the woman manages to escape, but the man’s angry last words will ring in his ears forever: If you tell, I will kill your whole family. His family, the people he loves most in the whole world. Greer’s lips are sealed as he pictures images so horrible they haunt him in his sleep. With a secret so terrible, Greer begins to unravel, and no one knows why ....
In Seattle, Gillian dreams of a different life, and feels terrible to be so ungrateful. Doesn’t she have everything a woman could possibly want? A loving husband, a beautiful home, enough money to be comfortable for the rest of her life, and her job as photographer which has so far fulfilled her. But there is a burning desire for excitement that will not go away. When she stumbles upon an old photograph of a group of solemn-faced children hidden in an antique camera, she is intrigued to find out more about their background, not realising that the story she will discover will change her life ....
The Measure of the Moon is a thought provoking, haunting tale of the burden of childhood trauma and its effects on different people from different family backgrounds. Greer, who has a big loving family to support him. Gillian, whose alcoholic parents had left her and her sister Becky to fend for themselves as children, and who both cope in different ways with the after effects of neglect. Alex and Alice, orphans growing up in an unimaginable time with terrible choices to make. And Liz, the mysterious woman on the run with a young child. As their stories intersect, each one must rely on their inner strength to make choices, right or wrong, which will shape their lives in different ways.
The author’s background in emergency services obviously stays her in good stead when it comes to understanding different people and their motivations, and her characters and their backgrounds are richly drawn and authentic. In fact, I thought I must have missed an earlier book in a series, as the novel assumes a certain familiarity with the Greer clan that made me feel like they have featured in other novels before, so detailed were their individual histories. I could picture them vividly in my mind, feeling their confusion and pain in seeing their youngest family member unravel before their very eyes without knowing why. What greater agony could there be for a parent than seeing their child suffer and being helpless to help? It was agony to read about the fear locked into the boy’s heart from a threat so carelessly uttered by a violent man. Whilst I also found Gillian an intriguing and likeable character, I found her story to be a bit overshadowed by the many side-stories relating to the Greer clan.
The Measure of the Moon is a slow, contemplative and character driven drama rather than a fast-paced mystery, and I especially loved the historical element introduced by the old photo, which I felt intriguing. At times I longed for a bit more action as the story slowly simmered along, but all in all I really enjoyed the journey. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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8-year old Greer has everything a little boy could ever want: loving parents, a sheltered childhood growing up in the natural beauty a stone-throw away from the Olympic National Park, and five older siblings who nurture and protect him. But his life changes for ever on the night he witnesses a man assault a woman in the woods. Little Greer knows wrong when he sees it, and he is not afraid to step in and confront the assailant. Due to his brave intervention, the woman manages to escape, but the man’s angry last words will ring in his ears forever: If you tell, I will kill your whole family. His family, the people he loves most in the whole world. Greer’s lips are sealed as he pictures images so horrible they haunt him in his sleep. With a secret so terrible, Greer begins to unravel, and no one knows why ....
In Seattle, Gillian dreams of a different life, and feels terrible to be so ungrateful. Doesn’t she have everything a woman could possibly want? A loving husband, a beautiful home, enough money to be comfortable for the rest of her life, and her job as photographer which has so far fulfilled her. But there is a burning desire for excitement that will not go away. When she stumbles upon an old photograph of a group of solemn-faced children hidden in an antique camera, she is intrigued to find out more about their background, not realising that the story she will discover will change her life ....
The Measure of the Moon is a thought provoking, haunting tale of the burden of childhood trauma and its effects on different people from different family backgrounds. Greer, who has a big loving family to support him. Gillian, whose alcoholic parents had left her and her sister Becky to fend for themselves as children, and who both cope in different ways with the after effects of neglect. Alex and Alice, orphans growing up in an unimaginable time with terrible choices to make. And Liz, the mysterious woman on the run with a young child. As their stories intersect, each one must rely on their inner strength to make choices, right or wrong, which will shape their lives in different ways.
The author’s background in emergency services obviously stays her in good stead when it comes to understanding different people and their motivations, and her characters and their backgrounds are richly drawn and authentic. In fact, I thought I must have missed an earlier book in a series, as the novel assumes a certain familiarity with the Greer clan that made me feel like they have featured in other novels before, so detailed were their individual histories. I could picture them vividly in my mind, feeling their confusion and pain in seeing their youngest family member unravel before their very eyes without knowing why. What greater agony could there be for a parent than seeing their child suffer and being helpless to help? It was agony to read about the fear locked into the boy’s heart from a threat so carelessly uttered by a violent man. Whilst I also found Gillian an intriguing and likeable character, I found her story to be a bit overshadowed by the many side-stories relating to the Greer clan.
The Measure of the Moon is a slow, contemplative and character driven drama rather than a fast-paced mystery, and I especially loved the historical element introduced by the old photo, which I felt intriguing. At times I longed for a bit more action as the story slowly simmered along, but all in all I really enjoyed the journey. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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June 19, 2019
Greer - 9-year-old boy who saw a crime. A boy attacked by the perpetrator, warned to never tell, or else the perpetrator would kill all of his family.
Gillian - a photographer feeling unsettled. A photographer who, when exploring the old camera, finds the old photo film, with one picture taken.
The boy and the female photographer are connected, yet they have their own story about that what is hidden.
This is partly mystery, partly psychological drama.
The mystery was well done, even if there is too much of loud, loving family around, if you ask me (Can there even be too much of loving family? Yes. They are here to demonstrate the warm connection, something totally different from the Gillian's family situation - and while I like them and their bonds, they also feel like a filler, a better developed plot props). Gillian's story is mainly psychological- she is trying to understand an old story, and when the story takes an unexpected turn, she is forced to evaluate her hidden needs and wants.
And the un/compatibity of the both stories is what drives me away. I like the Greer story with its mystery angle and the boy's both brave and foolish fight. I am tired by the Gillian's psychological journey. I think if this were two separate books, the message of finding the hidden and forgiving the un/forgivable would be more effective.
Yet-the psychological issues ARE interesting. Sometimes a bit heavy, but definitely interesting. And the writing skills of the authoress are very good. I think she loves her characters too much, so she gets immersed in their world/s too much. Which is a cute trait (even if I still wish for a better editor).
Having said all that, this is an interesting read, well-worth of reader's club discussions.
Gillian - a photographer feeling unsettled. A photographer who, when exploring the old camera, finds the old photo film, with one picture taken.
The boy and the female photographer are connected, yet they have their own story about that what is hidden.
This is partly mystery, partly psychological drama.
The mystery was well done, even if there is too much of loud, loving family around, if you ask me (Can there even be too much of loving family? Yes. They are here to demonstrate the warm connection, something totally different from the Gillian's family situation - and while I like them and their bonds, they also feel like a filler, a better developed plot props). Gillian's story is mainly psychological- she is trying to understand an old story, and when the story takes an unexpected turn, she is forced to evaluate her hidden needs and wants.
And the un/compatibity of the both stories is what drives me away. I like the Greer story with its mystery angle and the boy's both brave and foolish fight. I am tired by the Gillian's psychological journey. I think if this were two separate books, the message of finding the hidden and forgiving the un/forgivable would be more effective.
Yet-the psychological issues ARE interesting. Sometimes a bit heavy, but definitely interesting. And the writing skills of the authoress are very good. I think she loves her characters too much, so she gets immersed in their world/s too much. Which is a cute trait (even if I still wish for a better editor).
Having said all that, this is an interesting read, well-worth of reader's club discussions.
May 11, 2017
The Measure of the Moon! "If you ever say anything to anyone, they all die".
And just like that, Lisa Preston pulls her audience through the opening scene of this page-turner. Immediately immersing us in the tale of the darkest and scariest night of Greer Donner's life, Measure of the Moon launches right into the heart of the story.
And then, with an unforeseen (and somewhat abrupt) turn, readers are introduced to a completely separate set of characters. And so goes the story - Preston pulls characters in and out, with expert description and captivating dialogue. It does seem, however, to get a bit confusing. The reader is introduced to the Donner family first and then Paul and Gillian, a married couple living a few hours away. Through them, the reader meets yet another family - the Istoks. And through all this beautiful, haunting detail, there is a subtle nagging in the back of the reader's mind: Huh?
Though gripping and written with enough detail to almost be able to hear ferryboats on the Seattle waterways, smell the rain and see the Needle off in the distance, it gets a little annoying that none of these stories seem to intertwine. At least for me - I couldn't figure it out...until I figured it out. And once the connections become clear, it's easy to say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time.
Reminiscent of Gillian Flynn or Heather Gudenkauf in style, this suspense is a must-read. And I kind of hope you don't figure it out sooner than I did - half the fun is in not knowing...
And just like that, Lisa Preston pulls her audience through the opening scene of this page-turner. Immediately immersing us in the tale of the darkest and scariest night of Greer Donner's life, Measure of the Moon launches right into the heart of the story.
And then, with an unforeseen (and somewhat abrupt) turn, readers are introduced to a completely separate set of characters. And so goes the story - Preston pulls characters in and out, with expert description and captivating dialogue. It does seem, however, to get a bit confusing. The reader is introduced to the Donner family first and then Paul and Gillian, a married couple living a few hours away. Through them, the reader meets yet another family - the Istoks. And through all this beautiful, haunting detail, there is a subtle nagging in the back of the reader's mind: Huh?
Though gripping and written with enough detail to almost be able to hear ferryboats on the Seattle waterways, smell the rain and see the Needle off in the distance, it gets a little annoying that none of these stories seem to intertwine. At least for me - I couldn't figure it out...until I figured it out. And once the connections become clear, it's easy to say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time.
Reminiscent of Gillian Flynn or Heather Gudenkauf in style, this suspense is a must-read. And I kind of hope you don't figure it out sooner than I did - half the fun is in not knowing...
May 11, 2017
"If you ever say anything to anyone, they all die".
And just like that, Lisa Preston pulls her audience through the opening scene of this page-turner. Immediately immersing us in the tale of the darkest and scariest night of Greer Donner's life, Measure of the Moon launches right into the heart of the story.
And then, with an unforeseen (and somewhat abrupt) turn, readers are introduced to a completely separate set of characters. And so goes the story - Preston pulls characters in and out, with expert description and captivating dialogue. It does seem, however, to get a bit confusing. The reader is introduced to the Donner family first and then Paul and Gillian, a married couple living a few hours away. Through them, the reader meets yet another family - the Istoks. And through all this beautiful, haunting detail, there is a subtle nagging in the back of the reader's mind: Huh?
Though gripping and written with enough detail to almost be able to hear ferryboats on the Seattle waterways, smell the rain and see the Needle off in the distance, it gets a little annoying that none of these stories seem to intertwine. At least for me - I couldn't figure it out...until I figured it out. And once the connections become clear, it's easy to say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time.
Reminiscent of Gillian Flynn or Heather Gudenkauf in style, this suspense is a must-read. And I kind of hope you don't figure it out sooner than I did - half the fun is in not knowing...
And just like that, Lisa Preston pulls her audience through the opening scene of this page-turner. Immediately immersing us in the tale of the darkest and scariest night of Greer Donner's life, Measure of the Moon launches right into the heart of the story.
And then, with an unforeseen (and somewhat abrupt) turn, readers are introduced to a completely separate set of characters. And so goes the story - Preston pulls characters in and out, with expert description and captivating dialogue. It does seem, however, to get a bit confusing. The reader is introduced to the Donner family first and then Paul and Gillian, a married couple living a few hours away. Through them, the reader meets yet another family - the Istoks. And through all this beautiful, haunting detail, there is a subtle nagging in the back of the reader's mind: Huh?
Though gripping and written with enough detail to almost be able to hear ferryboats on the Seattle waterways, smell the rain and see the Needle off in the distance, it gets a little annoying that none of these stories seem to intertwine. At least for me - I couldn't figure it out...until I figured it out. And once the connections become clear, it's easy to say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time.
Reminiscent of Gillian Flynn or Heather Gudenkauf in style, this suspense is a must-read. And I kind of hope you don't figure it out sooner than I did - half the fun is in not knowing...
June 14, 2022
This was a mash up of a family drama and a suspense thriller and a mystery - and it doesn't work as one book.
The story starts with an 8-year old boy Greer, who's off joyriding bareback on a horse. After falling off the horse, he starts trekking home and witnesses - and stops - a man beating a woman. After threatening to kill Greer and his family if he talks, the boy eventually finds his way home and struggles to keep his secret. Another story starts with Gillian, a photographer struggling with her marriage and trying to advance her career while trying to ignore the shadows cast by her childhood.
The two disparate storylines each have a distinct tone and pace and they don't really work well together as the shifts between characters across the chapters are jarring. The Greer storyline is overpopulated with characters that are hard to keep track off (okay, yes, they have a big - huge - extended family) and provide more noise than color. The Gillian storyline is introspective and almost claustrophobic and leads to the character's sometimes illogical thinking and action.
Working on the premise that harbored secrets can cause great harm, the two storylines eventually meet and merge, but it takes a meandering path through many characters' side stories that tested my patience. I understand that the intention was to create a layered and nuanced story but the ending was unsatisfying, considering the lengthy buildup to get there.
The story starts with an 8-year old boy Greer, who's off joyriding bareback on a horse. After falling off the horse, he starts trekking home and witnesses - and stops - a man beating a woman. After threatening to kill Greer and his family if he talks, the boy eventually finds his way home and struggles to keep his secret. Another story starts with Gillian, a photographer struggling with her marriage and trying to advance her career while trying to ignore the shadows cast by her childhood.
The two disparate storylines each have a distinct tone and pace and they don't really work well together as the shifts between characters across the chapters are jarring. The Greer storyline is overpopulated with characters that are hard to keep track off (okay, yes, they have a big - huge - extended family) and provide more noise than color. The Gillian storyline is introspective and almost claustrophobic and leads to the character's sometimes illogical thinking and action.
Working on the premise that harbored secrets can cause great harm, the two storylines eventually meet and merge, but it takes a meandering path through many characters' side stories that tested my patience. I understand that the intention was to create a layered and nuanced story but the ending was unsatisfying, considering the lengthy buildup to get there.
May 18, 2017
When I first read the description of the book, I was intrigued by the connection between the two stories that sounded so different, so unrelated. The novel deals with themes of fear and abandonment and how they affect people. Without giving anything away, I can say that there are many parallels between what happens to Greer and the story Gillian is pursuing. The first part of the book was very difficult to get through because of the extreme distress of the child. Although it gets better, the tension is maintained until the resolution. Gillian was a confusing character for me. I couldn't get a handle on her at all but I found it worked well since she herself was struggling with self-doubt. I was expecting a slightly more casual read but have no complaints about this page-turner that delivered more.
I noticed that some reviewers found the two stories confusing. I thought the author did a fine job of switching back and forth between the two tales and sufficient time was spent developing the sets of characters. In fact, Gillian's low-key story took the edge of the agony of Greer's story while prolonging the suspense. The knowledge that both stories were going to be pulled together eventually was satisfying enough even though it demanded patience.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway which I entered for the reason stated above.
I noticed that some reviewers found the two stories confusing. I thought the author did a fine job of switching back and forth between the two tales and sufficient time was spent developing the sets of characters. In fact, Gillian's low-key story took the edge of the agony of Greer's story while prolonging the suspense. The knowledge that both stories were going to be pulled together eventually was satisfying enough even though it demanded patience.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway which I entered for the reason stated above.
June 2, 2017
This was a great book about a boy that had everything a kid could ask for. His large family loved him, he lived in a great place with a nice park really close by. Everything changes when he witnesses something traumatic. He quickly begins to change and his family can't figure out what's going on with him.
A woman that has everything that she thought would make her happiest in life. She has a loving husband, a house, money, and a great job as a photographer. That's not enough for her, though she wants more. She craves excitement in her life. She thinks she finds her excitement when she stumbles upon a picture of some kids on her camera. She does not realize that the story she stumbled on will change her forever.
This is a very powerful book that I think everyone should read. It shows how everyone handles trauma differently. It also proves how important inner strength is. I thought it was very interesting to see how all of the characters began to collide with each other and the effects of that. This is a slow paced book with not much action so I really had to make myself stick with it. I tend to go more for the action packed stuff but I wasn't disappointed by that at all.
It was a great book that I think will stick with me for a long time.
July 15, 2020
Thomas & Mercer, as well as NetGalley, provided me with an electronic copy of The Measure of the Moon. I voluntarily chose to review this novel and my opinion is freely given.
When eight year old Greer Donner takes his mother's horse without asking, he never expected how much that action would forever change his life.
Gillian Trett is a photographer with a issues surrounding her past and a present marriage that is not without troubles. Coming across an old man’s Holocaust photo of boys in a forest, Greer is haunted enough by the image to want to discover the truth behind it.
Separated by a generation, the two distinct plot lines carry along well into the book. In an attempt to show the readers the totality of the setting, the plot, and the characters, the author describes everything in such detail that the reader does not have to imagine anything. The two plots do not wind together, giving the feeling of two books instead of one story. Overall, the promise of The Measure of the Moon was ultimately more than what the author gave, so I would not recommend it to other readers.
When eight year old Greer Donner takes his mother's horse without asking, he never expected how much that action would forever change his life.
Gillian Trett is a photographer with a issues surrounding her past and a present marriage that is not without troubles. Coming across an old man’s Holocaust photo of boys in a forest, Greer is haunted enough by the image to want to discover the truth behind it.
Separated by a generation, the two distinct plot lines carry along well into the book. In an attempt to show the readers the totality of the setting, the plot, and the characters, the author describes everything in such detail that the reader does not have to imagine anything. The two plots do not wind together, giving the feeling of two books instead of one story. Overall, the promise of The Measure of the Moon was ultimately more than what the author gave, so I would not recommend it to other readers.
April 18, 2017
Nothing makes us as lonely as our secrets. - Paul Tournier
If I had to pick one word for this book, it would be "chaotic." At the center of this suspense novel is a large, rambunctious family - the Donners. And I had a heck of a time keeping everyone straight, such as who was married to whom. I finally decided it didn't make a lot of difference because the characters were so much alike.
I wanted to like this story more than I did. It certainly sounded like my kind of story. Eight year-old Greer Donner takes off on his mother's horse without telling anyone where he was going. He wanted some peace and quiet away from his noisy family. Well, the horse shies away from something and Greer falls off far away from home. So now he knows he's really going to be in trouble. He sets off walking back and comes upon a terrible scene and the ramifications of that encounter cause little Greer to live in terror, not telling anyone what happened.
There's another storyline intertwined with Greer's story and I felt it was just too much - at least as detailed as it got.
I'm doing my best here not to have any spoilers because I don't believe that book reviews should be written like book reports. Just know that this was just an okay story to me. It could have been much better in my opinion by leaving a huge part of the family drama out and also by paring the second storyline down to bare essentials.
I received this book from Thomas & Mercer through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
If I had to pick one word for this book, it would be "chaotic." At the center of this suspense novel is a large, rambunctious family - the Donners. And I had a heck of a time keeping everyone straight, such as who was married to whom. I finally decided it didn't make a lot of difference because the characters were so much alike.
I wanted to like this story more than I did. It certainly sounded like my kind of story. Eight year-old Greer Donner takes off on his mother's horse without telling anyone where he was going. He wanted some peace and quiet away from his noisy family. Well, the horse shies away from something and Greer falls off far away from home. So now he knows he's really going to be in trouble. He sets off walking back and comes upon a terrible scene and the ramifications of that encounter cause little Greer to live in terror, not telling anyone what happened.
There's another storyline intertwined with Greer's story and I felt it was just too much - at least as detailed as it got.
I'm doing my best here not to have any spoilers because I don't believe that book reviews should be written like book reports. Just know that this was just an okay story to me. It could have been much better in my opinion by leaving a huge part of the family drama out and also by paring the second storyline down to bare essentials.
I received this book from Thomas & Mercer through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 2, 2017
Reviewed by Michele Lawrence for San Diego Book Review
Trudging through the woods after tumbling off his spooked horse, nine year old Greer Donner stumbles on a man beating a woman. After bravely stepping up to let the woman escape, Greer's sheltered life takes a traumatic turn that bewilders his entire family. On the flip side, is Gillian: product of alcoholic parents and photographer. After discovering a lost photograph in an antique camera she becomes enmeshed in the story of Alexandru Istok, a bowmaker who fled Europe in WWII.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
Trudging through the woods after tumbling off his spooked horse, nine year old Greer Donner stumbles on a man beating a woman. After bravely stepping up to let the woman escape, Greer's sheltered life takes a traumatic turn that bewilders his entire family. On the flip side, is Gillian: product of alcoholic parents and photographer. After discovering a lost photograph in an antique camera she becomes enmeshed in the story of Alexandru Istok, a bowmaker who fled Europe in WWII.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
June 23, 2017
The Measure of the Moon starts off quick paced and draws you, wanting to find out what happened to Greer, the woman, and Gillian with her camera. It quickly slows as page after page is mostly character development and whole lot of side stories. There are quite a few characters explored in this book, and they all come together at the end rapidly. I loved the Donner family and Alex and Agnes, but Gillian and Paul we're too flaky. Gillian's mood switches faster than the weather in the south, and I wanted to yell at her for not communicating with her husband, which seems to be such as strange relationship. Overall good story, but I probably won't read again.
July 10, 2017
The Measure of the Moon was essentially two books that merged in the final chapter when the characters from each story met and discussed the element that connected them. Granted, there was a "connection" between the stories earlier, but it was part of the "mystery" that was driving both stories somewhat. Usually when more than one storyline occurs in a novel, they merge sooner or more completely. I'd like to see each story in this novel developed on their own.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced digital copy of The Measure of the Moon.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced digital copy of The Measure of the Moon.
May 12, 2017
It was really hard to get into this book. It had 2 separate stories going on that come together in the end but it really just felt like I was reading 2 different books and was confusing at times keeping track of what was going on. I think I would have liked it better if it just focused/and developed the boys story into it's own book without the other one interfering.
November 4, 2017
this was soooo bad. characters were either completely fake or super annoying, the story is dull and drags on forever, Gillian is cold, selfish, judgemental, shallow, self righteous, narrow minded ignoramus. writing is bland and consistency with pov chapters is nonexistent. what a waste of time, I can't even
February 11, 2018
I found this a difficult tale to get into. I think it was that I didn't enjoy the subplot. I felt that there were two separate stories that were rammed together to make them work.
Perhaps of Lisa Preston had only the plot of Gneer and what happened to him I would have enjoyed it more.
Three stars
Perhaps of Lisa Preston had only the plot of Gneer and what happened to him I would have enjoyed it more.
Three stars
November 11, 2019
Unusual mystery story
Mysteries are supposed to be unique, but this multi-viewpoint mystery leaves the reader knowing more than the participants as it ranges from Nazi-controlled Romania to the wilderness of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Dogged police work, domestic violence, repressed memories, wedding photography, and astrophysics play supporting roles.
Mysteries are supposed to be unique, but this multi-viewpoint mystery leaves the reader knowing more than the participants as it ranges from Nazi-controlled Romania to the wilderness of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Dogged police work, domestic violence, repressed memories, wedding photography, and astrophysics play supporting roles.
July 28, 2022
8-year old Greer falls off his horse and witnesses a man beating a woman. His quick thinking helps the won’t escape but the man threatens to kill him and his family so he tries to keep the secret.
A great premise for me and then it just stopped. I wanted to love it but sadly I didn’t. Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
A great premise for me and then it just stopped. I wanted to love it but sadly I didn’t. Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 5, 2017
Enjoyable read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt part of this large family as they struggled to help their youngest. Every member of the family pulled together to help the child overcome his fear. Great and fast read.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt part of this large family as they struggled to help their youngest. Every member of the family pulled together to help the child overcome his fear. Great and fast read.
July 20, 2017
Good book but..
For me, the subplot felt like it didn't belong. It seemed as if the author had 2 separate ideas and tried to mesh them together into one story. A little underwhelming. I would most likely read another from this author. Overall 3 stars.
For me, the subplot felt like it didn't belong. It seemed as if the author had 2 separate ideas and tried to mesh them together into one story. A little underwhelming. I would most likely read another from this author. Overall 3 stars.
September 10, 2017
A tense literary thriller,.A book that drew me in from first shocking scene a true page turner highly recommend.Thanks to Net Galley Thomas Mercer publisher Lisa Preston for advance copy for honest review,
April 25, 2021
I enjoyed this novel and the story line but Gillian's angst made it hard to like her. She had a good kind husband and wanted for nothing but was unhappy. The Donner family was wonderful and I wish there was a book about them.
June 5, 2017
Loved this book!
I really enjoyed this book! Great descriptions of the people and places. I felt like I was there. I am looking forward to reading her next one!
I really enjoyed this book! Great descriptions of the people and places. I felt like I was there. I am looking forward to reading her next one!
June 5, 2017
Couldn't finish it. Not uplifting.
July 15, 2017
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. A page turner all the way!
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