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Small Hotel #1
A Small Hotel
SILVER MEDAL IN FOREWORD REVIEWS BOOK OF THE YEAR (Historical Fiction)
An American Family. A World War. A First Love. A Small Hotel. It’s the summer of 1941. Europe is at war, but New York's Thousand Islands are at the height of the tourist season. Kennet Fiskare, son of a hotel proprietor, is having the summer of a lifetime, having fallen deeply in love with a Swedish-Brazilian guest named Astrid Virtanen. But the affair is cut short and the young lovers permanently parted, first by Astrid’s family obligations, then by America’s entry into the war. The rigors of military life help dull his heartache, but when Kennet’s battalion reaches France, he is thrown into the crucible of front line combat. As his unit crosses Europe, from the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium to Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, Kennet falls into a different kind of the intense camaraderie between soldiers. It's a bond fierce yet fragile, vital yet expendable, here today and gone tomorrow. Sustained by his friendships, Kennet both witnesses and commits the unthinkable atrocities of warfare, altering his view of the world and himself. To the point where a second chance with Astrid in peacetime might be the most terrifying and consequential battle he’s ever fought. With her signature blend of soul-stirring prose and emotional complexity, Laqueur takes readers on a journey through events that shape an American family’s weakest moments and finest hours. A Small Hotel illuminates the experience of ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and their once-in-a-generation camaraderie, courage and resiliency. It’s a novel for the world, a heartbreaking, uplifting story of family, love and human endurance.
An American Family. A World War. A First Love. A Small Hotel. It’s the summer of 1941. Europe is at war, but New York's Thousand Islands are at the height of the tourist season. Kennet Fiskare, son of a hotel proprietor, is having the summer of a lifetime, having fallen deeply in love with a Swedish-Brazilian guest named Astrid Virtanen. But the affair is cut short and the young lovers permanently parted, first by Astrid’s family obligations, then by America’s entry into the war. The rigors of military life help dull his heartache, but when Kennet’s battalion reaches France, he is thrown into the crucible of front line combat. As his unit crosses Europe, from the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium to Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, Kennet falls into a different kind of the intense camaraderie between soldiers. It's a bond fierce yet fragile, vital yet expendable, here today and gone tomorrow. Sustained by his friendships, Kennet both witnesses and commits the unthinkable atrocities of warfare, altering his view of the world and himself. To the point where a second chance with Astrid in peacetime might be the most terrifying and consequential battle he’s ever fought. With her signature blend of soul-stirring prose and emotional complexity, Laqueur takes readers on a journey through events that shape an American family’s weakest moments and finest hours. A Small Hotel illuminates the experience of ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and their once-in-a-generation camaraderie, courage and resiliency. It’s a novel for the world, a heartbreaking, uplifting story of family, love and human endurance.
514 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2021
80 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Suanne Laqueur
28 books1,579 followersA former professional dancer and teacher, Suanne Laqueur went from choreographing music to choreographing words, writing stories that appeal to the passions of all readers, crossing gender, age and genre. As a devoted mental health advocate, her novels focus on both romantic and familial relationships, as well as psychology, PTSD and generational trauma.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
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July 6, 2025
This book is a reader’s endless dream: outstandingly gripping, taking you on a historical journey, introducing you to marvelous characters, and making you cry and laugh at the same time. You cry when you realize your journey just ended and you have to say goodbye to those characters, but you are emotionally not ready to say your farewells. Their stories are already imprinted in your mind that you never dare to erase!
There are moments for the readers to decide how they feel about joining a brand-new reading journey.
As for me: I usually decide how my journey will go on after reading a few pages. I’m still a romantic believer in the love-at-first-chapter idea. I usually check out how the words the author uses may resonate with my mind and my heart at the same time, how the characters make me feel, and how their stories intrigue me.
I can honestly say after reading the first chapter of A Small Hotel: I was wholeheartedly hooked. I fell so hard for the promising story plot. I liked being introduced to those vivid characters: Uncle Major with his smart and entertaining vocabulary choices he uses when he communicates with his nephews, the sweet rivalry between Kennet and Minor, smart and observant, his mother’s favorite Nelle( he’s my favorite, too) , sweet Little Emil, their smart, shrewd, reserved mother Ingrid… Wow! I kept going because it already attracted my full attention, and let’s not forget the strikingly first face-to-face encounter of Astrid and Kennet ( oh dear, I giggled like a freaking teenager: I hope they don’t giggle like I did not to be shunned by the group of their friends! )
Did I devour the rest of the story? I wish I didn’t because it finished so fast. I’m feeling so much right now! I’m charmed, exhilarated, wowed, thrilled, engaged, but also sad. That’s how an epic story makes you feel: so many contradicting feelings conquer your mind and soul at the same time. The epic story stays with you for weeks. Sometimes after a year: you still remember your favorite dialogue, a memory about the character’s predicament, another passage warms your heart, makes you smart.
So be ready to get wowed because THIS BOOK IS EXCEPTIONAL!
We follow Kennet’s journey, but this epic historical fiction, perfectly blended with well-researched real-life stories, Swedish folklore, and fairy tales, is not only about Kennet and his family. It is also about how people gather their broken pieces after, how to patch their wounds and heal their invisible scars, and learn to live with the tarnished parts of themselves as living and breathing casualties of war.
So we don’t only witness the journey of the Fiskare family, we also meet with army brothers of Kennet who share their heart-wrenching stories and touch our souls.
Overall: a breathtaking love story mashed up with the ugly face of war and a sentimental, epic family saga! This is one of the books that will always stay in your heart, and you want to go back and reread it to remember the details about this spectacular story! Of course, it earned my five tearful, genuine, pure, intense, from the depths of my heart stars!
Thank you so much, dear SUANNE LAQUEUR, for being such a brilliant author who writes a memorable, remarkable book which completely connects with the hearts and souls of the readers at the same time.
There are moments for the readers to decide how they feel about joining a brand-new reading journey.
As for me: I usually decide how my journey will go on after reading a few pages. I’m still a romantic believer in the love-at-first-chapter idea. I usually check out how the words the author uses may resonate with my mind and my heart at the same time, how the characters make me feel, and how their stories intrigue me.
I can honestly say after reading the first chapter of A Small Hotel: I was wholeheartedly hooked. I fell so hard for the promising story plot. I liked being introduced to those vivid characters: Uncle Major with his smart and entertaining vocabulary choices he uses when he communicates with his nephews, the sweet rivalry between Kennet and Minor, smart and observant, his mother’s favorite Nelle( he’s my favorite, too) , sweet Little Emil, their smart, shrewd, reserved mother Ingrid… Wow! I kept going because it already attracted my full attention, and let’s not forget the strikingly first face-to-face encounter of Astrid and Kennet ( oh dear, I giggled like a freaking teenager: I hope they don’t giggle like I did not to be shunned by the group of their friends! )
Did I devour the rest of the story? I wish I didn’t because it finished so fast. I’m feeling so much right now! I’m charmed, exhilarated, wowed, thrilled, engaged, but also sad. That’s how an epic story makes you feel: so many contradicting feelings conquer your mind and soul at the same time. The epic story stays with you for weeks. Sometimes after a year: you still remember your favorite dialogue, a memory about the character’s predicament, another passage warms your heart, makes you smart.
So be ready to get wowed because THIS BOOK IS EXCEPTIONAL!
We follow Kennet’s journey, but this epic historical fiction, perfectly blended with well-researched real-life stories, Swedish folklore, and fairy tales, is not only about Kennet and his family. It is also about how people gather their broken pieces after, how to patch their wounds and heal their invisible scars, and learn to live with the tarnished parts of themselves as living and breathing casualties of war.
So we don’t only witness the journey of the Fiskare family, we also meet with army brothers of Kennet who share their heart-wrenching stories and touch our souls.
Overall: a breathtaking love story mashed up with the ugly face of war and a sentimental, epic family saga! This is one of the books that will always stay in your heart, and you want to go back and reread it to remember the details about this spectacular story! Of course, it earned my five tearful, genuine, pure, intense, from the depths of my heart stars!
Thank you so much, dear SUANNE LAQUEUR, for being such a brilliant author who writes a memorable, remarkable book which completely connects with the hearts and souls of the readers at the same time.
March 22, 2022
I’m on BookTube now! =)
*I got an ARC copy from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Every time I finish one of Suanne Laqueur’s books I can’t help but wonder if I finished the book or if it finished me? I can never speak about her books because they always touch me on such an emotional level that it becomes exceptionally difficult to talk about them. Some might say I need time to “digest” the book first and that’s actually pretty accurate. Still, I finished reading “A Small Hotel” months ago and I still haven’t figured out how to write about it, which in its own way is testimonial to Laqueur’s amazing writing skills.
And she can write. Boy, how she can write. Right from the first moment of the book we’re already thrown into the middle of the Fiskare family and to take in everything that was happening was quite a challenge. The Fiskare family isn’t only a huge family but also a loud one and it takes a little time to get to know all the different members. Especially because almost none of them is called by their actual name which was such a relatable thing if you come from a huge family in which everyone is named after their father or mother. You get creative with nicknames and I loved that the author made this a part of her book. It gives a personal touch, it makes you relate to the characters and it causes you to love them like your own family. By the end of the book you feel like you’re a part of the family and you’re heartbroken when you have to leave them behind.
See, that’s what I mean with Laqueur’s great writing style. You get so immersed in the story by all those little details and you can’t help but fall head over heels for her characters. But that’s not all; the historical aspect of the story was done so amazingly as well. The research that went into this book must have been extremely extensive and I can only salute the author for fighting through all the historical books she must have read in order to write this. The names and dates of all the fights the characters had to go through, the historical accuracy when it comes to the route the soldiers took, from the way gay soldiers in the army were treated, right to the ammunition and rifles they used. As someone who’s interested in history and read their fair share of history books as well, I can’t help but be in awe of the author.
What Laqueur truly excels at is the emotional aspect of her stories though. You feel with the characters, you cry with them when a comrade falls, you’re angry on their behalf when you see them suffer, you want to pick them up and hug them tightly. I swear, there were moments I just wanted to jump into the book and tell them that everything would be alright. And all the while you wonder if all the boys of the family will make it back home, if they’ll survive the war they were thrown in, if they’ll be able to embrace their father and siblings again. And in Kennet’s case if he’ll finally end up with the person he loves.
I swear, the love story between Kennet and Astrid was so heart-breaking and the strong and healthy relationship with his father and siblings had me crying more than once. This family is as thick as thieves and my heart bled for all of them. The brotherly bond between Kennet and Minor actually had me weeping and for a while I wasn’t even able to see the pages of my book. But Suanne Laqueur doesn’t end her book with the war. She continues to tell her character’s story, she gives them room to process the war and to work through their traumas and even more importantly she gives them time to heal. We get the chance to witness their recovery and for me - as a reader - this was so important.
All told “A Small Hotel” was an emotional roller coaster that hit me with the force of a hurricane, knocked the breath out of me and caused me to blink away my tears. I’m still not sure if I finished the book or if the book finished me, but quite honestly it doesn’t matter. I fell in love with the Fiskare family and they’ll always have a special place in my heart. And in the end, that’s actually all that matters.
________________________________
I just finished the book, or the book finished me?!
I dunno.
All I know is that I love every single member of the Fiskare family and that I’d die for all of them. They need to be protected at all costs!!! Same goes for Boyd O’Hara... and all the soldiers that fought alongside Kennet. T_T
Suanne!!!! You killed me once again and my heart is bleeding, but I’ll still say thank you?!
Full RTC soon! I need to get my feelings under control first.
__________________________________
I know this already got out on September 28th , but my ARC is still valid and I’m going to read and enjoy every second of this book. (Life just got in my way. As always... )
Anyway! Knowing Suanne I’m sure this is going to be amazing and I can’t wait to dive into this story.
“A Small Hotel” here I come! =))
*I got an ARC copy from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Every time I finish one of Suanne Laqueur’s books I can’t help but wonder if I finished the book or if it finished me? I can never speak about her books because they always touch me on such an emotional level that it becomes exceptionally difficult to talk about them. Some might say I need time to “digest” the book first and that’s actually pretty accurate. Still, I finished reading “A Small Hotel” months ago and I still haven’t figured out how to write about it, which in its own way is testimonial to Laqueur’s amazing writing skills.
And she can write. Boy, how she can write. Right from the first moment of the book we’re already thrown into the middle of the Fiskare family and to take in everything that was happening was quite a challenge. The Fiskare family isn’t only a huge family but also a loud one and it takes a little time to get to know all the different members. Especially because almost none of them is called by their actual name which was such a relatable thing if you come from a huge family in which everyone is named after their father or mother. You get creative with nicknames and I loved that the author made this a part of her book. It gives a personal touch, it makes you relate to the characters and it causes you to love them like your own family. By the end of the book you feel like you’re a part of the family and you’re heartbroken when you have to leave them behind.
See, that’s what I mean with Laqueur’s great writing style. You get so immersed in the story by all those little details and you can’t help but fall head over heels for her characters. But that’s not all; the historical aspect of the story was done so amazingly as well. The research that went into this book must have been extremely extensive and I can only salute the author for fighting through all the historical books she must have read in order to write this. The names and dates of all the fights the characters had to go through, the historical accuracy when it comes to the route the soldiers took, from the way gay soldiers in the army were treated, right to the ammunition and rifles they used. As someone who’s interested in history and read their fair share of history books as well, I can’t help but be in awe of the author.
What Laqueur truly excels at is the emotional aspect of her stories though. You feel with the characters, you cry with them when a comrade falls, you’re angry on their behalf when you see them suffer, you want to pick them up and hug them tightly. I swear, there were moments I just wanted to jump into the book and tell them that everything would be alright. And all the while you wonder if all the boys of the family will make it back home, if they’ll survive the war they were thrown in, if they’ll be able to embrace their father and siblings again. And in Kennet’s case if he’ll finally end up with the person he loves.
I swear, the love story between Kennet and Astrid was so heart-breaking and the strong and healthy relationship with his father and siblings had me crying more than once. This family is as thick as thieves and my heart bled for all of them. The brotherly bond between Kennet and Minor actually had me weeping and for a while I wasn’t even able to see the pages of my book. But Suanne Laqueur doesn’t end her book with the war. She continues to tell her character’s story, she gives them room to process the war and to work through their traumas and even more importantly she gives them time to heal. We get the chance to witness their recovery and for me - as a reader - this was so important.
All told “A Small Hotel” was an emotional roller coaster that hit me with the force of a hurricane, knocked the breath out of me and caused me to blink away my tears. I’m still not sure if I finished the book or if the book finished me, but quite honestly it doesn’t matter. I fell in love with the Fiskare family and they’ll always have a special place in my heart. And in the end, that’s actually all that matters.
________________________________
I just finished the book, or the book finished me?!
I dunno.
All I know is that I love every single member of the Fiskare family and that I’d die for all of them. They need to be protected at all costs!!! Same goes for Boyd O’Hara... and all the soldiers that fought alongside Kennet. T_T
Suanne!!!! You killed me once again and my heart is bleeding, but I’ll still say thank you?!
Full RTC soon! I need to get my feelings under control first.
__________________________________
I know this already got out on September 28th , but my ARC is still valid and I’m going to read and enjoy every second of this book. (Life just got in my way. As always... )
Anyway! Knowing Suanne I’m sure this is going to be amazing and I can’t wait to dive into this story.
“A Small Hotel” here I come! =))
August 10, 2021
Suanne Laqueur is in a league of her own and A Small Hotel is a home run. An epic story which spans years. The main character is Kennet and the reader gets to follow him, his amazing family, the brotherhood he forms while fighting WW2 and him falling in love.
The storytelling is simply outstanding. The amount of research Laqueur has done shows and feels. From the Swedish folk and fairy tales to all the history. The war and all its horror was depicted with an haunting authenticity that I couldn’t help being affected.
How is it possible to form a connection with every character cause I sure did. It wasn’t just the entire Fiskare family but also Kennet’s army brothers.
Every character had a story to tell and Laqueur gave each their time to slowly grow and flourish. No one and nothing is safe when reading a Laqueur story and it’s the same with A Small Hotel. The reward in the end was so worth the heartache and the pain.
I knew about the Fiskare family background from reading Here to Stay, but this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. For me it was like being back with old friends. For new readers this will be the beginning of a new friendship.
A Small Hotel is historical fiction when it’s best and at its finest. Suanne Laqueur has once again left me speechless and in awe.
5 Gullgosse Stars
*I received an ARC via Netgalley *
The storytelling is simply outstanding. The amount of research Laqueur has done shows and feels. From the Swedish folk and fairy tales to all the history. The war and all its horror was depicted with an haunting authenticity that I couldn’t help being affected.
How is it possible to form a connection with every character cause I sure did. It wasn’t just the entire Fiskare family but also Kennet’s army brothers.
Every character had a story to tell and Laqueur gave each their time to slowly grow and flourish. No one and nothing is safe when reading a Laqueur story and it’s the same with A Small Hotel. The reward in the end was so worth the heartache and the pain.
I knew about the Fiskare family background from reading Here to Stay, but this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. For me it was like being back with old friends. For new readers this will be the beginning of a new friendship.
A Small Hotel is historical fiction when it’s best and at its finest. Suanne Laqueur has once again left me speechless and in awe.
5 Gullgosse Stars
*I received an ARC via Netgalley *
August 20, 2024
A must read for those who loved IN MEMORIAM!
F*ck this f*cking war.
This sentence is about WWII, but it could be so easily about our present time.
War. An eye for an eye. Why do we humans want (ultimate) power? And why do we want to take revenge?
Suanne Laqueur is an author I turn to when I need a reset. Her writing is utterly beautiful, her characterization fantastic, her storytelling amazing.
He didn’t realize that when your tears were literally dammed up, they surged backward and tried to fight their way out of your body by any means possible, even if they had to kill you to do it.
I have to admit, I really loved the first part of this story about family and falling in love, but it didn’t flood me. Until Kennet went to war, and that sweet, caring boy/man died on the field, and a man full of pain and anger stood up to fight. To kill. It reminded me of my all-time favorite novel, In Memoriam, the camaraderie, the hurt, young guys fighting for their country, becoming war machines. And an ache wrapped itself around my heart.
War does things to men. It blows the old rules to shit and writes new ones, making men do things they never dreamed. Like killing three kids by accident and turning around to kill three dozen kids on purpose.
This part made me cringe, made me shiver, made me almost scream out loud. Of course, I know war is brutal. But books like In Memoriam and this one let me experience the war as if I were there myself, and leave a permanent mark on my soul. Because they show me the images of these horrors on the back of my eyelids, all those boys/men/people expected to fight till death, the utter devastation of people killing and getting killed, and afterward, remembering the things you’ve seen and did, the things that haunt you forever. Those wars should make us rethink and we should make sure these things won’t happen again. But sadly, they do. Because the need to strike back and that sh*tty want to have ultimate power still rule the world. Think of Gaza and Ukraine.
The Kennet you knew, the guy who knew the cardinal points of right and wrong. He’s gone … The best of me. Lost. I want it back.
Tears shone in my eyes so many times. Because of all the violence and the hurt back then and in our current world, but also out of love for those men, boys sometimes even.
Family isn’t only blood. It’s also who you bleed for.
This book isn’t only about WWII but also about the run-up and the aftermath. And ultimately about the power of love. There’s so much love in this story. Love for family, friends, comrades, and falling in love with that one girl you can’t get. Or …? I fell in love too, with Kennet and Astrid, but also with Minor and Nalle, Major and Hook, and Jock and O’Hara, and maybe with the bond between those two brothers the most.
Oh, Minor mine, you are so fine.
Minor mine, right now you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Now that I’ve finished this book I feel so sad for leaving these characters. Suanne, Goodreads tells me that this is book one of a series. I have this hope in my heart that you'll write another book about this family someday. About Minor or Emilio or Xandro or Byron. I’d love to read their stories too!
And for all of you who haven’t read anything by Suanne Laqueur yet, I urge you to pick up one of her books. Please, please, read them!
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F*ck this f*cking war.
This sentence is about WWII, but it could be so easily about our present time.
War. An eye for an eye. Why do we humans want (ultimate) power? And why do we want to take revenge?
Suanne Laqueur is an author I turn to when I need a reset. Her writing is utterly beautiful, her characterization fantastic, her storytelling amazing.
He didn’t realize that when your tears were literally dammed up, they surged backward and tried to fight their way out of your body by any means possible, even if they had to kill you to do it.
I have to admit, I really loved the first part of this story about family and falling in love, but it didn’t flood me. Until Kennet went to war, and that sweet, caring boy/man died on the field, and a man full of pain and anger stood up to fight. To kill. It reminded me of my all-time favorite novel, In Memoriam, the camaraderie, the hurt, young guys fighting for their country, becoming war machines. And an ache wrapped itself around my heart.
War does things to men. It blows the old rules to shit and writes new ones, making men do things they never dreamed. Like killing three kids by accident and turning around to kill three dozen kids on purpose.
This part made me cringe, made me shiver, made me almost scream out loud. Of course, I know war is brutal. But books like In Memoriam and this one let me experience the war as if I were there myself, and leave a permanent mark on my soul. Because they show me the images of these horrors on the back of my eyelids, all those boys/men/people expected to fight till death, the utter devastation of people killing and getting killed, and afterward, remembering the things you’ve seen and did, the things that haunt you forever. Those wars should make us rethink and we should make sure these things won’t happen again. But sadly, they do. Because the need to strike back and that sh*tty want to have ultimate power still rule the world. Think of Gaza and Ukraine.
The Kennet you knew, the guy who knew the cardinal points of right and wrong. He’s gone … The best of me. Lost. I want it back.
Tears shone in my eyes so many times. Because of all the violence and the hurt back then and in our current world, but also out of love for those men, boys sometimes even.
Family isn’t only blood. It’s also who you bleed for.
This book isn’t only about WWII but also about the run-up and the aftermath. And ultimately about the power of love. There’s so much love in this story. Love for family, friends, comrades, and falling in love with that one girl you can’t get. Or …? I fell in love too, with Kennet and Astrid, but also with Minor and Nalle, Major and Hook, and Jock and O’Hara, and maybe with the bond between those two brothers the most.
Oh, Minor mine, you are so fine.
Minor mine, right now you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Now that I’ve finished this book I feel so sad for leaving these characters. Suanne, Goodreads tells me that this is book one of a series. I have this hope in my heart that you'll write another book about this family someday. About Minor or Emilio or Xandro or Byron. I’d love to read their stories too!
And for all of you who haven’t read anything by Suanne Laqueur yet, I urge you to pick up one of her books. Please, please, read them!
Follow me on Instagram
July 3, 2025
*June 2025
Currently re-reading on audio, the new version, narrated by Darren Eliker. I have listened to the version where Derek Sheterley is the narrator 2 years ago, and though it was good, Darren Eliker is the master in voicing Suanne Laqueur’s characters. I’m thrilled this book was released with Darren as narrator, but I wished there had been more rumor about it so other readers would know too!
Edited: Publishers should stand in line for Suanne. She is such an extremely gifted author and she can match with the best authors around without a doubt. She and Darren Eliker make a golden couple. I could listen to this book time and time again and still be moved every single time. If I could, I would give this book a million stars.*
*June 2023: just finished listening to the audio-5 fat stars for both the book (that still stands!) and for the audio as well. Loved it all over again. Cried, smiled and laughed and remembered why I loved this book so much after finishing it the first time.*
*ORIGINAL REVIEW*
Family isn't blood. It's who you bleed for.
Currently re-reading on audio, the new version, narrated by Darren Eliker. I have listened to the version where Derek Sheterley is the narrator 2 years ago, and though it was good, Darren Eliker is the master in voicing Suanne Laqueur’s characters. I’m thrilled this book was released with Darren as narrator, but I wished there had been more rumor about it so other readers would know too!
Edited: Publishers should stand in line for Suanne. She is such an extremely gifted author and she can match with the best authors around without a doubt. She and Darren Eliker make a golden couple. I could listen to this book time and time again and still be moved every single time. If I could, I would give this book a million stars.*
*June 2023: just finished listening to the audio-5 fat stars for both the book (that still stands!) and for the audio as well. Loved it all over again. Cried, smiled and laughed and remembered why I loved this book so much after finishing it the first time.*
*ORIGINAL REVIEW*
Family isn't blood. It's who you bleed for.
Suanne Laqueur is a born story teller. She can write whatever she wants to write, and I'll read it.
IThere's something about her books that make it impossible to put down, they pull you in, and no matter the amount of pages, or the time of day: YOU JUST NEED TO KNOW!
She's this exceptional, unique and brilliant author and I really believe every reader should have at least one of her books on their (fictional) bookshelf.
So, I needed a few days to gather my thoughts together about this mind-blowing story, trying to at least make some sense when writing my review.
When I finished this book, and analyzed my feelings, the heartbreak, the journey I took with Kennet Fiskare, everything about him felt real - like it never was a fictional story. It was as if he, in his old age, had come to the author, told her his story and asked her to be the ghost writer of his memoir. As if he could have come to her door on a Sunday afternoon, sat down next to her, patted her hand after she made him his strong tea, and started telling her about his family and his life. The life he knew before the war, and the one after it had changed him into someone different. Someone he hardly recognized as himself. He didn't hold back and told her everything he remembered. How he felt, how he dealt with the trauma's of what he had seen, losing his combat brothers, the horrors and traumatic experience when he reached Mauthausen. His love for Astrid, the love for his family - his father and his brothers, his sisters, his uncle. It's all part of this book, every memory as significant as the other.
When we open the book, we meet the Fiskares. At first I was a bit confused by all the names and the monikers, but that didn't last long. (there's a family tree included in the book). And I simply fell in love with all of them. I knew this book wasn't going to be a simple love story just between Kennet and Astrid (the girl he already fell in love with before he even met her in real life), but I then realized it was also a love story about Kennet and his Swedish family, the Fiskares. When he does meet Astrid, the feelings are immediately there. But Kennet is a gentleman. He takes his time to court her, to tell her about his feelings. And they are mutual. There is just something between them, something destined to be.
Then Astrid has to leave, and the loss of the love of his life leaves Kennet devastated, regretting the fact that he let her go, that he didn't do everything he could to keep her.
And then the war in Europe calls and he leaves all his loved ones behind, believing the war won't effect him the way it did his Paps and uncle Nyck.
"You're not built for war. I don't say that as an insult. I know you're a fine soldier and you'll do what's expected of you. I mean your soul isn't made to process war. Nalle has his principles to sustain him. Minor will get by on sheer personality. But you...You were always the one who liked to sort and label and name everything. This was this. That followed this. If this, then that. You like rules to define the edges of your life. You like people to behave within those rules. And war blows all those things to shit. Absolute shit. You'll see people doing abhorrent, unspeakable things. You'll find yourself doing things that go against every rule, every standard, every ethic you ever held. War rubs against the very grain of who you are, and some just can't..."
So off to war he goes. The changes in Kennet are evident when he writes his fictive letters to Astrid in his notebook. He starts out politely explaining her what he is doing, what is happening in his life. He was this gentleman who hardly dared to kiss her when they were home, before she went away, before he went to war. But after the things he's seen and been through, Kennet knows that man does no longer exist.
So badly, Asta, I want you so badly. I think I might be going crazy with it. The desire waxes and wanes between lofty and obscene. One moment I'm staring at you all moon-eyed, quoting romantic poetry. The next moment I'm on my knees at your feet, unhooking your garters and begging to fuck you. Is that shocking? It shocks me. Look at how my handwriting jostles around the word 'fuck'. I winced writing it, but now it's settling on my eyes and the sound of it is getting comfortable in my brain. It's disengaging from the sordid and crass, and slowly turning divine. Intense. Even beautiful. I want to be your lover again and feel that sweet understanding between us when I'm fucking you into beautiful pieces...
To me, this entry in his journal marks the first changes in Kennet. It was a brilliant way to show us how Kennet changed from this polite, well mannered gentleman into the soldier who has seen too much, who has done too many things that he never thought he'd do.
The character development in this story is just outstanding, as well as the research the author did. Her attention to detail transported me back in time, planted me right there in the middle of that war, on that battle scene, right there at the moments that made Kennet believe he lost his sanity. The vividly description of the ugliness of the war, it made me ache, it made me cry, shiver, wanting to look away from the horrors we see through Kennet's eyes. I even thought I smelled what he did when he entered Mauthausen concentration camp. It was horrible, this ugliness and the de-humanizing, brutal results of this war. I can't remember ever having read a book that grabbed me by my throat like this book did, like Kennet's story did. The love for his brothers in combat was as beautiful as it was painful, knowing how much he was going to get hurt, knowing he would lose most of them. Their morbid banter and humor was almost just as painful.
"Goddammit, where's my helmet?" Hook said.
"You just had it."
"I must've thrown it out."
"Stay down."
"I'm just gonna look for it quick. I can't sit out here bare-headed, darling. You know how easily I catch cold."
"Well, don't lose your fucking head. I already looked at one shot-up face today and you know how it upsets me, sweetheart."
Maybe we can just joke and curse this whole goddamn war away...
When Kennet returns home, he has changed so much, he is not even sure he deserves to find happiness again. The ugliness that has found a home in his soul won’t ever pass. When there’s a second chance with Astrid, he just doesn’t know if he could ever be worthy of her love ever again.
I finished reading this book and I still can't stop thinking about it. It's such an epic, gripping, engaging, heartfelt family tragedy that I just can not seem to shake all the feelings that were stirred inside of me when reading. That's what this book did to me, what Suanne Laqueur's writing does to me ALL THE TIME!
So, I guess all that's left for me to say is: GO READ THIS BOOK.
That's all
I kindly received an ARC through Netgalley and the Publisher. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Read
July 18, 2021A Small Hotel, a new novel from the author of The Fish Tales
Releases September 28, 2021
As we advanced to the next village, Kennet wrote, I had a hold of one of Hook’s pack straps the whole time. I just stayed on him, stayed on the Hook. No shame. Lots of guys hang on their buddies while stumbling along, wounded or half-asleep or wretched. Or all three.
It’s funny, Asta, how in peacetime, physical contact between men is considered odd. Even suspect. Yet out here, between battles, we touch all the time. Unconsciously. Desperately. It reminds me of when you talked about Brazilian men always being aware, almost competitive with their masculinity. If I ever see you again, darling girl, I think we should have a drink and continue the conversation, because war is changing my idea about what it means to be a man.
The camaraderie between these combat buddies was a pulsing, palpable thing. They did everything, everything together, each mundane act suffused with ritual and superstition. They dressed in the same order, arranged their kits just so. Cleaned their guns in a choreographed ballet of pieces laid out on the ground and pieces reassembled. They went around giving secret handshakes, kissing each other’s dog tags, reciting a canon of catch phrases, platitudes, creeds and dirty jokes. They shared their solemn last smokes before battle, and the jubilant smokes after. Every platoon had that one guy who could materialize out of nowhere to snuff your match if you dared try to light three cigarettes on it. And another guy who, if you threw your spent match on the ground, looked at you like you’d just shit on his shoes, then picked up the match and threw it over his left shoulder.
“That’s for salt, you moron,” someone always said.
“It’s for matches, too.”
“Bullshit.”
And they’d argue for an hour about it, knowing it was all bullshit. The ceremony, the superstitions and rituals, the matches, even the arguing—all bullshit. But they were unable not to cling to it. It was how the trust went on thriving. Trust in your buddy, trust in the squad leaders, trust in the platoon, the division, the mission, the cause, the war and above all, trust in their definitive stance on the right side of history.
Before battle, some went alone to take a last nervous piss. Others went together and crossed shaky streams. If they did it once and got lucky, they had to do it always. They prayed and davened and spit and swore and smoked and shook and touched. They filled and emptied their pockets, cast their spells and went off to fight. Some came back alive, and each mourned differently for the ones who died. There were soldiers who could cry in the open and soldiers who crawled away to mourn. Soldiers who broke things in their grief, soldiers who consoled themselves by picking up tool kits or shovels and putting things together. And soldiers who did absolutely nothing at all.
At night, they bedded down and breathed hard to get warm. They ignored the stench and cuddled like brothers, spooned like lovers. One thrust his cold feet between his buddy’s shins and there was nothing for it. Another slid his chilblained fingers into his mate’s armpit because there was nothing for it. Two brothers in arms fell asleep in each other’s arms and thought nothing of it, because there was nothing for it. Nothing except each other.
“What is it?” Kennet said. “Hook, tell me.”
“It’s stupid.”
“Which is why you should tell me.”
Hook’s hands clenched Kennet’s sleeves. “I don’t want to die.”
“I know,” Kennet said. “It’s not stupid.”
I don’t want to die. I have gold in my blood, I can’t die like this. Don’t let me die like this and I’ll be good forever. Good as gold. Don’t let me die. Please don’t let me die…
They hung on tight through the cold, terrifying nights. Woke up in the morning to go and fight another day.
Day after day after day after day…
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Kindle |iTunes |Nook |Kobo |Smashwords | GooglePlay
Releases September 28, 2021
As we advanced to the next village, Kennet wrote, I had a hold of one of Hook’s pack straps the whole time. I just stayed on him, stayed on the Hook. No shame. Lots of guys hang on their buddies while stumbling along, wounded or half-asleep or wretched. Or all three.
It’s funny, Asta, how in peacetime, physical contact between men is considered odd. Even suspect. Yet out here, between battles, we touch all the time. Unconsciously. Desperately. It reminds me of when you talked about Brazilian men always being aware, almost competitive with their masculinity. If I ever see you again, darling girl, I think we should have a drink and continue the conversation, because war is changing my idea about what it means to be a man.
The camaraderie between these combat buddies was a pulsing, palpable thing. They did everything, everything together, each mundane act suffused with ritual and superstition. They dressed in the same order, arranged their kits just so. Cleaned their guns in a choreographed ballet of pieces laid out on the ground and pieces reassembled. They went around giving secret handshakes, kissing each other’s dog tags, reciting a canon of catch phrases, platitudes, creeds and dirty jokes. They shared their solemn last smokes before battle, and the jubilant smokes after. Every platoon had that one guy who could materialize out of nowhere to snuff your match if you dared try to light three cigarettes on it. And another guy who, if you threw your spent match on the ground, looked at you like you’d just shit on his shoes, then picked up the match and threw it over his left shoulder.
“That’s for salt, you moron,” someone always said.
“It’s for matches, too.”
“Bullshit.”
And they’d argue for an hour about it, knowing it was all bullshit. The ceremony, the superstitions and rituals, the matches, even the arguing—all bullshit. But they were unable not to cling to it. It was how the trust went on thriving. Trust in your buddy, trust in the squad leaders, trust in the platoon, the division, the mission, the cause, the war and above all, trust in their definitive stance on the right side of history.
Before battle, some went alone to take a last nervous piss. Others went together and crossed shaky streams. If they did it once and got lucky, they had to do it always. They prayed and davened and spit and swore and smoked and shook and touched. They filled and emptied their pockets, cast their spells and went off to fight. Some came back alive, and each mourned differently for the ones who died. There were soldiers who could cry in the open and soldiers who crawled away to mourn. Soldiers who broke things in their grief, soldiers who consoled themselves by picking up tool kits or shovels and putting things together. And soldiers who did absolutely nothing at all.
At night, they bedded down and breathed hard to get warm. They ignored the stench and cuddled like brothers, spooned like lovers. One thrust his cold feet between his buddy’s shins and there was nothing for it. Another slid his chilblained fingers into his mate’s armpit because there was nothing for it. Two brothers in arms fell asleep in each other’s arms and thought nothing of it, because there was nothing for it. Nothing except each other.
“What is it?” Kennet said. “Hook, tell me.”
“It’s stupid.”
“Which is why you should tell me.”
Hook’s hands clenched Kennet’s sleeves. “I don’t want to die.”
“I know,” Kennet said. “It’s not stupid.”
I don’t want to die. I have gold in my blood, I can’t die like this. Don’t let me die like this and I’ll be good forever. Good as gold. Don’t let me die. Please don’t let me die…
They hung on tight through the cold, terrifying nights. Woke up in the morning to go and fight another day.
Day after day after day after day…
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Kindle |iTunes |Nook |Kobo |Smashwords | GooglePlay
October 8, 2021
My first encounter with Suanne Laqueur was through her novel, The Man I Love, in which we connected through my review. Said review began with an anecdote I relayed about seeing Saving Private Ryan inebriated, and how the invasion of Normandy in that film was happening to my drunken self. Fitting that that anecdote comes full circle here, in that A Small Hotel's WWII sequences happened TO me as a reader in the most visceral way. (I read it sober, fyi).
That was my favorite part--the middle section--in which we are taken along Kennet's battalion route from Belgium, Germany and into Austria with such dedication to historical accuracy that you feel like you're right there. The amount of research is just astounding, but never show-offy or superfluous. It doesn't stand out as research alone, but is woven meticulously throughout so that it looks effortless.
The first and third sections were tamer but no less beautiful, (although I will say I was hoping for some serious house-burning in the latter third and was a tad bummed not to get it) and again, the historical voice and tone were spot-on without being distracting. As usual, these characters feel real, the family dynamic is unparalleled, the camaraderie between soldiers is immaculate, and every room interior was beautifully described. ;)
I'm a firm believer that you don't read a Suanne Laqueur book so much as you experience it, and A Small Hotel is no exception. I read it slowly, not wanting to come out of this world, knowing I'd then have to hunt for the next book and pray that it would be as immersive. I didn't want to let go and when I turned the last page, I had that sad/satisfied feeling you only get when you finish a great one and don't want to leave it.
5★
That was my favorite part--the middle section--in which we are taken along Kennet's battalion route from Belgium, Germany and into Austria with such dedication to historical accuracy that you feel like you're right there. The amount of research is just astounding, but never show-offy or superfluous. It doesn't stand out as research alone, but is woven meticulously throughout so that it looks effortless.
The first and third sections were tamer but no less beautiful, (although I will say I was hoping for some serious house-burning in the latter third and was a tad bummed not to get it) and again, the historical voice and tone were spot-on without being distracting. As usual, these characters feel real, the family dynamic is unparalleled, the camaraderie between soldiers is immaculate, and every room interior was beautifully described. ;)
I'm a firm believer that you don't read a Suanne Laqueur book so much as you experience it, and A Small Hotel is no exception. I read it slowly, not wanting to come out of this world, knowing I'd then have to hunt for the next book and pray that it would be as immersive. I didn't want to let go and when I turned the last page, I had that sad/satisfied feeling you only get when you finish a great one and don't want to leave it.
5★
October 2, 2021
In a Nutshell: A mind-blowing piece of historical fiction!
Story:
The book begins with this verse of “There’s a Small Hotel”, a Rodgers-Hart composition:
“There’s a small hotel
With a wishing well;
I wish that we were there together.”
This represents the theme of the book superbly. The Fiskare’s small hotel serves as a home not just to the family but to so many more. And when even they are away, it is the hotel that acts as their beacon of hope for the future.
I rarely, if ever, go beyond the first 2-3 chapters of a book in my story summary. But this story is such that each of the three broad sections (pre-war, war, post-war) deserves a separate mention. The cheer and pathos of first love is so beautifully captured in the first section that you can’t help feeling happy along with the young couple. When the second section started, I was a bit saddened because I wasn’t in the mood to read yet another typical WWII narrative. Boy, was I wrong and how! This is unlike any WWII story I’ve ever read before. It was traumatic and as real as can be. It doesn't show you the glories of war. Rather, it reveals the gory side that is never ever revealed in history textbooks or in general historical fiction. The whole war section was severe on my emotions and this was the only section for which I was forced to keep the book aside in between chapters to steady my inner turmoil. The post-war section is also well-written, capturing the post-war angst perfectly. I can’t pick a favourite of these three because each of them is treated with the same attention and written with the same intensity but they are so very different in essence.
This book is about 510 pages long. But I completed it within two days flat. (With my schedule, it’s not easy.) This is a testimony not just to the beauty of the story but to the captivating writing and memorable characters. Each and every character is so well-sketched, too good to be true, at times. With Kennet, his four siblings, his parents, his uncle, the housekeeper, Astrid, and a couple of friends, it takes some time to remember who is who, especially as many of the characters have the same names. (The family chart at the start of the book helps tremendously, but also contains a spoiler.) But because of the precise writing, you will soon recognise each of them and connect strongly with them.
I can’t think of a single major point of criticism against the book. (If you know me, you’ll realise that this is a minor miracle. 😉) This is a family saga, a heart-wrenching war story, a coming-of-age, a historical fiction, and a young romance – all in one. And each of these genres is done perfect justice to. Goodreads tells me that this is the first in series, and I’m eagerly looking forward to see where the author will take the Fiskare family and their small hotel next.
Are you still waiting for my recommendation? Isn’t my opinion clear? 😊
4.75 stars. (The highest I go for contemporary adult fiction.)
Thank you to Cathedral Rock Press and NetGalley for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely relished this book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Young Kennet Fiskare, eldest son of a Swedish-origin hotel owner, is having one of his best summers in 1941. He has fallen deeply in love with their housekeeper’s visiting cousin Astrid, and almost everything seems to be going well. However, the relationship is forcibly cut short by Astrid’s familial obligations and Kennet is left to mend his broken heart with the support of his big, loving family.
When America enters WWII, Kennet finds the rigidities of military life helping his forget his pain, but not Astrid. What helps tremendously is the unbelievable bond between the soldiers, the likes of which he had never found anywhere outside of his family. It is these friendships and joint experiences (of both joy and shock) that sustains him till the end of the war. What kind of life now awaits Kennet, now a battle-worn and heartbroken soldier with just his family to look forward to?
The book begins with this verse of “There’s a Small Hotel”, a Rodgers-Hart composition:
“There’s a small hotel
With a wishing well;
I wish that we were there together.”
This represents the theme of the book superbly. The Fiskare’s small hotel serves as a home not just to the family but to so many more. And when even they are away, it is the hotel that acts as their beacon of hope for the future.
I rarely, if ever, go beyond the first 2-3 chapters of a book in my story summary. But this story is such that each of the three broad sections (pre-war, war, post-war) deserves a separate mention. The cheer and pathos of first love is so beautifully captured in the first section that you can’t help feeling happy along with the young couple. When the second section started, I was a bit saddened because I wasn’t in the mood to read yet another typical WWII narrative. Boy, was I wrong and how! This is unlike any WWII story I’ve ever read before. It was traumatic and as real as can be. It doesn't show you the glories of war. Rather, it reveals the gory side that is never ever revealed in history textbooks or in general historical fiction. The whole war section was severe on my emotions and this was the only section for which I was forced to keep the book aside in between chapters to steady my inner turmoil. The post-war section is also well-written, capturing the post-war angst perfectly. I can’t pick a favourite of these three because each of them is treated with the same attention and written with the same intensity but they are so very different in essence.
This book is about 510 pages long. But I completed it within two days flat. (With my schedule, it’s not easy.) This is a testimony not just to the beauty of the story but to the captivating writing and memorable characters. Each and every character is so well-sketched, too good to be true, at times. With Kennet, his four siblings, his parents, his uncle, the housekeeper, Astrid, and a couple of friends, it takes some time to remember who is who, especially as many of the characters have the same names. (The family chart at the start of the book helps tremendously, but also contains a spoiler.) But because of the precise writing, you will soon recognise each of them and connect strongly with them.
I can’t think of a single major point of criticism against the book. (If you know me, you’ll realise that this is a minor miracle. 😉) This is a family saga, a heart-wrenching war story, a coming-of-age, a historical fiction, and a young romance – all in one. And each of these genres is done perfect justice to. Goodreads tells me that this is the first in series, and I’m eagerly looking forward to see where the author will take the Fiskare family and their small hotel next.
Are you still waiting for my recommendation? Isn’t my opinion clear? 😊
4.75 stars. (The highest I go for contemporary adult fiction.)
Thank you to Cathedral Rock Press and NetGalley for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely relished this book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
August 6, 2021
5 “Epic” Stars
A Beautiful Emotional Epic Journey. From the very first page until the very last page, this story made me feel, hurt, cry, smile, love and hope and pray. The telling of this story was extraordinary. It was engaging, mesmerizing, riveting, but also distressing, traumatic, and heartfelt. I adored this story and the entire Swedish Fiskare Family.
Covering multiple years, the visual experience this author told came to life while reading. I was transport to Clayton, NY, the St Lawrence River, to WW2 and back to Clayton. It was both beautiful and tragic. It felt so authentic and after reading the acknowledgements, I understood the authenticity because of the research the author conducted. War is ugly but it also connects a band of brothers to one another that is truly transcendent. At times the story was difficult to read, but the emotionality of being a soldier was courageous, compelling and gripping. As much as reading the war part was hard, I also felt it enriched my life.
While this story is mostly about the oldest son, Kennet Fiskare, you get to know the entire family and become beholden to them as well. Kennet, the oldest, the responsible, the golden, is an old soul who has been waiting to meet Astrid Virtanen. They see each other and their courtship is sweet and filled with passion. But what should be easy isn’t and heartbreak follows as does war.
This story is epic. I remember reading The Thorn Birds and when I finished I knew what an epic read entailed and now after reading A Small Hotel, that epic read feeling came back. Besides being a love story for the ages, this story intertwines family love, family tragedy, wartime love and tragedy, uniqueness of people and wraps it together in an epic emotional beautiful journey.
A Best of 2021 without a doubt. A read for all who love to feel.
“Family isn’t only your blood. It’s who you bleed for.”
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
A Beautiful Emotional Epic Journey. From the very first page until the very last page, this story made me feel, hurt, cry, smile, love and hope and pray. The telling of this story was extraordinary. It was engaging, mesmerizing, riveting, but also distressing, traumatic, and heartfelt. I adored this story and the entire Swedish Fiskare Family.
Covering multiple years, the visual experience this author told came to life while reading. I was transport to Clayton, NY, the St Lawrence River, to WW2 and back to Clayton. It was both beautiful and tragic. It felt so authentic and after reading the acknowledgements, I understood the authenticity because of the research the author conducted. War is ugly but it also connects a band of brothers to one another that is truly transcendent. At times the story was difficult to read, but the emotionality of being a soldier was courageous, compelling and gripping. As much as reading the war part was hard, I also felt it enriched my life.
While this story is mostly about the oldest son, Kennet Fiskare, you get to know the entire family and become beholden to them as well. Kennet, the oldest, the responsible, the golden, is an old soul who has been waiting to meet Astrid Virtanen. They see each other and their courtship is sweet and filled with passion. But what should be easy isn’t and heartbreak follows as does war.
This story is epic. I remember reading The Thorn Birds and when I finished I knew what an epic read entailed and now after reading A Small Hotel, that epic read feeling came back. Besides being a love story for the ages, this story intertwines family love, family tragedy, wartime love and tragedy, uniqueness of people and wraps it together in an epic emotional beautiful journey.
A Best of 2021 without a doubt. A read for all who love to feel.
“Family isn’t only your blood. It’s who you bleed for.”
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
October 1, 2021
An exceptional story told with extraordinary prose, it's about coming of age, familial loyalties, and leaving your brothers at home to find your band of brothers in war. It's richly imagined, exquisitely written, a Sweeping saga of a boy's journey into manhood, that enthralls and endears at every page.
"Saudade. The longing for things lost"
A passionate summer love affair unfinished and ripped apart, sends ripples down the lives of Nyck Fiskare & Astrid the visitor.
Throughout the book Nyck rides the waves of the ripple, going far in the world, his travel thread chronicled by pins on the board.
War is the main villain in the book, as it always is.
Nyck gains perspective, hardens into a soldier, toughens his shell, tries to muffle his heartbeats that crave home. Only One good thing comes out of the carnage is his band of brothers, his new family
"Nothing takes the place of a brother, but your men are a different breed of brothers. Family isn’t only blood. It’s also who you bleed for."
But fate pockmarks his life with so many partings, Fiskare is left wondering if it all was worth it.
Suanne is now synonymous with life altering, perspective changing stories and this one is no exception. My beloved Fiskares get their background family history. Almost bittersweet and utterly heartbreaking twists and turns had me tearing up. I shoved my face in my hands and wept.
For Fisk, for Nalle, for Hook, for Jock, for Fisha, for O'Hara, for Astrid, for Emil. Oh Emil, the helpless father hanging on to his faith and charms for his dear life. He's the most poignant character of the story and the most inspiring.
"I guess that’s the one good thing I got out of the war—figuring out what matters and what doesn’t. What’s worth fighting about and what isn’t.”"
I have to emphasize something here. Suanne's use of Italics are used in the most effective way to highlight echoes of memories, making the prose more haunting, more nostalgic. Cause what else is there to do when the war takes a break? except to breathe and dip your tongue in sweet memories to keep you facing forward.
This book is, i think, THE BEST WORK of Suanne's...yet. She constantly tops herself so I'm sure her next will be better than this one. I'm profoundly moved, it's unnecessary to fight the force of tears that build and spill over from my eyes, too late to be unaffected, too invested to be unattached with these humans.
“Bra som guld, hm? Good as gold.”
I'm just..... speechless. Yes..that's the right word. A thing of beauty that takes a moment getting used to, eliciting a giant lump that found its permanent place in my throat.
such a page turner, flawed characters trying to survive in their own circumstances as their paths cross - the difficult balance of staying alive and yet numbing their existence. Pulled at my heartstrings as Fiskare & Astrid fell in love, knowing the impossible odds against them.
I recommend you read the author's notes at the end to find out her inspiration for the book as well as the historical events that may have been changed for the flow of the story
"The pain of his long-ago beating was nothing compared to the agony of this forsaken place, where hundreds of thousands of family trees were sheared to the ground. Lives ended. Names ended. Nobody left to tell."
The historical details show the care Suanne has taken about accuracy. Her research is impeccable. The moral dilemmas of peace time life with day to day survival in a war zone in glaring contrast, Suanne streamlines the characters of Fiskare and his Band Of Brothers from sensitive humans to desensitized, numb soldiers.
Highly recommend,it's a #MustRead, Infact I'll shove it down your throats - READ IT!!
Youre an easy person to love Laqueur 💜
All the stars,as many as there's fish in the sea. Desenrascanco, Darling
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"Saudade. The longing for things lost"
A passionate summer love affair unfinished and ripped apart, sends ripples down the lives of Nyck Fiskare & Astrid the visitor.
Throughout the book Nyck rides the waves of the ripple, going far in the world, his travel thread chronicled by pins on the board.
War is the main villain in the book, as it always is.
Nyck gains perspective, hardens into a soldier, toughens his shell, tries to muffle his heartbeats that crave home. Only One good thing comes out of the carnage is his band of brothers, his new family
"Nothing takes the place of a brother, but your men are a different breed of brothers. Family isn’t only blood. It’s also who you bleed for."
But fate pockmarks his life with so many partings, Fiskare is left wondering if it all was worth it.
Suanne is now synonymous with life altering, perspective changing stories and this one is no exception. My beloved Fiskares get their background family history. Almost bittersweet and utterly heartbreaking twists and turns had me tearing up. I shoved my face in my hands and wept.
For Fisk, for Nalle, for Hook, for Jock, for Fisha, for O'Hara, for Astrid, for Emil. Oh Emil, the helpless father hanging on to his faith and charms for his dear life. He's the most poignant character of the story and the most inspiring.
"I guess that’s the one good thing I got out of the war—figuring out what matters and what doesn’t. What’s worth fighting about and what isn’t.”"
I have to emphasize something here. Suanne's use of Italics are used in the most effective way to highlight echoes of memories, making the prose more haunting, more nostalgic. Cause what else is there to do when the war takes a break? except to breathe and dip your tongue in sweet memories to keep you facing forward.
This book is, i think, THE BEST WORK of Suanne's...yet. She constantly tops herself so I'm sure her next will be better than this one. I'm profoundly moved, it's unnecessary to fight the force of tears that build and spill over from my eyes, too late to be unaffected, too invested to be unattached with these humans.
“Bra som guld, hm? Good as gold.”
I'm just..... speechless. Yes..that's the right word. A thing of beauty that takes a moment getting used to, eliciting a giant lump that found its permanent place in my throat.
such a page turner, flawed characters trying to survive in their own circumstances as their paths cross - the difficult balance of staying alive and yet numbing their existence. Pulled at my heartstrings as Fiskare & Astrid fell in love, knowing the impossible odds against them.
I recommend you read the author's notes at the end to find out her inspiration for the book as well as the historical events that may have been changed for the flow of the story
"The pain of his long-ago beating was nothing compared to the agony of this forsaken place, where hundreds of thousands of family trees were sheared to the ground. Lives ended. Names ended. Nobody left to tell."
The historical details show the care Suanne has taken about accuracy. Her research is impeccable. The moral dilemmas of peace time life with day to day survival in a war zone in glaring contrast, Suanne streamlines the characters of Fiskare and his Band Of Brothers from sensitive humans to desensitized, numb soldiers.
Highly recommend,it's a #MustRead, Infact I'll shove it down your throats - READ IT!!
Youre an easy person to love Laqueur 💜
All the stars,as many as there's fish in the sea. Desenrascanco, Darling
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December 5, 2021
So here’s the thing. I love to write book reviews, but I write them for me. Usually to remind me of what the book meant to me. I don’t write them thinking people will see my review and want to read this book.
Then I read books like this and I want to write a review that makes people want to read it. Really, I am a bit rubbish at reviews but I want to do this book justice. People need to read A Small Hotel because it’s a fantastic book but also as a reminder that war is truly horrific.
I’ve done my usual thing of doing an immediate re-read to take in the things I missed and I still don’t know how to convey everything this book means. When the book hangover kicks in, my only cure it to do a re-read. I might even read it again. And probably again.
A Small Hotel is about family, not just those by blood but those who become family because you would bleed for them. I felt like I was part of the Fiskare family. I truly am part fish, I know about wishes on fishes and cafune. But I was also part of Kennet’s army squad; rolling down the train track through the US thundering towards a war. Freezing my toes off and squeezing into fox holes.
It’s a book about war in all of its shocking factors and yet in our world we do it again and again and again. Stop that!
It’s a rubbish review but this is an outstanding book. Suanne Laqueur’s story telling is magnificent.
Then I read books like this and I want to write a review that makes people want to read it. Really, I am a bit rubbish at reviews but I want to do this book justice. People need to read A Small Hotel because it’s a fantastic book but also as a reminder that war is truly horrific.
I’ve done my usual thing of doing an immediate re-read to take in the things I missed and I still don’t know how to convey everything this book means. When the book hangover kicks in, my only cure it to do a re-read. I might even read it again. And probably again.
A Small Hotel is about family, not just those by blood but those who become family because you would bleed for them. I felt like I was part of the Fiskare family. I truly am part fish, I know about wishes on fishes and cafune. But I was also part of Kennet’s army squad; rolling down the train track through the US thundering towards a war. Freezing my toes off and squeezing into fox holes.
It’s a book about war in all of its shocking factors and yet in our world we do it again and again and again. Stop that!
It’s a rubbish review but this is an outstanding book. Suanne Laqueur’s story telling is magnificent.
July 12, 2021
SPECTACULAR!! Another winner from Suanne Laqueur, and a top read of 2021. A Small Hotel is a brilliant portrait of an American family and an epic love story that spans years and continents. It explores love of soulmates, love within family, and love for the people you meet throughout your life who become extended family.
The story is told mainly through Kennet. We follow him as he finds love with Astrid, his “treasure”, and throughout Europe as he fights in WW2. I absolutely ADORED Kennet & Astrid, they had such incredible chemistry, and you knew they were meant to be from the moment she stepped off the train.
No one does character development like Suanne Laqueur – she writes such layered, complex characters and relationships, and has created an unforgettable family with Emil Fiskare and his children. I have read many books that take place during WW2, and A Small Hotel is one of the most detailed accounts of the hardships that the soldiers went through as they fought the war. We see the incredible brotherhood they find within each other; you will laugh at their jokes, and then suffer with them as they sink to the lowest of lows. There is even beauty in an incredibly special relationship found within the horrors of a concentration camp.
If you have not yet read a book by this author, you are missing out. You will not read anything else like her stories or her incredible writing style. This unforgettable story will always hold a special place in my heart.
The story is told mainly through Kennet. We follow him as he finds love with Astrid, his “treasure”, and throughout Europe as he fights in WW2. I absolutely ADORED Kennet & Astrid, they had such incredible chemistry, and you knew they were meant to be from the moment she stepped off the train.
No one does character development like Suanne Laqueur – she writes such layered, complex characters and relationships, and has created an unforgettable family with Emil Fiskare and his children. I have read many books that take place during WW2, and A Small Hotel is one of the most detailed accounts of the hardships that the soldiers went through as they fought the war. We see the incredible brotherhood they find within each other; you will laugh at their jokes, and then suffer with them as they sink to the lowest of lows. There is even beauty in an incredibly special relationship found within the horrors of a concentration camp.
If you have not yet read a book by this author, you are missing out. You will not read anything else like her stories or her incredible writing style. This unforgettable story will always hold a special place in my heart.
July 24, 2021
A brilliant blend of the poetic and the painful, this book deftly weaves romance with the horrors of war. Spell-binding, dramatic, tense and lovely - this is not an easy read.
A love story - between two people, but also between a band of brothers. And between a family.
I adored the brilliant research, the detail, and the agony. That agony…yall.
I knew it was coming. I was dreading it while at the same time I couldn’t wait. There’s such pleasure in reading something that hurts in that really good way.
I did have a few issue with the book. There were moments I needed to step away from the story. When reading it was a lot. The beginning took some untangling - so many characters! So many with the same name! As an aside - I found myself, at times, distracted by the similes.
And this brings me to my final point (and this is a thing that crops up for me randomly in my reading) - as a reader I don’t want to read about realistic relationships. And then I complain in reviews about how over the top some stories are. There were times when Fish was too perfect - his thoughts always brilliant - his words always just the right thing. So I circled around this idea of what I want in a hero and in a story. How would I have felt if the characters didn’t express themselves so beautifully? That’s not a book I want to read.
I think this is probably the best researched and most detailed book I’ve read this year. Suanne poured herself into this, and it shows. Hours after I’d set the book down, I’d find myself thinking about a scene or a character. The war aspect resonated with me far more than the romance - it was just spectacularly done.
If you haven’t read suanne before this is a lovely place to start. Difficult and charming. If you have read her before - you won’t be disappointed. I suspect this story is going to be even more than you’ve anticipated. I know that proved true for me.
A love story - between two people, but also between a band of brothers. And between a family.
I adored the brilliant research, the detail, and the agony. That agony…yall.
I knew it was coming. I was dreading it while at the same time I couldn’t wait. There’s such pleasure in reading something that hurts in that really good way.
I did have a few issue with the book. There were moments I needed to step away from the story. When reading it was a lot. The beginning took some untangling - so many characters! So many with the same name! As an aside - I found myself, at times, distracted by the similes.
And this brings me to my final point (and this is a thing that crops up for me randomly in my reading) - as a reader I don’t want to read about realistic relationships. And then I complain in reviews about how over the top some stories are. There were times when Fish was too perfect - his thoughts always brilliant - his words always just the right thing. So I circled around this idea of what I want in a hero and in a story. How would I have felt if the characters didn’t express themselves so beautifully? That’s not a book I want to read.
I think this is probably the best researched and most detailed book I’ve read this year. Suanne poured herself into this, and it shows. Hours after I’d set the book down, I’d find myself thinking about a scene or a character. The war aspect resonated with me far more than the romance - it was just spectacularly done.
If you haven’t read suanne before this is a lovely place to start. Difficult and charming. If you have read her before - you won’t be disappointed. I suspect this story is going to be even more than you’ve anticipated. I know that proved true for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2021
I have been waiting so very patiently to write this review until closer to its release date, but I simply cannot wait any longer.
Each and every time I crack open the pages of a Suanne Laqueur book, it's as if she takes hold of my hand and whispers "Come with me. I have something to tell you. Come. You will be safe with me." I willingly hand her my heart and hold on tight with eyes wide open and let it all wash over me.
Kennet Fiskare's story is remarkable, breathtaking, and heartbreaking. Sure, there is romance in these pages, but that is just a small part of it. This is a story of family, brothers, and those you choose to bleed for. War is hell, and the entire Fiskare family carries the scars of war both literally and figuratively.
As always, Suanne Laqueuer transports you. It's as if you are there, watching safely from a distance, but living her characters' realities right along with them. I shed so many tears. I cringed at the things seen and choices that had to be made. I railed at the unfairness of it all. I cheered for my newfound Fiskare family to have some good come into their lives. Every small happiness that came to them made my heart truly soar as if it were my own happiness.
So do yourself a favor, come take Suanne Laqueur's hand. She has a story to tell you that you need to hear.
Each and every time I crack open the pages of a Suanne Laqueur book, it's as if she takes hold of my hand and whispers "Come with me. I have something to tell you. Come. You will be safe with me." I willingly hand her my heart and hold on tight with eyes wide open and let it all wash over me.
Kennet Fiskare's story is remarkable, breathtaking, and heartbreaking. Sure, there is romance in these pages, but that is just a small part of it. This is a story of family, brothers, and those you choose to bleed for. War is hell, and the entire Fiskare family carries the scars of war both literally and figuratively.
As always, Suanne Laqueuer transports you. It's as if you are there, watching safely from a distance, but living her characters' realities right along with them. I shed so many tears. I cringed at the things seen and choices that had to be made. I railed at the unfairness of it all. I cheered for my newfound Fiskare family to have some good come into their lives. Every small happiness that came to them made my heart truly soar as if it were my own happiness.
So do yourself a favor, come take Suanne Laqueur's hand. She has a story to tell you that you need to hear.
September 28, 2021
4.5 stars
Family bonds.
Love and heartbreak.
Wartime trauma.
New and rekindled connections.
The author brought all of these themes together, delivering a captivating story that spans several decades.
Told in the third person, the story is broken down in three parts:
Before the war.
Wartime.
After the war.
Before the war
This part of the story seemed autobiographical at times, as the author lays out the Fiskare family tree, along with their history running a hotel in Clayton, New York. While there are a lot of characters introduced in the story, at the center is Kennet Fiskare. It is in this section of the story that a love story blossoms between him, and a family visitor named Astrid Virtanen. I absolutely adored how the author built this connection between the couple, who often seemed to communicate to one another without speaking.
This part of the story also highlighted the strong bonds Kennet shared with his family, challenged as wartime looms.
Wartime
I've read several historical fiction books about the war, but the author does a great job of delivering a fresh perspective from Kennet's POV, specifically in his letters to his family and Astrid. In those letters he highlights the daily terrors faced, but also uses them as an escape for his confessions of mistakes made.
Longing for the ties of a family foundation, Kennet forms a new family of sorts with his fellow soldiers. Exposed by the worst aspects of war beyond battle, the relationships between soldiers run deeper than friendship. Because the moments were so few, I relished the lighter ones in this section, as the soldiers teased one another and shared personal stories.
After the war
This last part of the story explores how Kennet changed and how much he savored the small things. A child's laugh, a smile from an old friend, a shared glance between lovers. Everything meant more and I loved how Kennet embraced each moment. I also liked how the author addressed his guilt over some wartime decisions that plague him daily.
Once again, the author has proven her worth as a master storyteller. Weaving a story filled with love, loss, and the bonds formed to carry one through the toughest days. With a HEA the reader deserves.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
Family bonds.
Love and heartbreak.
Wartime trauma.
New and rekindled connections.
The author brought all of these themes together, delivering a captivating story that spans several decades.
Told in the third person, the story is broken down in three parts:
Before the war.
Wartime.
After the war.
Before the war
This part of the story seemed autobiographical at times, as the author lays out the Fiskare family tree, along with their history running a hotel in Clayton, New York. While there are a lot of characters introduced in the story, at the center is Kennet Fiskare. It is in this section of the story that a love story blossoms between him, and a family visitor named Astrid Virtanen. I absolutely adored how the author built this connection between the couple, who often seemed to communicate to one another without speaking.
This part of the story also highlighted the strong bonds Kennet shared with his family, challenged as wartime looms.
Wartime
I've read several historical fiction books about the war, but the author does a great job of delivering a fresh perspective from Kennet's POV, specifically in his letters to his family and Astrid. In those letters he highlights the daily terrors faced, but also uses them as an escape for his confessions of mistakes made.
Longing for the ties of a family foundation, Kennet forms a new family of sorts with his fellow soldiers. Exposed by the worst aspects of war beyond battle, the relationships between soldiers run deeper than friendship. Because the moments were so few, I relished the lighter ones in this section, as the soldiers teased one another and shared personal stories.
After the war
This last part of the story explores how Kennet changed and how much he savored the small things. A child's laugh, a smile from an old friend, a shared glance between lovers. Everything meant more and I loved how Kennet embraced each moment. I also liked how the author addressed his guilt over some wartime decisions that plague him daily.
Once again, the author has proven her worth as a master storyteller. Weaving a story filled with love, loss, and the bonds formed to carry one through the toughest days. With a HEA the reader deserves.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
August 18, 2021
A vivid tale of true love, family and war (WWII)—this exceptional book will never be far from my thoughts.
The cast of A Small Hotel were the best company. Something that can truly be said for of all Suanne’s characters. I wanted to savour it, but once I got into its heart, I was defenceless.
This one meant so much due to my trust and devotion to every word and event that this author puts on the page. I cannot express the meaningfulness behind getting to know Kennet, Astrid and all the Fiskares, alongside my already deep love for this family from The Fish Tales. Knowing how little Byron Erik Jr. will never truly know about his incredible roots, just kills me over and over.
I surrendered to the heartache and lost count of the amount of tears I shed in this. However, I can promise you it was balanced out perfectly with joy, laughs, friendships, loves, and passion. As always.
This was a completely different book from SL, but still absolutely everything like what you’ve loved from her in the past. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, I don’t know what more I can say besides: Life is short—don’t wait another second.
Books like this are so hard to review—all of it was perfect, I have nothing to critique. I’ll be adding lots of quotes after publication.
(Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review).
The cast of A Small Hotel were the best company. Something that can truly be said for of all Suanne’s characters. I wanted to savour it, but once I got into its heart, I was defenceless.
This one meant so much due to my trust and devotion to every word and event that this author puts on the page. I cannot express the meaningfulness behind getting to know Kennet, Astrid and all the Fiskares, alongside my already deep love for this family from The Fish Tales. Knowing how little Byron Erik Jr. will never truly know about his incredible roots, just kills me over and over.
I surrendered to the heartache and lost count of the amount of tears I shed in this. However, I can promise you it was balanced out perfectly with joy, laughs, friendships, loves, and passion. As always.
This was a completely different book from SL, but still absolutely everything like what you’ve loved from her in the past. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, I don’t know what more I can say besides: Life is short—don’t wait another second.
Books like this are so hard to review—all of it was perfect, I have nothing to critique. I’ll be adding lots of quotes after publication.
(Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review).
August 15, 2021
I was instantly seduced by Laqueur's unique prose and tempted to whip through the pages. But her storytelling is as such that every passage demanded my full attention. Swept away by the Fiskare’s emotional bonds amid an era of conflict, time lost all meaning. Now my quandary is if I'll be able to give this stand-alone novel the merit it deserves.
“For a while, I even believed my father was made of gold...”
Firstly, the author has put a premium on the character and plot development. I found the opening scene so exhilarating that the beat of new hope and promise of things to come hooked me therein.
‘The story either begins today or ends today, he thought.’
However, it took me a couple of chapters to sort out who was who as Emil's children not only inherit family given names but also monikers. I could have kicked myself when I realised a little too late that there was a family tree at the beginning of the book! That said, Kennet is the driving force behind the story. And as he’s the first-born, he doesn’t just feel responsible for his siblings but has their admiration and that of his father. So, once I had the names under control, it was plain sailing. Or was it because I can’t even begin to tell you how this story affected me or how many times I cried my eyes out.
“It’s said we Fisares repeat our names and repeat our tragedies.”
The dialogue between the Fiskare’s and the people they cared for bowled me over. The leg-pulling, colloquialisms and enlightening advice helped me connect to every one of them, and learning about their shortcomings, their worries and the way they supported each other filled my heart.
“You are my eldest and finest. And I’d fight another war for you.”
Since the last thing I want to do is spoil the story for you, I’ll keep my feeling about Kennet and Astrid’s relationship short. Their love speaks louder than words, my affection growing in leaps and bounds while observing them become more than friends. When Laqueur’s snippets of what could happen eventually did, hearts broke—mine included.
“Can’t believe that people fall in love on purpose,”
But those loved so fiercely aren’t forgotten. Kennet relates his feelings and wartime experiences on the front line, and along with his squad, the reader discovers that their ordeal has, as in war, its consequences. I could feel the tension in the air, the strong camaraderie and gratitude for small blessings.
‘These are our weapons. Our stories are all we have. And you. We have you. Our greatest weapon. The storyteller.’
Laqueur turned my tears into laughter, my pain into relief, and then left me holding my breath. In all my reading experience, never have I read a WW11 novel quite like this one. The historical account is incredibly accurate, the settings vividly descriptive. Days after finishing the book, all I could think about were the uncompromising situations these soldiers had to face.
‘Family isn’t blood. It’s who you bleed for.’
Emil was too familiar with war, and he well knew his sons wouldn’t be boys if and when they came back. Do pick this novel up, do find out what happens because I can guarantee that you won’t regret it.
‘If the world is going to rely on ordinary men to right the wrongs, then those men have to rely on each other.’
A journey crossing two continents, the paths of love, loss, friendship and endurance left me in awe of Laqueur’s well-crafted writing, and to recapitulate, I cannot recommend The Small Hotel enough. If it were possible to give this heartfelt novel overflowing with emotion six stars, I would have. So, 5+++ stars it is! Bravo, Laqueur!
ARC kindly received from Cathedral Rock Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
“For a while, I even believed my father was made of gold...”
Firstly, the author has put a premium on the character and plot development. I found the opening scene so exhilarating that the beat of new hope and promise of things to come hooked me therein.
‘The story either begins today or ends today, he thought.’
However, it took me a couple of chapters to sort out who was who as Emil's children not only inherit family given names but also monikers. I could have kicked myself when I realised a little too late that there was a family tree at the beginning of the book! That said, Kennet is the driving force behind the story. And as he’s the first-born, he doesn’t just feel responsible for his siblings but has their admiration and that of his father. So, once I had the names under control, it was plain sailing. Or was it because I can’t even begin to tell you how this story affected me or how many times I cried my eyes out.
“It’s said we Fisares repeat our names and repeat our tragedies.”
The dialogue between the Fiskare’s and the people they cared for bowled me over. The leg-pulling, colloquialisms and enlightening advice helped me connect to every one of them, and learning about their shortcomings, their worries and the way they supported each other filled my heart.
“You are my eldest and finest. And I’d fight another war for you.”
Since the last thing I want to do is spoil the story for you, I’ll keep my feeling about Kennet and Astrid’s relationship short. Their love speaks louder than words, my affection growing in leaps and bounds while observing them become more than friends. When Laqueur’s snippets of what could happen eventually did, hearts broke—mine included.
“Can’t believe that people fall in love on purpose,”
But those loved so fiercely aren’t forgotten. Kennet relates his feelings and wartime experiences on the front line, and along with his squad, the reader discovers that their ordeal has, as in war, its consequences. I could feel the tension in the air, the strong camaraderie and gratitude for small blessings.
‘These are our weapons. Our stories are all we have. And you. We have you. Our greatest weapon. The storyteller.’
Laqueur turned my tears into laughter, my pain into relief, and then left me holding my breath. In all my reading experience, never have I read a WW11 novel quite like this one. The historical account is incredibly accurate, the settings vividly descriptive. Days after finishing the book, all I could think about were the uncompromising situations these soldiers had to face.
‘Family isn’t blood. It’s who you bleed for.’
Emil was too familiar with war, and he well knew his sons wouldn’t be boys if and when they came back. Do pick this novel up, do find out what happens because I can guarantee that you won’t regret it.
‘If the world is going to rely on ordinary men to right the wrongs, then those men have to rely on each other.’
A journey crossing two continents, the paths of love, loss, friendship and endurance left me in awe of Laqueur’s well-crafted writing, and to recapitulate, I cannot recommend The Small Hotel enough. If it were possible to give this heartfelt novel overflowing with emotion six stars, I would have. So, 5+++ stars it is! Bravo, Laqueur!
ARC kindly received from Cathedral Rock Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
August 27, 2021
3.75 stars
This book is about different types of love in a person's life. Whether it be romantic love, family love or love for friends. The bonds built are strong and those bonds along with life experiences make a person who they are.
The first portion of the book is about romantic love and family love.
Kennet himself falling in love the summer Astrid Virtanen comes to visit her cousin Marta. During that summer he also experiences his first crushing heartbreak.
The Fiskares are a beautiful loving family. Kennet's love for his family is so abundant. This family with their insane nicknames and fish tales is a family who would do anything for one another.
Kennet's love for his friends is built during his time at war. His squad becomes his family each man one of his brothers. Loss so, so much loss is experienced among these men. Whether is be a fellow brother in arms or loss of the person they once were. War changes men and we see Kennet experience this.
This story was beautiful and sad. It is what I expect when I read anything by this author.
I will say that over 50% of this book is about Kennet's experience as a soldier during World War 2. At times, it was really hard to read. I knew bad things were going to happen so my anxiety levels were off the charts. Each punch Kennet took, I felt. I didn't love this part of the book but I got through it.
The last part of the book is Kennet pulling himself together and coming back to himself, to his family, to his love. It was an experience from start to finish.
This book is about different types of love in a person's life. Whether it be romantic love, family love or love for friends. The bonds built are strong and those bonds along with life experiences make a person who they are.
The first portion of the book is about romantic love and family love.
Kennet himself falling in love the summer Astrid Virtanen comes to visit her cousin Marta. During that summer he also experiences his first crushing heartbreak.
The Fiskares are a beautiful loving family. Kennet's love for his family is so abundant. This family with their insane nicknames and fish tales is a family who would do anything for one another.
Kennet's love for his friends is built during his time at war. His squad becomes his family each man one of his brothers. Loss so, so much loss is experienced among these men. Whether is be a fellow brother in arms or loss of the person they once were. War changes men and we see Kennet experience this.
This story was beautiful and sad. It is what I expect when I read anything by this author.
I will say that over 50% of this book is about Kennet's experience as a soldier during World War 2. At times, it was really hard to read. I knew bad things were going to happen so my anxiety levels were off the charts. Each punch Kennet took, I felt. I didn't love this part of the book but I got through it.
The last part of the book is Kennet pulling himself together and coming back to himself, to his family, to his love. It was an experience from start to finish.
February 2, 2022
This makes me sad, but I can't rate this higher than 3.
Wonderful writing, and good defined characters, but the plot was so slow!
As this was the highest rated book on my NetGalley shelf, I was saving it for my recovery from a procedure as I knew I would need great fiction to distract me.
I spent the first 20% pretty baffled by the high ratings, and wondered if it was just me. I just didn't get it. The second half certainly redeemed it for me, and I think it may be just my mindset at the moment that it is going to take me longer to get a stronghold in a book whilst my concentration levels are so low.
Wonderful writing, and good defined characters, but the plot was so slow!
As this was the highest rated book on my NetGalley shelf, I was saving it for my recovery from a procedure as I knew I would need great fiction to distract me.
I spent the first 20% pretty baffled by the high ratings, and wondered if it was just me. I just didn't get it. The second half certainly redeemed it for me, and I think it may be just my mindset at the moment that it is going to take me longer to get a stronghold in a book whilst my concentration levels are so low.
August 30, 2021
A Small Hotel is simply a fabulous read. It's more than fabulous. It's beautifully written and everything we expect from this extremely talented Author. We find ourselves in a time when life seemed easier, more simple but as we meet the various members of the Fiskare family it is anything but. It's a journey of love for Kennet and his Astrid and in so many ways a coming of age story for him in particular. With WWII looming and Astrid having to honor her father's wishes, the path of true love is anything but smooth but we get there in the end. If you have read Suanne Laqueur before you know that she evokes every emotion you have and if you haven't read her before you should know that she writes characters that will wake you up at 2.10am because they know you need to know a little bit more about what they are going through before you can finally hush them up. There's a lot going on with this family. Each of them has a backstory which would be a joy to read in more detail but A Small Hotel is Kennet's journey and it's quite the journey. Love wins the day in every shape and form just as it should.
October 30, 2023
I LOVED this. Such a sweeping, emotional, immersive ride, completely beyond my ability to adequately review. There were several horribly sad parts that utterly gutted me and made me regret ever starting the audiobook. But it was worth it in the end. I adored every character. Each of them was deeply developed, real, and lovable. Their love and loyalty and care for one another left me weepy at times. I was esp invested in Minor and O’Hara’s story :) The writing was beyond beautiful. The story and characters will stick with me. Seriously, I don't know what to say.
I’m a little scared to pick up another of the author's books--do all of her books pack such an emotional wallop? Bc I'm a wimp and that level of heartbreak is harddddd. But man, I’d really like to.
I’m a little scared to pick up another of the author's books--do all of her books pack such an emotional wallop? Bc I'm a wimp and that level of heartbreak is harddddd. But man, I’d really like to.
September 29, 2021
As usual, I’m awestruck by Suanne Laqueur’s blend of well articulated prose, exploration and character development through this emotional gauntlet. Like any story about love, this one begins with open hearts and endless possibilities. Kennet Fiskare, oldest son of Emil Fiskare, has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Astrid Virtanen to their family business and hotel, Fisher Hotel, in Clayton, NY. Their eyes are already talking to one another secretly when they meet. The Fiskare family is the backbone of Kennet’s life, providing his source of support, kinship and purpose. They are everything to him and as much as Kennet is the focal character, so are his parents, uncle and siblings and the history between all of them. They come with nicknames, tall tales and warmth. Astrid seems to fit right in with everyone and jumps into idyllic love as easily as Kennet does.
While their relationship comes to an early end, Astrid remains a fixture in Kennet’s heart even after he goes to the frontline of war. This portion of the book is the majority of the story, filled with big and small moments that are defining to Kennet. War is never pretty, straight forward or triumphant. It comes with heavy losses, bloodshed and atrocious things that can never be unseen or undone. The portrayal is disturbingly accurate with how Kennet can only simply focus on doing from one minute to the next, how he leans on his fellow soldiers for brotherhood and what matters in life is now, because there might not be a later. It’s heartbreaking, stomach turning and soul depleting. Kennet had been brought up to be a true gentleman, where he had never traveled previously, his worst memory was a reckless decision that disappointed his father and had thought his despair from letting Astrid go was the very definition of unbearable loss. War obliterates his usual barometer and threshold for those sentiments. Granted, it’s apples to oranges, but the intensity cannot be ignored or forgotten. There’s no rhyme or reason anymore as the rules of humanity no longer apply on the battlefield and the casualties pile up at an alarming rate. There should be a strategy for survival, but it can be a toss of the dice down to luck and timing. During Kennet’s experience in combat, I actually felt closest and most empathetic towards his father, Emil, who was a war veteran himself and knew how his son’s innocence and compassion would be stripped away.
There’s so much to unpack in this book, how countries go to war for freedom, but social injustices still remain afterwards, the weight of consequences on the conscience and finding a new normal. The interconnected details are seamlessly brilliant, they are orchestrated with so much careful thought and research. The contrast in Kennet before and after the war reminds us that liberty comes at a price, the lives lost have voices that should not remain unheard and to not waste time on what cannot be changed in the past, but to move forward and to do better. This love story is not just between Kennet and Astrid, but also Kennet and his family and his fellow soldiers. All those times he was referred to endearingly as “Fish” by his unit or when his buddy O’ Hara would say, “You’re way too easy to like, Fish,” the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up in recognition because of the absolute uncanny resemblance to a different Fiskare, also lovingly regarded as Fish, and I would think to myself, Erik, if only you knew that you shared so much more in common than just exquisite fish jewelry with your family. I am always so impressed by this author’s work and this was no exception. Between the tears, smiles, saudade and cafune, A Small Hotel delivers big on opening its doors in welcome to adopt its next visitor into the fold of the Fiskare family.
While their relationship comes to an early end, Astrid remains a fixture in Kennet’s heart even after he goes to the frontline of war. This portion of the book is the majority of the story, filled with big and small moments that are defining to Kennet. War is never pretty, straight forward or triumphant. It comes with heavy losses, bloodshed and atrocious things that can never be unseen or undone. The portrayal is disturbingly accurate with how Kennet can only simply focus on doing from one minute to the next, how he leans on his fellow soldiers for brotherhood and what matters in life is now, because there might not be a later. It’s heartbreaking, stomach turning and soul depleting. Kennet had been brought up to be a true gentleman, where he had never traveled previously, his worst memory was a reckless decision that disappointed his father and had thought his despair from letting Astrid go was the very definition of unbearable loss. War obliterates his usual barometer and threshold for those sentiments. Granted, it’s apples to oranges, but the intensity cannot be ignored or forgotten. There’s no rhyme or reason anymore as the rules of humanity no longer apply on the battlefield and the casualties pile up at an alarming rate. There should be a strategy for survival, but it can be a toss of the dice down to luck and timing. During Kennet’s experience in combat, I actually felt closest and most empathetic towards his father, Emil, who was a war veteran himself and knew how his son’s innocence and compassion would be stripped away.
There’s so much to unpack in this book, how countries go to war for freedom, but social injustices still remain afterwards, the weight of consequences on the conscience and finding a new normal. The interconnected details are seamlessly brilliant, they are orchestrated with so much careful thought and research. The contrast in Kennet before and after the war reminds us that liberty comes at a price, the lives lost have voices that should not remain unheard and to not waste time on what cannot be changed in the past, but to move forward and to do better. This love story is not just between Kennet and Astrid, but also Kennet and his family and his fellow soldiers. All those times he was referred to endearingly as “Fish” by his unit or when his buddy O’ Hara would say, “You’re way too easy to like, Fish,” the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up in recognition because of the absolute uncanny resemblance to a different Fiskare, also lovingly regarded as Fish, and I would think to myself, Erik, if only you knew that you shared so much more in common than just exquisite fish jewelry with your family. I am always so impressed by this author’s work and this was no exception. Between the tears, smiles, saudade and cafune, A Small Hotel delivers big on opening its doors in welcome to adopt its next visitor into the fold of the Fiskare family.
September 28, 2021
“A fisherman and pirate at the crossroads of the past and the future. Not all his wars were won, but he had gold around his neck, a Hook in his pocket, and the world in his grasp. He had everything right now. And now backwards in won. Won and one. One language and one perspective and one want that can’t be misinterpreted or misunderstood. One moment to hold in your hand and fold into memory.”
Susanne Laqueur is a master storyteller. You feel her stories. She uses words in a way that gives them weight. Not as in heavy, although many are, but in worth. She doesn’t waste a word and makes every moment matter. As a reader you can’t take anything for granted because everything has meaning. The most insignificant interaction might be life-affirming, a subtle touch might be life-changing. “We have you. Our greatest weapon. The storyteller.”
This epic story begins the summer of 1941 and takes you through to the end of WW2. Told through the lens of a son, brother, lover, solider, fisherman (and pirate), and friend, you see the world through the eyes of Kennet, the oldest son of the Fiskare family. From the comforts of home in Clayton, NY to the unimaginable brutality of war in Germany, you experience hope, loss, courage, regret and love. You endure the worst of humanity (Part Two broke me) and encounter the best of humanity (The Greatest Generation up close). The love that runs through this book is true and tender: “Family isn’t blood, it’s who you bleed for.” This is the kind of book that imprints on you. The connections you have to the characters run deep and stay. Highly recommend. A Top 10 for 2021. 5+ stars.
Susanne Laqueur is a master storyteller. You feel her stories. She uses words in a way that gives them weight. Not as in heavy, although many are, but in worth. She doesn’t waste a word and makes every moment matter. As a reader you can’t take anything for granted because everything has meaning. The most insignificant interaction might be life-affirming, a subtle touch might be life-changing. “We have you. Our greatest weapon. The storyteller.”
This epic story begins the summer of 1941 and takes you through to the end of WW2. Told through the lens of a son, brother, lover, solider, fisherman (and pirate), and friend, you see the world through the eyes of Kennet, the oldest son of the Fiskare family. From the comforts of home in Clayton, NY to the unimaginable brutality of war in Germany, you experience hope, loss, courage, regret and love. You endure the worst of humanity (Part Two broke me) and encounter the best of humanity (The Greatest Generation up close). The love that runs through this book is true and tender: “Family isn’t blood, it’s who you bleed for.” This is the kind of book that imprints on you. The connections you have to the characters run deep and stay. Highly recommend. A Top 10 for 2021. 5+ stars.
September 23, 2021
“A Small Hotel” blends fairly seamlessly the story of an American family running a hotel off the St Lawrence River in upstate NY with a fictional first hand account of WW2. I knew I was in for great writing, amazing historical details, romance, some heartbreak, and amazing characters when I pick up this book.
The book mainly focuses on Kennet Fiskare, the oldest of the Fiskare children. The book starts in the golden summer of 1941 and we watch Kennet fall in love with the cousin of their housekeeper, Marta. All the characters are amazing, but I had my favorites. I would read any book written about Minor (“Minor, mine, you are so fine.”), Junior, and Major. I loved all the folk lore and superstitions the family had, and really enjoyed learning their history.
The book follows Kennet through WW2 where we follow his story and his family’s story through journal entries, letters, even telegrams, as well as Kennet’s thoughts and experiences. I really loved this part as it focused heavily on the friendships soldiers make during war. If you love, “Band of Brothers” then you will likely love this part of the book and connect to it.
I would rate this a 4.5 but am rounding up in my stars due to the absolutely amazing characterizations that carried the whole book for me. I see that this is listed “Small Hotel #1” so this makes me hopefully I will see more from this world.
The book mainly focuses on Kennet Fiskare, the oldest of the Fiskare children. The book starts in the golden summer of 1941 and we watch Kennet fall in love with the cousin of their housekeeper, Marta. All the characters are amazing, but I had my favorites. I would read any book written about Minor (“Minor, mine, you are so fine.”), Junior, and Major. I loved all the folk lore and superstitions the family had, and really enjoyed learning their history.
The book follows Kennet through WW2 where we follow his story and his family’s story through journal entries, letters, even telegrams, as well as Kennet’s thoughts and experiences. I really loved this part as it focused heavily on the friendships soldiers make during war. If you love, “Band of Brothers” then you will likely love this part of the book and connect to it.
I would rate this a 4.5 but am rounding up in my stars due to the absolutely amazing characterizations that carried the whole book for me. I see that this is listed “Small Hotel #1” so this makes me hopefully I will see more from this world.
October 9, 2021
I'll be back with a review but I'm already reading it again, that Dame knows her onions!❤️❤️❤️
I'm going to say it now - this is my book of the year!
Every time I read a Suanne Laqueur book I am blown away (no pun intended) she writes so beautifully even when the themes are dark and devastating, she just transports you into the world she creates.
There are a whole cast of characters that you fall in love with, through their camaraderie and banter, although you know it's set during war and not everyone can make it through, even if they survive.
The brutality of war is lifted by the wisecracks of Kennet and his buddies. As in real life, difficult times are navigated through dark humour. You'll be laughing and crying simultaneously.
I found a Small Hotel an incredibly emotional read and had to re read it immediately to help me process and I'm still not ready to leave it behind.
The whole Fiskare family, and their stories, stole my heart. I will fold them up and keep them in my pocket for always❤️
I'm going to say it now - this is my book of the year!
Every time I read a Suanne Laqueur book I am blown away (no pun intended) she writes so beautifully even when the themes are dark and devastating, she just transports you into the world she creates.
There are a whole cast of characters that you fall in love with, through their camaraderie and banter, although you know it's set during war and not everyone can make it through, even if they survive.
The brutality of war is lifted by the wisecracks of Kennet and his buddies. As in real life, difficult times are navigated through dark humour. You'll be laughing and crying simultaneously.
I found a Small Hotel an incredibly emotional read and had to re read it immediately to help me process and I'm still not ready to leave it behind.
The whole Fiskare family, and their stories, stole my heart. I will fold them up and keep them in my pocket for always❤️
Read
September 8, 2021Very sadly dnf I think. It may be my mood but it wasn't working for me. Unrated.
September 7, 2021
The story set in the islands seems idyllic. The family of Fiskare is close knit, lovable and part of a
Swedish community. The ethnicity is quite marked and when a exotic relation from Rio turns up you know sparks will fly and they do.
Then the equalizer of the Great War starts and the boys enlist, the household gets broken up, Astrid gets torn away from the love of her life Kemmet by her vindictive mother and there is general heartbreak around.
The story continues in the setting of wartime Europe and extremely harsh it is most of the time. One of the sons dies, another is wounded and only one escapes unscathed physically, changed completely mentally. The war descriptive and brutal and all episodes in the various villages were quite difficult to read, fathom and accept. War however is never pretty and this was very harsh.
We then go back to peacetime, back to the islands, back to a reconciliation and trying to pull together broken strands of everyone's life to make it all whole and complete again.
The settings were different - from the peace and calm of a backwater island, to Europe and everything in between. A family of young men, peaceful and kind and basically good were returned in slightly different form after the ravages of war. Acceptance of being different was an important feature of the story.
An unusual book in unusual settings. The horrors of war well told.
Swedish community. The ethnicity is quite marked and when a exotic relation from Rio turns up you know sparks will fly and they do.
Then the equalizer of the Great War starts and the boys enlist, the household gets broken up, Astrid gets torn away from the love of her life Kemmet by her vindictive mother and there is general heartbreak around.
The story continues in the setting of wartime Europe and extremely harsh it is most of the time. One of the sons dies, another is wounded and only one escapes unscathed physically, changed completely mentally. The war descriptive and brutal and all episodes in the various villages were quite difficult to read, fathom and accept. War however is never pretty and this was very harsh.
We then go back to peacetime, back to the islands, back to a reconciliation and trying to pull together broken strands of everyone's life to make it all whole and complete again.
The settings were different - from the peace and calm of a backwater island, to Europe and everything in between. A family of young men, peaceful and kind and basically good were returned in slightly different form after the ravages of war. Acceptance of being different was an important feature of the story.
An unusual book in unusual settings. The horrors of war well told.
July 29, 2021
I already knew that Suanne Laqueur an exceptional writer and this novel was an other evidence. All the research about the war and the beautiful storytelling style that's hers alone.
I had to wait to write this review to stop crying for Nalle and for the fallen soldiers. Really the part about the war was so accurate and heartbreaking, one moment you're talking to someone and the next you're not. I already know what will happen to Nalle, but one thing to know a long time ago and another to read it now. At the beginning I had to look up the family tree a few times to memorise the nicknames like Minor, Major, Little, whos who. Oh and the expressions that Major used, I loved those.
Kennet and Astrid's love, this lovestory is so unique like "This is like coming home. Like finding a new book that becomes your favorite book."
My thoughts are still bouncing back and forth about this book, one minute I'm thinking about the war part, the fallen buddies and the concentration camp and the next I'm thinking about Kennet and Astrid and the next I thinking about Minor. Minor, I really liked his character. I loved the whole Fiskare family, what a wonderful characters.
I know that my words can't do justice about how incredible was this reading experience.
ARC generously provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review
I had to wait to write this review to stop crying for Nalle and for the fallen soldiers. Really the part about the war was so accurate and heartbreaking, one moment you're talking to someone and the next you're not. I already know what will happen to Nalle, but one thing to know a long time ago and another to read it now. At the beginning I had to look up the family tree a few times to memorise the nicknames like Minor, Major, Little, whos who. Oh and the expressions that Major used, I loved those.
Kennet and Astrid's love, this lovestory is so unique like "This is like coming home. Like finding a new book that becomes your favorite book."
My thoughts are still bouncing back and forth about this book, one minute I'm thinking about the war part, the fallen buddies and the concentration camp and the next I'm thinking about Kennet and Astrid and the next I thinking about Minor. Minor, I really liked his character. I loved the whole Fiskare family, what a wonderful characters.
I know that my words can't do justice about how incredible was this reading experience.
ARC generously provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review
September 28, 2021
A powerfully poignant and heart wrenching story about family dynamics, commitments, love, unavoidable circumstances and the ugly reality of war, in this case, specifically WWII.
After reading The Man I Love and Here to Stay, (The Fish Tales series) A Small Hotel gave me further history and a deeper insight into the Fiskare (Fish) family background and connection to the future and Erik Fiskare. These stories span many years and the beautifully lyrical way in which Suanne Laqueur flawlessly weaves these finely tuned tales has me mesmerized! By the way, A Small Hotel is in itself a standalone and you don't have to read The Fish Tales to grasp its meaning even though I highly recommend reading the Fish Tales as well to fully grasp the incredible uniqueness of it all!
The story of the main character, Kennet and Astrid's love affair is brief but poignant and I was so glad for them to find their way back to each other despite all the hardships they endured.
This story hits a particular nerve for me in that my father fought proudly and bravely in that war and returned with disabilities that were ultimately detrimental to his health, one of them being injuries caused by fighting in trenches in the snow, as described in this story, and thus try for many years after the war to be able to have children. (Me being one of them.)
In A Small Hotel, Ms. Laqueur adeptly and vividly describes the brotherhood that these soldiers formed as well as the hardships and utter horrific atrocities they lived through. My father never spoke of these himself and it was through whatever he had recounted to my mother that I learned of a very few of his experiences. So in reading this inspirational story I lived through so many of the compellingly written scenes with a clenched heart and spellbound soul.
To me, this alluring story is a masterpiece! A Must Read!
After reading The Man I Love and Here to Stay, (The Fish Tales series) A Small Hotel gave me further history and a deeper insight into the Fiskare (Fish) family background and connection to the future and Erik Fiskare. These stories span many years and the beautifully lyrical way in which Suanne Laqueur flawlessly weaves these finely tuned tales has me mesmerized! By the way, A Small Hotel is in itself a standalone and you don't have to read The Fish Tales to grasp its meaning even though I highly recommend reading the Fish Tales as well to fully grasp the incredible uniqueness of it all!
The story of the main character, Kennet and Astrid's love affair is brief but poignant and I was so glad for them to find their way back to each other despite all the hardships they endured.
This story hits a particular nerve for me in that my father fought proudly and bravely in that war and returned with disabilities that were ultimately detrimental to his health, one of them being injuries caused by fighting in trenches in the snow, as described in this story, and thus try for many years after the war to be able to have children. (Me being one of them.)
In A Small Hotel, Ms. Laqueur adeptly and vividly describes the brotherhood that these soldiers formed as well as the hardships and utter horrific atrocities they lived through. My father never spoke of these himself and it was through whatever he had recounted to my mother that I learned of a very few of his experiences. So in reading this inspirational story I lived through so many of the compellingly written scenes with a clenched heart and spellbound soul.
To me, this alluring story is a masterpiece! A Must Read!
October 27, 2021
“It’s an intense longing. An emotional state of melancholy and desire for things you’ve lost. Sometimes things you’ve never had in the first place, but your heart believes they were yours.” – A Small Hotel
“A Small Hotel” by Suanne Laqueur is the tale of a family, the Fiskares, or, as the town calls them, the Fishers. A family of kind women, strong men, and open arms. But the war soon comes to America, and the family will be forever changed. This is the tale of a family’s golden boy, a boy who fell in love, lost his dreams, then went to war and lost himself. Will he find his way home? Will he get a second chance at happiness? This is how a man becomes a magic fish and a storyteller.
When I opened the first page to a family tree, I worried this would be a saga full of too many characters, spanning vast swaths of time. But much to my delight, the narrative quickly focused on a young man and his close family. The book begins like a fairy tale, “Long ago… there was a small hotel,” evoking the story-telling motif that will permeate its pages. While the book falls very squarely into the historical fiction and romance genres, I propose that it sprinkles in a touch of magical realism, just enough to temper the bleak realities that invade the latter half of the novel. Throughout we are treated to the small rituals, superstitions, and mythologies of every-day life and how these small moments are ingrained in our psychology, twined with our regrets, guilt, and fears.
Laqueur brings us into the lives of a large and loving Swedish-American family, certainly not without their tragedies, but for the most part happy and wholesome. You cannot help but love the Fiskares. They help their community through the depression, even turning a little bit pirate and bootlegger. They take in orphans as though they are family. They accept those whom society would shun. But all the nearly saccharine narrative-candy of this beautiful family won’t last. I assure you, you will love these people and because of that you are going to need a lot of tissues as you read.
The narrative moves steadily as the St. Lawrence River that flows through the Fiskares’ lives. The potentially sappy family saga becomes a whirlwind of a torrid love affair between two young teens. Things very quickly became unexpectedly steamy! But just as I’m settling down to what is now a steamy romance, the tale shifts again. Greed, tragedy, and war strike America and suck the family into the bloody gears. The reader is thrown into the trenches with our protagonist, dragged vividly through the horrors of the European front. Focusing on the intimate moments in a soldier’s life, Laqueur wrote so realistically of the smells, sounds, and ugliness of the war I had to grab up my tissues again.
Overall, this was a novel of love – familial, platonic, romantic. The love between brothers, soldiers, and lovers. Love in the face of death, torture, and fear. Love in times of hope and hopelessness. This was a novel about the way love builds, tears down, and heals again. It was a novel of wishes and the power we give our superstitions, talismans, and fears, about the power too of small moments, too often gobbled up and forgotten in the vastness of history. This is a novel about the stories we tell and those we keep to ourselves. Enjoy!
“A Small Hotel” by Suanne Laqueur is the tale of a family, the Fiskares, or, as the town calls them, the Fishers. A family of kind women, strong men, and open arms. But the war soon comes to America, and the family will be forever changed. This is the tale of a family’s golden boy, a boy who fell in love, lost his dreams, then went to war and lost himself. Will he find his way home? Will he get a second chance at happiness? This is how a man becomes a magic fish and a storyteller.
When I opened the first page to a family tree, I worried this would be a saga full of too many characters, spanning vast swaths of time. But much to my delight, the narrative quickly focused on a young man and his close family. The book begins like a fairy tale, “Long ago… there was a small hotel,” evoking the story-telling motif that will permeate its pages. While the book falls very squarely into the historical fiction and romance genres, I propose that it sprinkles in a touch of magical realism, just enough to temper the bleak realities that invade the latter half of the novel. Throughout we are treated to the small rituals, superstitions, and mythologies of every-day life and how these small moments are ingrained in our psychology, twined with our regrets, guilt, and fears.
Laqueur brings us into the lives of a large and loving Swedish-American family, certainly not without their tragedies, but for the most part happy and wholesome. You cannot help but love the Fiskares. They help their community through the depression, even turning a little bit pirate and bootlegger. They take in orphans as though they are family. They accept those whom society would shun. But all the nearly saccharine narrative-candy of this beautiful family won’t last. I assure you, you will love these people and because of that you are going to need a lot of tissues as you read.
The narrative moves steadily as the St. Lawrence River that flows through the Fiskares’ lives. The potentially sappy family saga becomes a whirlwind of a torrid love affair between two young teens. Things very quickly became unexpectedly steamy! But just as I’m settling down to what is now a steamy romance, the tale shifts again. Greed, tragedy, and war strike America and suck the family into the bloody gears. The reader is thrown into the trenches with our protagonist, dragged vividly through the horrors of the European front. Focusing on the intimate moments in a soldier’s life, Laqueur wrote so realistically of the smells, sounds, and ugliness of the war I had to grab up my tissues again.
Overall, this was a novel of love – familial, platonic, romantic. The love between brothers, soldiers, and lovers. Love in the face of death, torture, and fear. Love in times of hope and hopelessness. This was a novel about the way love builds, tears down, and heals again. It was a novel of wishes and the power we give our superstitions, talismans, and fears, about the power too of small moments, too often gobbled up and forgotten in the vastness of history. This is a novel about the stories we tell and those we keep to ourselves. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews