This story was cleverly written in the way a love story is told through the two old books found by one of the contemporary characters Ashlyn who is the rare book dealer and bookbinder. She also has a "special gift" related to previously owned books which is the key reason she switched into high gear once these books came into her possession.
Not only was the story told through the pair of old books, but the two sides of the story were interlocked by them. This was a very clever choice by the author as it does draw the reader more deeply into the story with every turning page.
The more contemporary story takes place in New Hampshire and Massachusetts in 1984 where the mysterious books are found by Ashlyn. Then the story jumps to 1954 Massachusetts and London where the books were first created. And then finally 1941 New York capturing the original days of the rapturous romance between Belle and Hemi during a period leading up to WWII. I completely appreciated how it also pointed to how American Nazi sympathizers were much more plentiful than most people realize.
The characters were wonderful. Both the contemporary ones and those in the historical sections. The story unfolds smoothly, and I personally found it difficult to put the book down.
The book also contains a bit of mystery regarding exactly what the books are and where they came from---along with a mystery about what really happened that caused such horrible damage in the historical, romantic tale between Belle and Hemi. I have to admit that I became drenched in their romance and the contention on paper among them. The author did a great job in how this was worked out.
On top of the romantic tale about Belle and Hemi, there is likewise a growing romance with contemporary characters Ashlyn and Ethan.
My only complaints are that I found Belle's character to be aggravatingly stubborn. I was also able to predict how a few important things would play out. It was a matter of sorting out details explained in key scenes. But just because I figured out these mysteries, I do not feel like the book would be predictable to most readers.
It is an engaging, well-written book that manages to intertwine a lot: the fallout, forgiveness and eventual healing from emotional abuse and neglect wielded by family and partners, a chapter of unfortunate American history, and a true love story that spans time. I very much recommend this book—especially for readers that, like me, read and were obsessed with A.S. Byatt's "Possession" back in the 90s. It may not be as "weighty" as that tome, but it has similarities and is overall easier to read.
Not only was the story told through the pair of old books, but the two sides of the story were interlocked by them. This was a very clever choice by the author as it does draw the reader more deeply into the story with every turning page.
The more contemporary story takes place in New Hampshire and Massachusetts in 1984 where the mysterious books are found by Ashlyn. Then the story jumps to 1954 Massachusetts and London where the books were first created. And then finally 1941 New York capturing the original days of the rapturous romance between Belle and Hemi during a period leading up to WWII. I completely appreciated how it also pointed to how American Nazi sympathizers were much more plentiful than most people realize.
The characters were wonderful. Both the contemporary ones and those in the historical sections. The story unfolds smoothly, and I personally found it difficult to put the book down.
The book also contains a bit of mystery regarding exactly what the books are and where they came from---along with a mystery about what really happened that caused such horrible damage in the historical, romantic tale between Belle and Hemi. I have to admit that I became drenched in their romance and the contention on paper among them. The author did a great job in how this was worked out.
On top of the romantic tale about Belle and Hemi, there is likewise a growing romance with contemporary characters Ashlyn and Ethan.
My only complaints are that I found Belle's character to be aggravatingly stubborn. I was also able to predict how a few important things would play out. It was a matter of sorting out details explained in key scenes. But just because I figured out these mysteries, I do not feel like the book would be predictable to most readers.
It is an engaging, well-written book that manages to intertwine a lot: the fallout, forgiveness and eventual healing from emotional abuse and neglect wielded by family and partners, a chapter of unfortunate American history, and a true love story that spans time. I very much recommend this book—especially for readers that, like me, read and were obsessed with A.S. Byatt's "Possession" back in the 90s. It may not be as "weighty" as that tome, but it has similarities and is overall easier to read.