I thought I was ready to read this. I bought it soon as it published, but put it off. Due to the Covid pandemic. This book explores an imaginary pandeI thought I was ready to read this. I bought it soon as it published, but put it off. Due to the Covid pandemic. This book explores an imaginary pandemic and is written just before the actual pandemic hit us. It is both alike and different. But... it captures the horror of it all. Kimberly Martin writes a good book, and... I hope she sufficiently recovers from long Covid to continue writing. Would love to hear about Vani and all the doctor friends. ...more
An excellent read, an experience of the gold rush in Klondike and later the Frank mine slide. Two events in Canadian history that Genevieve Graham briAn excellent read, an experience of the gold rush in Klondike and later the Frank mine slide. Two events in Canadian history that Genevieve Graham brings to life along with warm hearted characters....more
Yes, definitely an outstanding read/listen. Loved the characters - well bar for one. One terrible disaster, and emotional and physical partner abuse, Yes, definitely an outstanding read/listen. Loved the characters - well bar for one. One terrible disaster, and emotional and physical partner abuse, plus the amazing spirit of people bonding together. All meld together to make a heart wrenching and heart warming story. Well done to the narrator too....more
What a beautiful story, as a teacher I appreciate the portrayal of a talented and caring compassionate teacher in Maggie. My heart went out to Katya aWhat a beautiful story, as a teacher I appreciate the portrayal of a talented and caring compassionate teacher in Maggie. My heart went out to Katya and Sasha who were victims of the Chernobyl disaster. Their son Yuri has a heart defect as a result of all the radiation. Such a moving, sad and yet hopeful story. I loved the relationship between Maggie, Yuri and Finn. Highly recommend....more
I am still dabbing my eyes and swallowing the back taste of smoke as I finish Home Fires by Fiona Lowe. As I read into the book I just couldn't put itI am still dabbing my eyes and swallowing the back taste of smoke as I finish Home Fires by Fiona Lowe. As I read into the book I just couldn't put it down, I was drawn into the lives of the people of Myrtle in Victoria, Australia.We all watch devastating events happening most nights as they play out on our TV screens. As I read this book I am hearing about a fire devastate a town in my own country. Home Fires explores the terrible destruction of fire that can spring up and engulf a community.This is a book not only about the horror of fire out of control, but the lives of people both before and after the fire. There is the shock of loss of life and home and animals. Add into that the people who survive and the huge stress that is placed on them. The world forgets them, but they are left to pick up the pieces.Home Fires presents us with a wonderful group of characters all who are dealing with fire related issues, and issues that were already present and greatly exacerbated by the fire. We see a motley group of people struggle and fall, challenge each other and support each other until... something new arises.So worth reading! A fabulous Australian setting,a disaster event and the courageous response to it, family upheaval, violence and marriage issues, PTSD, crime, and above all family and community supporting each other. This book has it all. The title of the book is totally apt and the cover gorgeous....more
Right from the beginning I was hooked into this book and the story. I just totally loved Annika and her background story. In college she was not very Right from the beginning I was hooked into this book and the story. I just totally loved Annika and her background story. In college she was not very socially adept, missed cues, spoke her mind, hated loud noise and wasn’t keen on being touched. But… what a heart and gorgeous person. I also fell for her room mate Janine who was kind enough to reach out in genuine friendship and help Annika to find her way through the world that mystified her.
In college she meets Jonathan and he is everything you’d like in a male. We find out that something separated them and now as they meet ten years later and begin to find their way with each other, we are led on, wondering what on earth went wrong between this wonderful pair.
The story is told in two time lines, college days and 2001. They fit together seamlessly and as I read, the question I held about what went wrong was answered. And no more about the plot – its best discovered as you read.
This book was a fast read, I picked it up every moment possible. It was emotional – heart warming and heart breaking. If you love unforgettable characters, a little mystery, and an emotional read with an intense ending – pick this one up. I hated it had to finish...more
Thoroughly enjoyed this audio version of the book. Compulsive listening, Suzanne Elise Freeman did an excellent narration. Grace Holland an admirable Thoroughly enjoyed this audio version of the book. Compulsive listening, Suzanne Elise Freeman did an excellent narration. Grace Holland an admirable heroine, the story of the fire and her choices afterwards held my interest all the way through....more
4.5 stars. Before taking up Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon, I knew very little about the Hindenburg disaster, I was just vaguely aware of it. As I r4.5 stars. Before taking up Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon, I knew very little about the Hindenburg disaster, I was just vaguely aware of it. As I read into this work of fiction I became fascinated by it. I even explored an internet site that Ariel mentions at the back of her book, and know I will go back to it. I am not that much interested in non-fiction, but sometimes a work of fiction sparks off a new awareness and quest for more.
The names of the characters are those of the actual travellers on the Hindenburg. As Ariel points out the survivors said not much happened on the trip. However she picks up from there and writes a fascinating and page turning view of what might have been. How the Hindenburg became engulfed in flames is a mystery as yet unsolved. Even back in those times - 1937 - bomb threats were a worry and the crew were aware and cautious.
Ariel Lawhon takes this event and these people and makes it accessible to me - the reader. As the story rotates among a number of characters, slowly I as the reader, build a picture of them. Their hopes, griefs, jealousies, and longings. I witness the crew and staff as they interact with kindness, blackmail, duty, subterfuge and revenge. I come to care for these characters and through them the actual people who travelled that fated time.
This book has been well researched, I learned things about the airships that I did not know, all thanks to this research. What an amazing feat of technology. How amazing to have travelled in this way.
As I said I knew very little about the Hindenburg before I started reading this novel. I had heard of its demise, but that is all. I had assumed there were no survivors. Amazingly there were. Many of the actual real survivors went on to live long lives.
If you like historical fiction, fiction based on real events then this is for you. Or... perhaps you are like me - very vague about this event and time. Yes, most definitely this book is for you. ...more
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