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Dem's Reviews > Valentine
Valentine
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This is a debut novel that really took me by surprise as the writing is so impressive, sharp and convincing.
The opening chapters of this novel really blew me away, such descriptive and vivid writing. I could smell the oil and feel the tension and the heat as the author set the scene for what was to come in the story. I was standing with MaryRose on her front porch the day trouble came to her door and I could feel my heart beating as I tried to figure how I would have handled the situation that came afterward considering the time and place.
I was a little nervous starting this one as I was aware there was an attack and possible rape of a young girl early on in the story and really didn't want to read a detailed description but this author doesn't subject the reader to any distressing details and yet she manages to get across the reality and terror of the situation without being graphic which for me set this novel apart from so many others.
This is a story set in 1976 Odessa, Texas on the cusp of the next great oil boom. When the boom comes to town, it brings it’s problems and worries and the women of Odessa know and fear the violence that always seem to follow.
I was so convinced by the characters and their situations and stories. The description of Odessa and the Oilfields, the heat, the landscape and the loneliness of the women is so well portrayed. This is a book that makes you feel and care and I just loved reading this one. While the book focus on the women’s stories, the male characters are interesting in the roles they play in the story and the women’s lives.
I will admit that for me the story does drag a little towards the middle of the book and I did find some of the characters difficult to keep track of. Overall it wasn't a problem as I had a paperback edition and it didn't take away from my appreciation of the story, as the writing and the well formed characters just make this book such a worthwhile and compelling read.
I can see this one on so many Bookclub reading lists as so much to discuss here.
The opening chapters of this novel really blew me away, such descriptive and vivid writing. I could smell the oil and feel the tension and the heat as the author set the scene for what was to come in the story. I was standing with MaryRose on her front porch the day trouble came to her door and I could feel my heart beating as I tried to figure how I would have handled the situation that came afterward considering the time and place.
I was a little nervous starting this one as I was aware there was an attack and possible rape of a young girl early on in the story and really didn't want to read a detailed description but this author doesn't subject the reader to any distressing details and yet she manages to get across the reality and terror of the situation without being graphic which for me set this novel apart from so many others.
This is a story set in 1976 Odessa, Texas on the cusp of the next great oil boom. When the boom comes to town, it brings it’s problems and worries and the women of Odessa know and fear the violence that always seem to follow.
I was so convinced by the characters and their situations and stories. The description of Odessa and the Oilfields, the heat, the landscape and the loneliness of the women is so well portrayed. This is a book that makes you feel and care and I just loved reading this one. While the book focus on the women’s stories, the male characters are interesting in the roles they play in the story and the women’s lives.
I will admit that for me the story does drag a little towards the middle of the book and I did find some of the characters difficult to keep track of. Overall it wasn't a problem as I had a paperback edition and it didn't take away from my appreciation of the story, as the writing and the well formed characters just make this book such a worthwhile and compelling read.
I can see this one on so many Bookclub reading lists as so much to discuss here.
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Reading Progress
June 28, 2020
– Shelved
July 20, 2020
–
Started Reading
July 25, 2020
–
Finished Reading
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Angela M is taking a break.
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rated it 5 stars
Jul 25, 2020 01:57PM
Terrific review, Dem. Loved this terrific debut.
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Angela M wrote: "Terrific review, Dem. Loved this terrific debut."Thank you Angela.
Great review, Dem. we are on the same page with this one
Jen wrote: "Great review, Dem. we are on the same page with this one"Thanks Jen.,
Wonderful review, Dem! I thought the time period and setting were great, very well-described and this story was excellent, can’t believe it’s a debut!
Terrific review, Dem! I enjoyed this one too. 💗
Brandice wrote: "Wonderful review, Dem! I thought the time period and setting were great, very well-described and this story was excellent, can’t believe it’s a debut!"Thanks Brandice. So well written. I love when an author can make you feel. Glad you enjoyed it too.
Mary Beth wrote: "Terrific review, Dem! I enjoyed this one too. 💗"☮Karen wrote: "Great review, Dem."
Thank you Karen and MaryBeth.
Chris wrote: "Great review."Thank you Chris.
Really great and well-balanced review, Dem.
