Kaseys Korner

The Alchemist's Daughter

Oh Emilie. How you frustrated me!! Here you are, this phenom of a daughter (at least that's what we're told,) who couldn't have been more woefully unprepared for life.

All the time spent cooped up in her father's laboratory, advancing herself to an almost unheard of level of higher learning (for the time period), but can't discern a "dandy" from a real man when the evidence was served on a platter and practically labeled as such. I saw her flying headlong into disaster, the author made Aislabie just that transparent from introduction, and cringed throughout the whole shamble of a journey. All the preparation her father thought he was giving her in the art of critical thinking, flew out the window at the first insincere word from the lips of a good looking "snake charmer" (that was my personal term for Aislabie.) Too bad I didn't feel more sympathetic toward her. She just wasn't written as that endearing of a character despite the bumpy ride of the journey we endured with her.

Actually, there were zero characters in the book I felt like cheering. They were all a bit flat, dull & depressing. Once Emilie discovered her father's journals, and the contents were revealed, they made him a wee bit more understandable but still not very likable. In my experience, scientists are the worst at human interactions, they are too absorbed & singularly focused on their chosen subject area to have much interest in the social & ordinary aspects of life. Thank goodness for them except for what a huge flaw it was in his "experiment," especially considering his child was a daughter that would be of marriageable age & her choice of spouse would dictate her future. (and consequently his.)

It's interesting how the study of Alchemy was classified as scientific research in the time period but isn't given any oxygen in todays world ~ not that I hear about anyway. That aspect of the book appealed to me when I first read the description. Sir Isaac Newton is mentioned in the pages as well and it's always fascinating to read about a larger than life figure when incorporated into fiction. Not a terrible book, just missing something that would make it more noteworthy & the main characters more memorable. In the end, I think I liked the book cover more than anything!  It's simply stunning.

Little Fires Everywhere

I waffled back & forth about whether or not to read this book. Something about the description (I think?) made me wonder if I would even like it. Pleasant surprise ~ I found the book pretty absorbing. It flows nicely and is something I could typically read in one or two sittings.

'Little Fires Everywhere' is a literal & figurative title. There was an actual fire & from that fire, the ignition of the books multiple story lines ~ some more intriguing than others. Big overall lesson, no matter how hard people work to create a "Utopia," (like Shaker Heights) there's no way to keep out the messiness of life. Make all the rules you want, draw all the boundaries possible to think up, vet carefully and thoroughly but it's going to seep in no matter what.  Also, there's ALWAYS a backstory to every. single. persons. life ~ no matter how they present themselves. Digging into that backstory illuminates why they comport themselves the way that they do. I found Mia & Izzy's stories most compelling but just like all of us, they're flawed too.

I feel like this would be an excellent book club pick. There's a lot of meaty discussion matter within the pages ~multiracial adoption, surrogacy, pros and cons of planned communities, perils of teen sex/love, etc., etc., all served up in an easily readable format. A 3 1/2 star read for me.

 

 

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

If I had a copy of this book in my hands, I'd be hugging it to my body right now & not wanting to let go! However, I read it on my Kindle & hugging that just wouldn't be quite the same. I love when a book has that kind of powerful impact. I literally did. not. want. it. to. end. & fervently HOPE there's a sequel coming. I mean there are so many more characters in the "society" that have ill will toward January & so many Worlds & Doors to explore ~ there's enough material available for years of writing. Please, please, please set some goals for that to happen Ms Harrow!!

I really didn't know what to expect when I started the book. I downloaded it merely because it sounded "interesting" but honestly, it blew me away how immersed I became in it. It's sheer reader euphoria when that happens! Excuse me while I levitate in the bliss of that threshold for a moment ~it's been a while.

I have no intention of describing the story, only to say it's very unique & imaginative ~ as is January. Getting to know her and her parents, reeled me in equally ~ which doesn't happen often. Usually I'm partial to one character or another. Actually ALL the characters in the book are quite fascinating and come with their own absorbing side stories. It's an experience of a book. Especially appealing to anyone who secretly fantasizes about concentric worlds and the magical, endless possibilities that reality would present. If I were to run thru a Door, I'd want it to be into a World like Yule Ian's. Would that I could!!!! *sigh* Also to readers, who already know the power of words, his World (and January) elevate that power to dream level.

If this book doesn't win any awards, I'd be stunned! Extraordinarily transportive.

 

In the Garden of Beasts ~ Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin

I had no prior knowledge about Ambassador William Dodd (or his family) before starting this book but I have read fairly extensively about WWII and some on Hitler's rise to power. If you are looking for a lot of personal facts/information about Adolph Hitler, this book would come up short. If you let the book title be your guide, it's a completely accurate representation of the subject matter therein. It follows the path to Ambassadorship for Professor Dodd and then the disappointments, discoveries, and politics of his appointment and position in Berlin. The secondary focus of the book was on his daughter Martha Dodd. Very little information was relayed about the other two members of his family; his wife & son.

Not coming from a political family, the machinations behind the scene between other political appointees was fascinating and "mean girl-esque" even tho all the characters were men. Ambassador Dodd was a conservative, what I'd call "old school," intellectual from outside the Washington DC "system" and definitely outside of the titled, privileged world of "old money." Who would have thought those last things made him unfit for the job? Although I'm sure a diplomatic nature is beneficial to an Ambassador Post, it seemed like having the money to schmooze and throw social events ranked even higher. I felt like applauding him for wanting to live within his salary and not waste government money but he sure was condemned by his colleagues for it. No one can fault that he was uncannily accurate in his perception of Hitler's motives and the reality of what was really happening in Germany between 1933 and 1937, the years he served our government there. His perspective was especially acute because he could compare it with the days he spent in Germany during his college years. The change and underlying malaise was palpable thru the pages and definitely built over the chapters in the book. I would have wanted to leave before he did but it was mentioned several times that his diplomatic status afforded him protections most everyone else didn't have.

The pages are sprinkled with historic figures of the time, many entertained by the Dodds in their home or met by Martha in her nightly escapades. Several times during the book, there were places where Hitler could have been stopped and the atrocities of WWII prevented but the apathy of other countries (including the United States) about getting involved was staggering. It really brought home the price that "Isolationism" cost everyone. For keeping quiet, not even warning Americans or other tourists that Germany was increasing dangerous led to more and more horrendous acts and contributed to the license that the SS and Hitler felt they had to do & get away with anything. Sickening, really. Every time I read about Hitler or how he slowly got control of Germany and its people, it's a check on how easily it was accomplished with the right combination of factors. There is something so bizarre in how he and his high commanders were all social misfits but they were after this "perfect" Aryan nation. Maybe if President Hindenburg hadn't been old and in ill health, things would have been different. The "what if's"are the devil....

The side story of Ambassador Dodd's daughter Martha kept the book lighter than it could have been otherwise and were interspersed thru the chapters about Ambassador Dodd. She was portrayed as a highly desirable woman that could tilt her head, flutter her lashes and enthrall all manners of men. She certainly was ahead of her time and the sexual revolution ~ trysting with countless men all across Berlin and the surrounding countryside. I almost want to call her a "floozy!" She seemed self centered and completely unconcerned with the ramifications of her behaviors on her father's elevated position. I can't say I liked her all that much and those feelings intensified when I googled her & learned she was accused of spying for the Russians. The book makes mention of those accusations as well. It's pretty ironic that a daughter of a U.S. diplomat would live out her life & die in a foreign country out of necessity. It seemed the direct opposite of what her Father stood for but he never seemed to condemn her actions in the book so who I am to do so now??

This was the third book I've read by this author and I've enjoyed and learned a lot from every one of them. Mr. Larsons style makes the history of the particular moment come to life and is very readable by persons interested in history at any level.

Great Expectations

In 2018, when I was setting my yearly reading goals, I privately decided that five books out of my total goal number, I wanted to be "classics." It stemmed from a personal feeling of not being as well read as I felt I should be or wanted to be. I kept that goal in 2019 & plan to continue it on into 2020. 'Great Expectations' completes the fifth book in my 2019 classics goal. I couldn't have picked a better book to wrap.

It was the ultimate story in character development. I could not have cringed more at certain choices Pip made and watching him flounder along to discover what's important in life was painful at times. A book is 5 star plus when you see yourself in the character and think back at your own path. It was so rewarding to see him turn the corner, mature and find peace with himself, his place in life and acknowledge the people who were truly meaningful. He finally found what I refer to as "his north star." The ability to see thru facades, disregard extraneous trappings, and know what's really valuable (not a "thing" at all) is a universal life lesson. Dickens was genius for tapping into that and writing a book that would speak to us all. The only thing I wanted more was a happy ending for Pip and I can't help but think (after all he's learned) it wasn't out of reach.

The more I read these classics, the more I revere them. They're so deep & resonate so much that it's sometimes difficult to return to contemporary literature. Pip, Joe, Miss Havisham, Estella, Herbert, Abel Magwitch ~ they all deserve their place in literary infamy ~ and I'm glad I finally have a reference for them now in my head.

Flowers

Absolutely stunning and exactly what I expected based on the two other books I own by Carolyne Roehm. I've wanted this one for a long time but kept putting off purchasing because of the price. The page & photo quality are absolutely worth it tho. It's another oversize book and it covers 9 categories of flowers: Daffodils, Tulips, Lilacs, Lily of the Valley, Peonies, Iris, Roses, Clematis and Dahlias. Since these are among my very favorite to grow as well, I am completely happy with her choices.

The photos in the book are spectacular and equally spectacular are the array of vases and containers used to showcase the blooms. Many of the photos include table settings with the floral arrangements so it's a double bonus for those of us who also appreciate a beautifully set table.

The reading is minimal, this is definitely a coffee table book, but it very successfully captures the essence of each floral category featured. When the snow is swirling, opening this and leafing thru the pages will give any gardener joy. The only critique I have is the typo of my very favorite rose, Abraham Darby. In the book it's spelled twice as Abraham Derby. It probably would only bother another David Austin rose fanatic.

The Vine Witch

LOVED it. Was sucked in from the very first page and stayed enthralled till the very end.

Maybe I should put in a disclaimer and say I'm partial to reading about magic. There was such a perfect explanation of magic within this story too. I'm including it below so I'll always remember it AND so I can throw it out into the universe whenever a discussion on the topic comes up. Not that I engage in conversation very frequently on the subject, but still ~ one needs to be prepared!! The explanation occurred when Brother Anselm was trying to explain it to the scientifically and logically ordered mind of Jean-Paul.

"In truth, you could say almost everything I do here at the abbey relies on a belief in the unseen. In my profession we use faith to see, in science it's the microscope. With magic, we don't yet know how to quantify that range of unseen energy. We lack the proper tool. But not so for the witch."

"So you're saying the witches, this magic they do, it's conceivable it's merely a part of the natural world, only we don't yet have the means to measure how it works?"

See?? Perfect explanation of ALL things unexplainable!!

Elena, the Vine Witch at Chateau Renaud, is central to two mysteries in the book. I kinda sleuthed out the answers to both before they were officially revealed but it did not stop me from totally enjoying the read. A tiny, tiny romance too but nothing to get steamed up over!! Very nice debut novel from this author!!!

The Victory Garden

'The Victory Garden' is a benign story that takes place at the end of WWI, ends on a happy note & contains nothing unpredictable.

The protagonist Emily, is an upper class girl eager to throw aside the "trappings" of her privileged life and contribute something meaningful to the War effort. She manages to do that and more in a remarkably deft way for someone who's never had much required of her. It was interesting to read about the 'Land Girls' (where she signed up) and their contribution to keeping England afloat while all the able bodied men were off fighting.

I also enjoyed the herbology aspect that was developed in the latter part of the book and I guess that was the hidden surprise for me. Otherwise the ending seemed like history repeating itself, with Emily's life set to mirror that of Lady Charltons.

Not a challenging read at all, I'd say it could be categorized as "light" historical fiction, but sometimes that's a perfect choice to escape reality.

The Photograph

Definitely not a thrilling, page turning mystery but an interesting book nonetheless. I'd label it more of a slow burn. Told from about 6 POV's, by the time the conclusion is reached, the reader feels an intimate connection with every single character except the one (Kath) at the center of the mystery & the person whose memory consumed them all.

It was a sad commentary on the powers of human observation that no one looked beyond the illusion of a breezy, carefree, happy woman to see the troubled, searching, love-starved person beneath the beautiful exterior. Maybe we don't want to find "trouble" so we choose to skim over it?? It takes an affront to her husbands considerable ego to start all the characters looking inward to examine their relationships with Kath & reflect on the path to her untimely death. If only there were a rewind button in life.

I'd probably rate this a 3 star read instead of a 4 if I weren't a gardener. The fact that there was a garden designer as one of the characters, plus the mentioning of familiar plants (by their latin names no less!) along with famous English gardens, endeared it to me more than it probably would a non-gardener. Kath's husband was also a Landscape Historian, a career I never knew existed but found equally intriguing. I read this because of a fellow gardener & if I recommended it, it would most likely be to another like-minded soul.

 

 

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Super cute book that any book "nerd" would probably enjoy. Besides being a book lover, introvert and anxiety prone protagonist, Nina, has two side stories: a cute romance and an unknown family. It's humorous watching her navigate the quagmires of both.

I kept thinking while reading, that it would be the perfect book to include in a time capsule for the 2nd decade of the 21st century! If you read it, you'll know what I mean. So many things mentioned quintessentially representative of our current world. Also so many noteworthy mentions of what books mean to all the book lovers in the world. I highlighted this one because if I find an author or book I love, I immediately search to see if she/he has written other books:

“Do you know the best feeling in the world?” “Uh . . .” Nina shook her head, despite having some ideas. Liz glowed. “It’s reading a book, loving every second of it, then turning to the front and discovering that the writer wrote fourteen zillion others.”

We must all be alike in that way!!!

Something unique about 'The Bookish Life of Nina Hill' was that each chapter started with a page in her journal. I did read what she'd written on the page but I really liked the journal pages!! It was delightful to read in the afterword where the author had gotten the pages from: happydigitaldownload.com ~ I'll definitely be checking out their stuff!

Fun, fast, easy read!!