A Review: The Dream Lover by Elizabeth Berg

Elizabeth Berg's The Dream Lover is the story of George Sand: French novelist, protofeminist, and inamorata to some of history's leading men.

I must admit that I haven't read Sand's work. I actually, and this is outright embarrassing, had only learned of her after watching a movie based on her relationship with Frederic Chopin. You know, the film with a young Hugh Grant as a sickly Chopin? Yep, I totally had a thing for him (Grant) as a teenager, and was also obsessed with Chopin, so she was really just a side note. Whatever. So I basically knew that these two had gotten busy together and that she wore men's clothing but that was about it. Pathetic.

This novel delves into the life of George Sand beginning with her parents ill-suited match, adding color to her formative years. Assuming that much of the novel is based on biographies of the writer, there's much to be learned, or at the very least, researched after finishing the book. I had no idea she was close friends with some of her more well-known literary, male contemporaries. The atmosphere was lovely and I was instantly transported to the busy streets of Paris, or the idyllic, lush countryside of her family estate at Nohant. It was the perfect companion for escaping the everyday life for an hour or so.

That being said, I didn't entirely love this novel. As of late, I've felt that many narrators in historical novels sound eerily similar, and this one was no different. Is this just me?! Anyway, the beginning seemed promising, as we learn of Sand's family background, of her relationship with a grandmother who means the best but demands the rigid etiquette of post-revolutionary France, which paves the way for George and her exciting life ahead. However, the moments where the reader is forced, suddenly, into George's present day life, consists of being fed exacting play-by-plays of her deteriorating relationships with lovers and her inability to write without them. It was something along the lines of, "and then I started seeing x, but it just didn't work after I caught him with z, so we broke it off." Every. Time. And the woman falls in love with like every dude (and maybe one lady) she meets. Ok, ok, so maybe that's just how she operated so I can't really fault the book for that, but the jump from one summary of a lover to the next was boring and didn't offer anything substantial in terms of character development. I really longed to get back to Nohant and watch her grow.

At the end of the day, I would recommend this book to friends who love historical fiction and want to read about a pioneering lady figure. It's perfect for getting swept away to a different time and place, especially imagining being apart of the literary circles of Paris at this time. And I'll admit that I did learn a lot about her life, even though this work was fiction, as it prompted me to research her life past the pages. I'll definitely be adding Sand's work to my TBR moving forward.

Read this title? Share your thoughts! I'd love suggestions of other historical fiction to add to the TBR, as well!

*I received an advanced reader's copy of this title from Random House through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

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Summer is Here (Almost)

While it's technically not summer just yet, I sort of feel like we can act like it is when it's so hot out and you can kick it with your friends on the patio (and enjoy a cold brew or whatever you fancy). While summer makes me think of wondrous things like fruit pies, dining al fresco, sandy beaches, and sunshine FOR DAYS, I also consider it the best time to compile giant reading lists I'll never actually have the opportunity to tackle. A girl can dream...

Recently notified via a very pleasant email from Netgalley, I realized that I had a ton of galleys and few reviews. Sadly, it's not that I've read the majority of these titles and then failed to hold up my end of the bargain and not post. No, it's more than I've either hated the title OR never even glanced at it after being approved. Netgalley for me is like a kid in a candy store with absolutely NO adult supervision. It can't be helped. I click to request and request and request until I'm passed out in the corner from exhaustion.

In an effort to do good on my word, I'm going to seriously try and complete the latest titles that I've been so graciously granted access to. ARCs out my ears, people.

In no particular order, here are a few titles I hope to finish in the near future (many of these have release dates not too far into the future so you'll be seeing them soon):

 

 

 

1 How to Ruin a Queen by Jonathan Beckham

Another book about Marie Antionette and her diamonds. Look, I'm a sucker for this stuff so no judging. Plus, everyone needs a healthy dose of non-fiction, ok?

2 The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes

Look, I actually didn't even stop to read what this one was about because I'll read anything Moyes writes. Yes, I'm guilty of getting a copy of One Plus One from Netgalley and not reviewing after finishing, but let's just say that it wasn't that great and leave it there. Otherwise, I've always enjoyed her other books so I'm just pretending I didn't read that particular title.

3 Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero

It's been October since I've sat down to a good gothic tale. I find that most of my novels in this genre come from writers from decades/centuries past and I wanted to finally try something more modern. I can't say that this will be as good as classics by Wilkie or Poe, but I'm willing to give it a go. A man inherits a spooky mansion from a relative he's never heard of (cliche yes... bear with me) and all goes to hell after that. I'll let you know.

4 Dad by William Wharton

The title and the cover art got me here. Yeah, I judged a book by its cover. It happens. This family drama drew me in with its focus on the father as opposed to the mother (like so many I've read before). I love my father but we've always butted heads and I guess seeing another relationship (even if its fictional) is interesting in some way.

5 The Hundred-Year House by Rebecca Makkai

Remember that time I went on and on about Makkai's first novel, The Borrower? No? Probably not because I loved it while everyone else gave it lukewarm reviews. Anyway, Makkai offers a tale of an ancient house that once thrived as a dwelling for an arts colony. Her last novel was pretty insightful and hilarious, so I'm hoping this is similar.

6 Summer House with Swimming Pool by Herman Koch

Ah yes, Mr. Koch. Last year, his novel The Dinner (which I also received via Netgalley) was all the rage. People were waiting for the next Gone Girl and it fit the bill. In SHWSP, a doctor is faced with charges of malpractice after one his patients dies suddenly. While I wasn't blown away with his work, I was interested to give Koch another chance. I'm currently reading this and I'll say that it's already more disturbing than The Dinner ever was.  Ok, so the summary above seems tame, but Koch has a knack for creating characters that crawl under you skin and stay. Unless the conclusion just totally kills it, I'm already thinking this will surpass the previous novel.

That's it. A list of novels, in addition to what I'm reading for my local book group, I'll be desperately trying to complete before this beautiful season is over. Wish me luck!

What novels are you anticipating?

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A Post: Long Time No See

This is a picture of my lovely cat, Stevie; although, it could very well be a picture of me because that's all I seem to be doing these days once I pick up a book.

It all started when I got an email stating that five (four of those featured below) books were available for pick-up at the local library. I had been waiting MONTHS for these and they all came at once. It seemed like a terrible conundrum because I just sat and stared at the pile. I had no idea how to go about choosing the one I'd read first. So, naturally, I let them sit on my coffee table for a few days. I'd casually walk by, pick one up, read a paragraph or two and then set it down. Finally, I decided to dive into the The Investigation because A) it was totally different than anything I'd read this year, B) the author is a male and I've been slacking in that department, and C) I'd been eyeing it longer than any of the others and this was my chance.

The Investigation by Philippe Claudel

I'm still not finished with The Investigation. Don't get me wrong; it's a great read, but I'll be the first to admit that the author's intentions are completely over my head. The overall message and social commentary are quite in your face, but that doesn't mean I completely understand what Claudel is trying to express exactly.

Read any smartypants review of the title on Goodreads and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Well crafted, but not totally engrossing. It's on my nightstand. I get about 5 pages in before I zonk out.








Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

This was my second most anticipated library score. I'm over halfway through, even if it has taken me two weeks, but know I'll really love this one when it's all said and done. The author is incredibly talented, the story heart-breaking and engaging. It's been hard keeping up with this one when it hits close to home. Family loss is always so hard and Brunt expresses it perfectly.












Homeward Bound: Why Women Are Embracing the New Domesticity by Emily Matchar

Guilty as charged. I love baking from scratch, learning to knit, and the idea of canning. Yes, I am totally the target audience for this read. Matchar explores the rise of interest in the "good ol' days" and how these fads are changing society. Written like an ethnography, I was sucked in before realizing I was reading five thousand other books. I've got some time because this one comes out in May.












Eight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto

I don't know much about this title other than it focuses on women who took pictures in the past. I like taking pictures, I'm a woman, and I enjoy reading about the past, so it seemed like a win.















Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann

Another of those highly anticipated titles. I had this one on my library list for about six months. Yes, six months! It was that popular. Then the system wonked out and never sent me the e-mail telling me to come pick it up. I lost my spot and had to request it again! Fortunately, the hype had died down a bit and it arrived much earlier. Maybe a bit too early?












For someone who absolutely detests reading more than one book at a time, I'm shocked that this many books are even lying around as a possibility at this point. Don't even get me started on my review list over on Netgalley. I should be banned from requesting more books. No, seriously. Or maybe even the site... you know, until I finish those already awaiting my attention.

What are you reading? Anyone else feeling the spring slump???

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A Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I'll admit that I missed the initial hype on this one. I actually didn't even hear about it until it had already been out several weeks and came across Brenna's nod. I found the novel to be a quick, enjoyable read that addressed some tough emotional and political issues.

When young Lou Clark loses her comfortable job as a barista in the cafe of the castle that is her town's largest attraction, she begins a desperate search to find something quickly. Her family, relying on her income to live, are a curious bunch that deem Lou the misfit, a lesser individual than her younger, and smarter, sister.When Lou realizes she doesn't have skills to perform many of the jobs available, she applies to be a caretaker to Will Traynor, a wealthy businessman turned quadriplegic in a motorbike accident. When Will attempts to exercise the only power he believes he has left, Lou must convince him that life is still worth living.

Moyes slowly reveals layers of each character to make the story believable and quite touching. Lou's character, in particular, moved me because she was obviously quite bright, yet so incredibly sheltered. When I grew bothered by her tendency to shrug things off before actually giving them thought, or her avoidance of confrontation despite the nagging in her gut, I understood that Lou wasn't exactly sure who she was, and was struggling with perceptions of herself from those around her. Will, on the other hand, is often caustic in his approach to meeting new people and wears his contempt outwardly. In the end, it's Lou's determination that makes the relationship a success, refusing to give up during Will's worst moments. Moyes provides vivid details of Will's daily life and the routines that allow him to live and breath, and definitely make his impudent actions comprehensible.

For such unassuming cover art, Me Before You really packs a punch. Will, the quintessential adventure man, has realized his worst fears. After the accident, he's left unable to care for himself in any capacity; moreover, he's lost his job, his fiancee, and the will to live. As Will and Lou work to get past the awkward and somewhat rude exchanges that make up their introduction, they eventually grow quite fond of one another. With Will's guidance, Lou recognizes her own potential and realizes there's a whole world waiting for her. However, she also understands that as she finds herself, Will is slowly sinking. Moyes sheds light on highly political issues, like assisted suicide, exhibiting the emotions his own family must face when accepting his fate, as well as the political and social repercussions that accompany the act. The title is a great example of fictional situations that really force readers to put themselves in these situations and contemplate their own decisions.

I highly recommend this title if you're looking for a well-written novel that's sure to stick with you long after you've finished.

I received a copy of this novel from Penguin Group Viking via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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