Fiction

Adams, Lorraine. The Room and the Chair. Knopf. Feb. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-307-27241-6. $25.95. F

In her second novel (after Harbor), Adams, a former Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at the Washington Post, jumps back and forth between a newsroom in Washington, DC, and the secretive world of covert military operations in Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The result is a novel of war and news making in contemporary America that reads like a literary jigsaw puzzle with some pieces missing, as if there were more going on in the author's mind that she is conveying to the reader. Of the many characters in this ambitious work, the one that stands out is a tough female fighter pilot whose story begins and ends the novel. VERDICT Too ambiguous and with too many loose ends to work as suspense, this well-researched literary novel offers an unflinching look at the dangerous world we live in.—Leslie Patterson, Brown Univ. Lib., Providence, RI

After the mother of a Mexican American family is brutally murdered, the widowed father, Casimiro, is forced to raise sons Lorenzo and Vito by himself in what is portrayed as a hostile environment. Both sons are determined to fight the system: Vito literally through pugilism and Lorenzo less violently through social change. Their divergent lives meet at the end as together they avenge their mother's death. Lorenzo is abetted in his quest for reform by Carmen, a doctoral student researching the immigrant population, who falls in love with him. Though the time frame ranges from 1984 to the present, the narration eschews straight chronological order. The thoughts and internalized words of the characters are conveyed in italicized soliloquies that, while thematically relevant, slow up the action somewhat. Baca's first novel is an auspicious beginning for one who has already found success in poetry, memoirs, and short stories (e.g., The Importance of a Piece of Paper). VERDICT A well-written and at times lyrical saga told with understanding and compassion that will appeal mostly to readers within the Latino community. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/09.]—Lawrence Olszewski, OCLC Lib., Dublin, OH

In the 1960s, a government transfer brings the Weston family from Britain to the Seychelles, beautiful islands in the western Indian Ocean whose inhabitants speak French Creole and whose culture leans intensely on a belief in black magic. Unfortunately for Rupert and Penelope, what had been a happy marriage begins to falter in this exotic environment, even as daughters Zara and Chloe begin to flourish. In particular, eight-year-old Zara is enamored of the local witchcraft, with its reliance on spells and curses. When bright and spunky Penelope begins to realize that Rupert is seeing another woman, she sinks further into despair. Disliking her local British compatriots, she confides in Marguerite, her wise, shrewd Seychellois housekeeper, who also acts as the children's nana, and befriends an interesting American couple there to do research. VERDICT Benedict, an author of both fiction and nonfiction (Sailor's Wife; Virgin or Vamp), offers distinctive cross-cultural insights as well as a cadre of satiric and fascinating characters, and the result is a story that is both touching and humorous. Highly recommended.—Maureen Neville, Trenton P.L., NJ

An anonymous teenage protagonist living in a small village in contemporary Tuscany narrates this coming-of-age story by Via-reggio prize winner Bilenchi. The narrator, a quiet, studious young man, lives in a small family without his father. Much of this novella deals with his realization that most of the people around him are obsessed with sex. The narrative is a bit rough at times, with many overlong sentences and language that sounds too old to be a teenager's: "I walked in tranquility, between those reassuring walls: first I thought of the people who lived in the houses, near and far, that, gradually, I passed by, of placid hardworking families, and where, at that moment, my friends who lived on the street might be." The title refers to the autumn and early winter and also the isolation felt by our anonymous narrator as he experiences several emotional encounters that push him further into himself. VERDICT Bilenchi is the author of ten novels, as well as several short story collections, but this is the first to be translated into English. Perhaps another work would have been a better choice, as this tale will leave readers dissatisfied.—Lisa Rohrbaugh, formerly with East Palestine Memorial P.L., OH

This debut novel by an academic and scholar by profession (Brokaw is a pseudonym) introduces brilliant and handsome linguist Thomas Lourds as he begins filming an archaeology series for British television. Lourds is asked to identify a bell, part of a set of ancient musical instruments that bear inscriptions of unknown origin. Knowing that the instruments are the key to the Sacred Texts, power-mad Cardinal Murani of the Vatican's ultrasecret Society of Quirinus aspires to acquire them before Lourds and his team can translate the inscriptions and uncover a secret the Vatican has been guarding, a secret that links the Garden of Eden to the lost continent of Atlantis. VERDICT This novel is great for Da Vinci Code fans and readers who enjoy adventure thrillers that revolve around the search for ancient artifacts. The Atlantis element requires a considerable suspension of disbelief, but readers of this genre should be fully inoculated by now.—Laura A.B. Cifelli, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., FL

In early 1800s England, unmarried women of the upper classes were often relegated to the fringes of society, where they could find a polite way to spend their days; those of the lower classes had even fewer options. This work, based on a true story, portrays two women from these diverse backgrounds who share a fascination with fossils. Mary Anning is an impoverished girl with a gift for finding prehistoric skeletons along the coast, which also interest genteel spinster Elizabeth Philpot. She recognizes Mary's talent as she also understands the enormous implications of the specimens uncovered, for this was before Darwin, when the concept of extinction was unknown, and it was blasphemous to consider that some of God's creatures may have been flawed. Over time, both women strive for scientific credibility, love, and financial stability, with varying degrees of success. VERDICT Superbly creating a unique setting, as she did in The Girl with a Pearl Earring, Chevalier captures the atmosphere of a chilly, blustery coast and an oppressive social hierarchy in real Dickensian fashion. Readers of historical fiction will enjoy this fascinating tale of rustic paleontology. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/09.]—Susanne Wells, P.L. of Cincinnati & Hamilton Cty.

This story is about the Double Happiness Chinese restaurant, twin sisters Moonie and Mei Ling Wong, and the grandmother who raised them in Southern California. The sisters act as delivery girls for the restaurant, but they aspire to a better life, demonstrating sexual curiosity and independence even as they wrestle with their heritage. Events are told in fits and starts, with reference to traditional Chinese folk tales, dream sequences, sexual encounters, ghostly appearances, and narration by a variety of characters. The work offers no strongly discernible story line, progressing as if the narrator of the moment were using the TV remote to flip through channels, which results in disjointed glimpses of a puzzle the reader may or may not be able to assemble. VERDICT Award-winning poet Chin's debut novel will be of interest to readers of experimental fiction.—Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence

Clark follows up her acclaimed The Nature of Monsters with another historical novel set in the same era (the 18th century) but in the New World. This tale of French Louisiana revolves around the arrival of the first casket girls, virtuous poor girls of good families guaranteed good husbands in the colony and carrying their belongings in small chests called caskets. Among them is Elisabeth Savaret, who falls in love with her soldier husband, August. Meanwhile, the French officials responsible for the survival of the little colony realize they must cultivate the native tribes in the area. Their success is achieved with varying levels of integrity, providing much of the plot and considerable exploration of the novel's title. VERDICT The author treats the founding of French Louisiana with her signature dark realism and beautiful handling of character, plot, and pacing. Readers of Clark's earlier novels will enjoy this; it should also appeal to those interested in women's, French, New Orleans, or colonial-period history and in Native Americans. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Mary Kay Bird-Guilliams, Wichita P.L., KS

In this eponymous work, Guadeloupean-born novelist Conde offers a fictionalized account of her grandmother Victoire's life. The light-skinned daughter of a "petroleum blue Negro," Victoire gives birth to a black daughter, Jeanne (Conde's mother), who eventually aspires to join the rich, black upper class. Jeanne detests Victoire's status as the chef for a white Creole family, the Walbergs, and especially Victoire's singular friendship with Anne-Marie Walberg and long-term romance with Anne-Marie's husband, Boniface. Though a personal history, this novel illuminates important class and racial issues at the turn of the 20th century in the French Antilles and in fact reads like nonfiction. Also, via Conde's exceptional prose, it divulges the strong love between a mother and daughter who failed to communicate. VERDICT While Conde has accomplished a remarkable feat in recovering so much about her grandmother's life, she has written stronger historical novels, including Desirada, awarded the prestigious Prix Carbet de la Caraibe for the best book by a Caribbean author. For Conde fans and readers of literary and international fiction.—Faye A. Chadwell, Oregon State Univ. Lib., Corvallis

In his 23rd work of fiction, old trickster Coover (A Child Again) is at it again, deconstructing the detective novel in a zany concoction that's equal parts Black Mask magazine and Krazy Kat comics. PI Noir accepts a job to find the murderer of a mysterious woman's husband, though he admits his client's story is "as full of holes as her black veil." The widow—whose name he never even bothers to learn—turns up dead—oops!—and the body count starts climbing. Noir is so thick he makes Sam Spade look like Einstein: his idea of detecting is to circle around, listening to people's stories and getting bopped on the head repeatedly. Nothing happens, a lot happens, and nothing's clear in this zany, language-besotted send-up of the hard-boiled PI story with a plot that's just an excuse for riffing. VERDICT Coover's hyperbolic style isn't everyone's cup of tea, but this is a funny book. Recommended for literary readers, especially those who enjoy Jerome Charyn's Isaac Sidel novels, Paul Auster's New York trilogy, and Jonathan Lethem's work. [Several other big novelists published crime fiction this year: Thomas Pynchon (Inherent Vice) and Dennis Johnson (Nobody Move).—Ed.]—David Keymer, Modesto, CA

The town of Byram Hills is in turmoil when Flight 502 crashes moments after takeoff; all on board are killed. Nick Quinn suffers his own tragedy that day—his wife, Julia, who narrowly missed being on that deadly flight, is found shot to death. A preliminary police investigation reveals that an antique gun was used in Julia's murder, and it's covered with Nick's fingerprints. Alone in the interrogation room, Nick sits in shock when a stranger enters and offers him a pocket watch and an amazing proposition. The watch will allow Nick to go back in time for 12 hours to try to save his wife. As Nick desperately attempts to discover his wife's killer, he becomes increasingly aware of how his varied actions can affect every aspect of everyone's future. VERDICT Suspending disbelief is worth every moment of Doetsch's (The Thieves of Heaven; The Thieves of Faith) thrill ride through time, which tantalizingly reveals the true nature of all the characters involved. New Line Cinema purchased the film rights. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Joy Gunn, Paseo Verde Lib., Henderson, NV

First-time novelist Eslami gives us the perfectly titled story of Jasmine Fahroodi, an aimless college dropout seeking direction in her life. While the circumstances surrounding Jasmine's academic failures are frustratingly vague, her discovery of what she feels passionate about is compelling and authentic. Another thread in the story is her Iranian father's determination to arrange a marriage for her. While it's a bit puzzling why a man who rejected his homeland and family and married a very American wife would seek such a traditional solution for his daughter, the resolution of this story line is immensely satisfying. The novel is full of wonderfully drawn characters, especially Jasmine's awkward, gruff father. And there are some lovely stories about the father's childhood. Less effective is the unconvincing portrait of Jasmine's wandering brother, and the novel's humor does not always work. VERDICT This debut's real strength lies in its treatment of the Fahroodi family's complex relationships and of Jasmine's journey into womanhood. Recommended for readers who enjoy immigrant family dramas, such as Monica Ali's Brick Lane and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake.—Evelyn Beck, Piedmont Technical Coll., Greenwood, SC

Ferris's title refers to an unidentifiable disease that compels protagonist Tim, with no warning, to walk compulsively, no matter the distance or time of day. His disease, which is unpredictable and has affected him for many years, keeps Tim's wife, Jane, and daughter, Becka, in a state of alert and constant anxiety. While much of the novel is about marriage, commitment, and family illness, readers are gradually taken into uncharted territory. It becomes apparent that Tim's disease is a metaphor for man's inherent lust to wander. The motivation for this lust is unclear, but that's what makes the novel interesting as it stimulates readers to formulate their own interpretation. Ferris (Then We Came to the End) is adept at characterization: Jane may be devoted to her ill husband, but she still has her weak moments, which make her character very human. VERDICT Ferris is an intrepid writer—he doesn't provide a solution (there's no cure for Tim)—but he does explore all of the consequences. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Victor Or, Surrey P.L. & North Vancouver City Lib., B.C.

Flaming's debut channels the magical realism of Mark Helprin's Winter's Tale, the historical New York settings of E.L. Doctorow, and the time travel romance of Jack Finney's Time and Again. Peter Force, an Idahoan, and Cheri-Anne Toledo, from the Kingdom of Ohio, each bring unhappy memories and a fascination with science to 1901 New York City. Joined by fate, they meet on the streets and feel stirrings of romance, but their secret pasts draw them into power struggles among Nikolai Tesla, Thomas Edison, and J.P. Morgan. The answers to their dilemmas lie in the spooky, dangerous subway tunnels newly dug beneath the city. VERDICT Flaming has a gift for creating atmosphere, but thin protagonists, uninspired plotting, poorly used secondary characters, and a pale romance fail to take advantage of the ambience. A plot twist referring to the Roanoke colony comes far too late to be meaningful. For hard-core fans of time travel historical romance only. [See fall first-fiction feature, "Falling into Bounty," LJ 10/1/09.]—Neil Hollands, Williamsburg Regional Lib., VA

Glancy's sequel to Pushing the Bear: A Novel of the Trail of Tears (1998) is set in Oklahoma Indian Territory following the Cherokee nation's relocation. This episode in U.S. history is underexplored in fiction, and the novel's themes emerge as surprisingly current owing to our increased awareness of ethnic cleansing in recent times. We become acquainted with a cast of characters who deal with rage, grief, and depression following their harrowing journey, yet the narrative rises above individual voices, becoming almost mythic in tone. Some tribal members felt themselves to be part of their former Southern communities, living in cabins with the typical household goods of the day and even owning slaves. Others had a connection with farming and nature that makes their uprooting to the inhospitable Oklahoma environment even more tragic. The exiles deal with issues of separation and division, for example, between Christians and pagan believers or the wealthy tribe members who benefited from the treaty and those who are impoverished by the move. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers of literary fiction; the novel's narrative, with its simple sentences and wry tone, make it accessible to young adult readers as well.—Reba Leiding, James Madison Univ. Libs., Harrisonburg, VA

Grossman's brilliant and courageous novel, written between 1955 and 1963, is unexpectedly empathetic toward perpetrators of varying degrees of, and silent accomplices to, the atrocities committed against large segments of the Soviet population (especially kulaks and Jews) during the Stalin years. Grossman (Life and Fate) tells the story of one man's attempt to reintegrate himself into society following several decades in the gulag. The novel is ultimately an homage to Russian women, whom the narrator claims suffer much more than men in Russian society. After he becomes intimate with his landlady, the narrator finds solace in her honest rendering of how she survived her own trials. A small play, in which the narrator's cousin attempts to justify before a judge signing a petition against colleagues, is jarringly dropped into the narrative, and a good portion of the second half reads more like a political treatise, condemning Lenin and, to a lesser extent, Stalin. VERDICT For anyone interested in the time portrayed, this is a rewarding novel despite some drawbacks. Just as we find slim optimism as Beckett's characters continue to exist in spite of everything, readers will find hope in the narrator's uncommon capacity to forgive and accept.—Kurt H. Cumiskey, Duke Univ. Libs., Durham, NC

Middle-aged sisters Meredith and Nina have always felt distanced from their Russian-born mother, Anya. But when their beloved father dies, he leaves them with a wish—for them to become closer to their mother and for Anya to reveal the truth about her past. Meredith's and Nina's troubled relationship with their mother is mirrored in their relationships with men. Meredith has grown apart from Jeff, her childhood sweetheart and longtime husband. And Nina travels the world as a freelance photographer, meeting up occasionally with lover Danny. Things have to fall apart before they get better, so after Jeff leaves Meredith and Nina's work begins to suffer, the sisters spend more time with Anya, who finally reveals more of the fairy tale she had told her daughters in their childhood. It doesn't take long for Meredith and Nina to figure out that this is really the true story of their mother's life in Leningrad during World War II. VERDICT This tearjerker weaves a convincing historical novel and contemporary family drama with elements of romance. It is sure to please fans of Danielle Steel, Luanne Rice, and Nicholas Sparks. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/09; 400,000-copy first printing; library marketing campaign.]—Karen Core, Detroit P.L.

Ben Mercer has a penchant for walking away—from his wife, his daughter, and even his Oxford thesis on the history of the Spartans. An archaeologist, he drifts aimlessly toward Athens, where work waiting tables and a room shared with Albanian dishwashers appear to be as much responsibility as he can handle. But a chance encounter with academic rival Eberhard Sauer, who reluctantly admits that he's in Greece to join an excavation at Sparta, arouses enough professional jealousy to light a fire under Ben. Wrangling a position with the close-knit and unwelcoming dig crew, Ben becomes a pawn in a disturbingly sinister game. An affair with the enigmatic Natsuko skews his judgment and compromises his ability to extricate himself from the group when he realizes that they are not what they seem. VERDICT Acclaimed British poet and novelist Hill displays an enviable facility with descriptive language and has certainly researched the politics of ancient and modern Greece. What remains "hidden," however, is the character development necessary to understand the motivation underlying the antisocial behavior of Hill's protagonists. Effective marketing to book groups may encourage readers to give it a go, but it's not essential reading.—Sally Bissell, Lee Cty. Lib. Syst., Ft. Myers, FL

Irving's latest work (after Until I Find You) concerns a writer (Daniel) and his cook-father (Dominic) who had to flee their not-so-beloved New Hampshire town after young Dan accidentally killed Dominic's lover, Jane, mistaking her for a bear and hitting her with an iron pan (not played for laughs). For nearly 50 years, they evade the only cop in town (Carl, who was in love with Jane), finally ending up in Canada, where a violent act compels the survivors to change their names and abandon friends, except for Ketchum, a gun-toting liberal (note the inverse cliché) who gives the novel its great charm. Part drama, part thriller, Irving's 12th novel keeps the reader active because of the long digressions about book critics who spend too much time psychoanalyzing fiction writers (Irving's metagripes?) and the fact that many of Danny's books resemble Irving's. He has us psychoanalyzing anyway—which may be the point. VERDICT Irving's latest is interesting, funny, and original—but also self-indulgent and highly digressive, with more backstory than story. If the author weren't so concerned with the minutiae of his characters' lives, this could have been a few hundred pages shorter, probably better, and a whole lot less skeptical of readers' intelligence. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/09.]—Stephen Morrow, Athens, OH

A painting has been attacked at the National Gallery of Art, and the assailant—Robert Oliver, a painter of notoriety in his own right—isn't speaking. It is left to psychiatrist Andrew Marlow—a hobbyist painter himself—to unravel the puzzle of Robert's manic behavior. With a mysterious packet of letters and the testimony of Robert's ex-wife and ex-girlfriend as guides, Marlow dives into a mystery of romance and impressionist art dating back to late 19th-century France. Love and obsession are the primary themes of Kostova's long-awaited second novel (after The Historian), which stretches across three centuries and renders just the right amount of drama. The luxurious artistic detail and richly drawn characters will pull in readers, who will be hard-pressed to stop turning pages. VERDICT Fans of Richard Matheson's What Dreams May Come and Somewhere in Time, both explorations of love across time and space, and readers of Tracy Chevalier and Audrey Niffenegger will enjoy Kostova's strong sophomore effort, which is sure to be a best seller and a suitable choice for book clubs. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09; nine-city author tour.]—Leigh Wright, Bridgewater, NJ

Fiftyish Lena Spencer asks, "What's love got to do with it?" when a midlife crisis forces her to make a choice between her current comfort as the wife of a wealthy but distant husband and the dream of opening a photo gallery she gave up 26 years ago. The road to self-discovery is frightening and painful, as Lena risks losing the love and affection of her family and friends in order to regain her faded self-respect. Using singer Tina Turner's bold journey to independence and success as an inspiration, Lena pushes herself to discover the peace of mind for which so many often hunger. Readers are left to question whether true happiness is defined by the life that we experience or the dream that burns within us. VERDICT Readers relishing a quick and entertaining read will be disappointed, but fans of Terry McMillan's insightful dissections of love and life will appreciate debut novelist Luckett's similar writing style. [See fall first-fiction feature, "Falling into Bounty," LJ 10/1/09.]—Lisa Jones, Birmingham P.L., AL

Lulu and Merry, ages ten and six, respectively, live with parents for whom marriage is a permanent battleground. One summer day in 1971, their father fatally stabs their mother in their Brooklyn apartment near Coney Island. Merry is also attacked but survives. When their father goes to jail, the sisters are shuffled from relatives to a group home to foster care. Lulu forever blames herself for her father's crimes, and Merry inexplicably continues to carry a torch for her father. How will they come to terms with their horrific past? Readers will follow them well into adulthood, hoping for the best. VERDICT First novelist Meyers draws on the eight years she worked at a batterer intervention program. Much like Janet Fitch's White Oleander or Jacqueline Mitchard's The Deep End of the Ocean, her book takes readers on an emotional roller-coaster ride. Readers, get out your handkerchief and prepare to care.—Keddy Ann Outlaw, Houston

It's Malta, 1942, and the Germans are battering the small, strategic island in an effort to dominate the Mediterranean theater. Max Chadwick is the RAF morale and information officer charged with maintaining the fragile esprit de corps of the island's woefully underresourced British contingent and feeding the local press with cautiously optimistic updates on the war effort. The bombings are relentless, and life is perilous. The eternal promises of new planes and reinforcements ring hollow. When a young Maltese woman is murdered and local investigation points to a British serviceman, Chadwick must walk a tightrope to preserve the peace with the locals, the cohesion of the local British forces, and his own career. VERDICT Once again, Mills (Amagansett; Savage Garden) has crafted a story filled with rich history, tension, and characters whose frailties and strengths move the plot along at a taut and satisfying pace. World War II fiction readers will love it, and mystery fans will find much to pique their interest as well. Strongly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/09.]—Susan Clifford Braun, Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, CA

In her first novel, Mockett explores the relationships among three generations of women: Akiko, Satomi, and Rumi. Akiko urges daughter Satomi to put her talent as a pianist before anything else. Satomi has never known of her father, and that her mother has no husband is seen as a blight by many women in their small Japanese town of Kuma-ume. When her mother finally marries, Satomi's life is set on a course she has not planned. Satomi's daughter, Rumi, born and raised in San Francisco, grows up thinking that her mother has died. Rumi's talent, cultivated and encouraged by her father, is for authenticating Asian antiques. Like her mother, Rumi makes her talent her priority. But soon after she completes her college degree, Rumi begins having dreams and visions, which she believes to be the spirit of her mother calling to her. VERDICT Mockett's narrative is at its strongest early on, when she is telling Satomi's story. This imaginative take on a multigenerational novel will appeal to those who enjoyed Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club.—Cristella Bond, Anderson P.L., IN

Vincent Calvino, an American PI in Bangkok, sees a naked Thai woman fall past his high-rise balcony to her death. Obsessed with discovering who she was and why she fell, he also finds himself tailing the minor wife of a powerful would-be politician, crossing paths with two American military contractor/hit men, and trying to stay ahead of his employer, another shady contractor. His best friend, a Thai policeman, is investigating these matters, but Vinny works better alone. The threads of sniper teams, secret prisons, drug dealings, child prostitution, and crooked politicians somehow come together in this tenth entry in the Calvino series (after The Risk of Infidelity Index). Vinny moves through Thai and Chinese customs and beliefs with a mixture of knowledge and bafflement, giving us a vivid sense of place yet often knowing no more than we do about what really is going on. VERDICT As in John Burdett's thrillers, the city of Bangkok, with its chaos and mystery, is almost another character in this tale that twists, turns, and often doubles back on itself. Recommended especially for readers interested in exotic locales. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]—Roland Person, formerly with Southern Illinois Univ. Lib., Carbondale

After leaving readers literally hanging at the end of his previous adventure with Jack West Jr. (The 6 Sacred Stones), Reilly jumps in immediately, with the action ramped up even higher. The world will end in three months unless he and his elite team can decipher the clues and uncover the whereabouts of the remains of the great warriors throughout history. Hidden with their bodies are the pieces of a machine needed to save humanity. Of course, there are others who will work hard to stop them from achieving their goal, and West's father leads that team. As time runs out, West realizes success means that he must rely on help from his enemies. The book opens with a three-page summary to help explain what's going on for newcomers and recap for everyone else. VERDICT Nasty traps, nonstop action, and elaborate illustrations make this a compelling page-turner. Think of it as watching an Indiana Jones film on a moving roller coaster. For fans of action, this is essential reading. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.

Ida Maclaird is turning to glass from her feet up, one painful shard at a time. She has returned to St. Hauda's Land, a remote group of islands that hosts such oddities as tiny moth/cow hybrids, searching for answers. There she meets the reclusive Midas Crook, who prefers to experience life through his camera lens. As Ida becomes more enmeshed in Midas's life, we learn that the cold and desolate landscape has long been host to failed love affairs and tragic lives. Can Ida be saved? Or any of the other dismal characters? This debut from former bookseller and Bodleian Library worker Shaw features some inspired prose and haunting imagery. Still, the bleak tone and unrelenting tales of woe will weigh heavily on most readers, though those with a neo-gothic bent or a fondness for the darker offerings of authors like Charles de Lint and John Crowley may be drawn to Shaw's work. VERDICT Optional reading as we wait to see if any buzz follows this one over the Atlantic (it's been long-listed for the 2009 Guardian First Book Award). [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Jenn B. Stidham, Houston Community Coll.-Northeast

This is a skillfully rendered historical novel about the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. McKinley's assassin, Leon Czolgosz, was the poor son of a Polish immigrant family who came under the influence of a group of radical anarchists advocating the assassination of political and business leaders in order to liberate the working class. The historical records regarding Czolgosz are, as Smolens (The Invisible World) notes in an afterword, "scant, murky, and contradictory." Nonetheless, Smolens has fashioned a believable, complex, and human protagonist. He also puts forth a novel about historical conditions that produced this assassination; throughout, we see revolutionary ideas like socialism, communism, and anarchy being discussed (and, in some cases, tested) by various characters, who protest the repetitive, demanding, and dangerous work laborers performed for meager wages. VERDICT These were indeed dangerous and tumultuous times, and Smolens brings them convincingly to life. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.—Patrick Sullivan, Manchester Community Coll., Manchester, CT

Spragg's latest novel (after An Unfinished Life) is a gleaming tale about a ranch family in Ishawooa, WY. Not one word is out of place, and each and every character is well drawn and intensely believable. Though ostensibly about a local murder—a teenager is found dead in a meth lab—the book is told from shifting perspectives and succeeds on many levels, with mystery an added attraction. The central character is perhaps Griff, the hub anchoring the spokes that are the other characters, including her 80-year-old grandfather Einar, whom she's dropped out of college to care for. Griff is an artist—the title refers to a piece she has created—and her struggle is the central theme of the book. This "bone fire" is in fact the burning we call life, symbolizing our shared pain as human beings. VERDICT A tribute to the human state and an outstanding work highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted novel.—Henry Bankhead, Los Gatos P.L., CA

Forty years after a horrific event experienced by a group of high school seniors, the now middle-aged participants individually review what happened. In 1960, under the spell of a charismatic, slightly older man who claimed special powers, the teens had been led to share what may have been a delusion or an actual, spectacular murder. The author's well-recognized skill in building suspense and subtly revealing aspects of character strengthens this complex plot. The basic question—is evil innately human, or is it something external?—is appropriately and perhaps disturbingly left for the reader's speculation. While hints of the presence of supernatural beings are dropped frequently, there are repeated but only brief mentions of bloody slaughter rather than the extensive juicy depictions that TV and videogame addicts might expect. VERDICT Bram Stoker Award winner Straub's (Ghost Story; Lost Boy; Lost Girl) latest offering in new wave horror will thrill his many fans and attract new readers. A very good choice for all libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/09.]—Jonathan Pearce, California State Univ. at Stanislaus, Stockton

Curl up with Twingley's debut novel, and you may feel a little like you're at the titular scene: the Badlands Saloon is the local hang-out bar in placid Marysville, ND, where Oliver Clay, an art student hired to work at the local bike shop, whiles away a three-month summer recess from New York City. In Marysville, Clay is reunited with Tank Wilson, an old friend and the manager of Chains & Whistles. He meets Kate, the Badlands barmaid; Willie Beck, a garrulous eccentric whose less than stellar hygiene habits don't detract from his appeal; and a stream of tourists just passing through. Complementing Clay's narration detailing Marysville's quirks and the cast of characters he meets are vibrant, color-saturated illustrations of both South Dakota and New York (though this is not a graphic novel). VERDICT While this is Twingley's first novel, hearing about the affable Oliver's summer feels like catching up with an old friend over beers. A wonderful read; highly recommended for lovers of the American landscape and fiction readers of all kinds.—Anne Garner, NYPL

In his first post-Burke book, Vachss (Another Life) pens the story of a ragtag band of homeless men living on the streets of a cold, unnamed city. Ho is an elderly sensei who walked away from a successful life as a martial arts instructor after the death of one of his students, and the band includes damaged veteran Ranger, degenerate gambler Michael, ex-con and ex-gang leader Lamont, the mentally ill Target, and Brewster. Ho leads them around the city, scrounging for money, food, and shelter. One night a woman in a Rolls Royce dumps something in the river, and they decide to try to identify what it is and blackmail her. But that plot is soon forgotten in favor of a story line about the demolition of the abandoned building that houses Brewster's pulp fiction collection. VERDICT Lots of description and character development slow the pace of this bleak look at living on the street, and the story just meanders along without ever really getting anywhere. Fans of the grittier Burke series may miss the rapid pace and violence they've come to expect. An optional purchase. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 7/09.]—Stacy Alesi, Palm Beach Cty. Lib. Syst., Boca Raton, FL

This modern historical epic could just as well have been subtitled Six Degrees of Separation since it involves the saga of six major characters whose lives converge at the end. The truly cosmopolitan cast of characters includes Russian biologist Irina Sudayeva, her dissident husband, and their singer and poet daughter Oksana; the American economist Jennifer Moore, her businessman husband, and Jennifer's activist sister, Allison; and Eva Halász, a Hungarian computer scientist. To this mixture is added alleged narrator Yuri Chernishevsky. Covering 70 years of world history, the novel intercalates their lives, often almost arbitrarily, into some of the world's most recent important events, from the Hungarian revolution of 1956 to the aborted 1991 Soviet coup, to name just a few. Besides the major characters, almost 200 other names, both famous and fictitious, populate the pages. Mexican author Volpi arranges the text like a play, with a prelude and three acts, each covering a broad time period from 1929 to 2000. VERDICT Though impressively researched, the novel is also a monumental tease; after introducing three unexplained deaths, it forces the reader to plod through almost 400 vertiginous pages to discover what happened. The expansive but quickly paced retelling of historical events and the profusion of characters ultimately overshadow the plot. For ambitious readers.—Lawrence Olszewski, OCLC Lib., Dublin, OH

Reading the sixth book in Willig's "Pink Carnation" series (after The Temptation of the Night Jasmine) is like getting a plate of warm-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies; it's hard not to eat them all at once, but you also want to savor each bite. The cleverly connected historical and contemporary story lines are well blended with complementary turning points, but it's really the historical characters who steal the show. Penelope and Lord Frederick Staines have been forced into marriage and shipped off to India to serve as Governor General Wellesley's Special Envoy to the Court of Hyderabad. Escorting the couple is Capt. Alex Reid, born and raised in India. The unexpected connection between steadfast Alex and headstrong Penelope transforms the pair into appealing underdogs. The political intrigue among nations, intricate and double-crossing spy system, and engrossing historical view of India add essential elements of drama and action. VERDICT A great choice for readers who like their mysteries with historical or romantic elements. Fans of Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, Ariana Franklin, or M.M. Kaye are likely to love Willig, too. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/09.]—Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., IL

Readers of Wilson's other novels, mainly women's romantic fiction romances in the vein of Kristin Hannah (e.g., Cameo Lake), are in for a big surprise. Adam March is a rising star in the corporate world when he explodes and slaps his female assistant. His fall from a great height leaves him doing community service at a homeless shelter, with no job, no income, and almost no money after a divorce. Doing a favor for the shelter's head, he takes on a rescued pit bull that had once been used in dog fights. The last thing Adam wants is a dog, but Chance helps Adam learn what is truly important, and Adam rescues Chance from the brutally short life of a fighter. VERDICT Narrated in two voices, Adam's and Chance's, this work will remind readers of Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain and should appeal to dog lovers and fans of Spencer Quinn's Dog on It. It evokes both laughter and tears, but the ending assures you that humans and dogs are capable of redemption.—Susan T. Hayes, Chattahoochee Valley Libs., Columbus, GA

This first installment in an ambitious new series (remarkably, the first of its kind) brings together 35 short stories and novel excerpts from 30 countries. In his introduction, noted novelist Hemon comments on the dearth of literature in translation available in the United States, citing it as evidence of a general American disengagement from other cultures. With that in mind, selections were chosen for their ability to "cross and trespass all kinds of borders." Almost all of the authors will be unfamiliar to American readers, though a few have appeared previously in English, and the diversity of styles on display is impressive. Among the many highlights are paranoid sf from Peter Terrin (Belgium), edgy realism from Naja Marie Aidt (Denmark), melancholy family drama from Inga Abele (Latvia), and fragile nostalgia from Stephan Enter (Netherlands). VERDICT Arranged alphabetically by country, the collection is ideal for browsing and has something for almost every taste. A few countries are not represented (notably the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, and Sweden), which one hopes will be remedied in future installments. Whether a project of this scope can be sustained remains to be seen, but for now we can be thankful to have so many talented new voices to discover.—Forest Turner, Suffolk Cty. House of Correction Lib., Boston

In this riveting new collection, Munro probes loss, loneliness, regret, separation, and death in her typically brilliant fashion, portraying ordinary men and women seeking to find the clues that will help them toward wholeness or, at the very least, an acceptance of a broken life. In "Deep-Holes," a defeated mother who has finally tracked down a prodigal son realizes that in the end we're "marooned on islands of our own choosing, clear sighted, content." In "Dimensions," a Medea story in reverse, Doree tries to move beyond the loss of her children by visiting their father and murderer, Lloyd, in a mental hospital. The visit brings her no peace, but a jarring event on her bus trip back home brings an unexpected resolution. In the title story, based on the life of Russian mathematician and novelist Sophie Kovalevsky, the widow Sophie comes to realize the precarious and fleeting nature of happiness even as she embraces the fullness of life. VERDICT Much like her fellow Canadian writer David Adams Richards, Munro captures the intimate lives of her characters as they seek solace amid disruption. Fans of the prize-winning Munro will eagerly devour her latest. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]—Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Evanston, IL

Stone (The Dog Soldiers) here returns to the short story form, offering characters that are unsentimental yet not unreasonable and take enough rope both to entangle and to hang themselves as they move through years of "man-woman relationships." Throughout, the scenery lies on the troublesome edges of Hollywood, academia, and bars, and Stone's pared, precise lines take on the lyrical authority of morality tales: "Leroy traveled east into the high country pursued by little sense of sin. He had made a lot of money being no worse than anyone else in the San Francisco Peninsula data business and in his way contributing a lot." Yet the players are not without moments of shimmering revelry or self-awareness of the heights, as in "From the Lowlands," in which a cocky businessman finally gets his reckoning as he clings to life on an inflatable ball in a poolside encounter with a panther. There's a dark humor at play here, the laughter of the rehab houses implied in the title. Few other writers could use a phrase like civic poetry so conversationally and have it be so cogent. VERDICT Readers who enjoy the caustic prose of Mary Gaitskill or Lee K. Abbott will gladly take this book to bed with them. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/09.]—Travis Fristoe, Alachua Cty. Lib. Dist., FL

Library Journal needs qualified reviewers for Spanish-language books for adults, fiction and nonfiction. Reviewers must be fluent in Spanish, with reviews submitted in English. Familiarity with collection development issues in public and academic libraries is helpful. Please submit qualifications and areas of interest to Rebecca Miller at miller@reedbusiness.com.