Fiction

This is a great book to get cozy with, taking place in none other than Agatha Christie's vacation home! That link sets the tone, a nice, clipped-accented British mystery set during the WWII bombings of London. Strong, winning heroines abound, with the well-meaning but troubled Bridey, the mysterious and sophisticated Gigi, and a host of others who serve as reminders of just how much women picked up the slack during the war, and various ways they also suffered. The relocation of children to the countryside--to protect them from the falling bombs--allows the book's characters to shelter in what should be a more idyllic location, but the sadness, death, and mystery follow them there, in more ways than one. Particularly poignant is the mother who keeps her child in London with her, with unforeseen consequences. -Candice

I absolutely loved this book. When I finished it, I had to listen to it again because it grabbed at my heart so much. It is not your average "everything is easy and lovely" romance. There's a lot of angst, self-doubt, longing, jealousy, revelations--so many emotions to get lost in. The characters are both likeable and loath-able--realistic and flawed characters that feel like they could be anyone you know. Oh. And the main characters are hilarious. The book starts out with an explosive reveal, which I don't want to spoil, but it could be triggering to some folks. The book's richness lies in the interwoven stories of the characters in the aftermath of the reveal, that the memories of the "before-times" lay the groundwork for. I read this book a while back and just thinking of it makes me want to pick it up again! (I listened to the audiobook version, which is available on both Libby and hoopla). -Melody

Never having read any of Backman's other books besides A Man Called Ove, I wasn't really sure what to expect with this one. As someone who enjoys looking through other people's windows at night on a dog walk (not in a creepy way, but rather just to watch from afar how their silhouettes eat dinner and mill around,) I like to speculate what their lives are like, so I was really drawn to this story. Backman meanders at times but creates strong, life-like characters with flaws and strengths we might find resonate in all of us. it is brutally honest at times and funny in other parts. I really enjoyed this read and it was a good reminder to always offer grace as we never know what life challenges other people have been through or are currently facing. -Victoria

I initially picked this book because it takes place in Italy, and partially, in a town on the island of Sicily--I love reading books that take place in areas that I want to travel to. The story itself captivated me pretty quickly, and I enjoyed it in its entirety. It's told in turn by each of the main characters, which makes for interesting character development--seeing the people and the events as described by everyone, who's interpretation differs and how--makes the telling pretty rich! -Candice