Editor’s note: The opinions of the smart, well-read women in my Denver book club mean a lot, and often determine what the rest of us choose to pile onto our bedside tables. Sure, you could read advertising blurbs on Amazon, but wouldn’t you be more likely to believe a neighbor with no skin in the game over a corporation being fed words by publishers? So in this new series, we are sharing these mini-reviews with you. Have any to offer? Email bellis@denverpost.com.
“People of the Book,” by Geraldine Brooks (Viking Penguin, 2008)
Having worked in a public library and a bookstore, I was frequently asked, “Can you recommend a good book?” One of my favorites is “People of the Book” for its rich imagined history of the actual Sarajevo Haggadah, an ancient Hebrew illuminated text. Hanna, a book conservationist, is hired to restore the book. While working on it, she discovers an insect wing, wine stains, salt crystals and a white hair. Each discovery takes the reader back to the time of each artifact and how it gets in the book. These travels introduce a period in history and the characters involved. Romance and intrigue are woven into the book and a twist toward the end brings a satisfying ending. – 4 stars (out of 4); Janice Volz Schefcik, Centennial
“Foregone.” by Russell Banks (Ecco, 2022)
While the framework is built around the deathbed confession of a habitual liar, the novel nakedly portrays the physical indignities of the last hours of the protagonist, who is dying of cancer. It also raises questions about the veracity of memory (doesn’t everyone remember things differently from others?) and the vagaries of individual truth, which can shift over time. — 2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver
“The Liar’s Dictionary,” by Eley Williams (Doubleday, 2021)
Are you a lover of words? If so, glory in the wordplay of “The Liar’s Dictionary.” That’s fortuitous, as the mystery here is rather a slow burn. While I love the humor and the decisive writing, the richness of words a chocolate mousse to my mind, the dual storylines of dictionary contributors (one Victorian, one present day) never really engaged me. I had no trouble following it; I just kept waiting to care. – 3 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker
“The Reading List,” by Sara Nisha Adams (William Morrow, 2021)
What a pleasure to read! Recently widowed Mukesh finds a list of books left behind by his late wife and goes to his local library to start reading them. His life starts to change in unexpected and hopeful ways. This is about the power of books to cement relationships and the building of community. A good read for bibliophiles! (Hint: You likely will have read most of the books on the list.) — 3 stars (out of 4); Susan Tracy, Denver
“The Commitments,” by Roddy Doyle (Vintage, 1989)
This novel offers a perfect balance of music, youthful enthusiasm, and sheer dumb luck. It follows talented, unemployed, working-class Irish as they create a soul band to make a living. Friend/manager Jimmy Rabbit says, “The Irish are the blacks of Europe; Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland; the Northside Dubliners are the blacks of Dublin … say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud.” They reach some success with the help of older musician, Joey, until the female members fall en masse for his charm, then succeed in falling victim to their own myth. An outstanding example of Irish charisma and blarney. (Editor’s note: Be sure to listen to the soundtrack to the 1991 film by the same name; it’s guaranteed to blow you away.) – 4 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)
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