Fictional Power Couples I've Read and Adored

 

This list is prompted by the book club’s discussion of An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic by Daniel Mendelsohn. Well, more like the tangent discussion of Homer’s Odyssey due to the former book. The question of whether Odysseus is a true hero or not was brought forward, which made me thought of Penelope. A woman whose fortitude was well tested, not only by holding up the candle of hope for Odysseus’s return but also by her vigilance to hold the fort against the wolves who wanted to take Ithaca’s throne. Odysseus managed to fight his way home (though arduous and protracted) with his ability to think himself out of tough situations (and help from Athena), hence, winning back both wife and throne. Their love for each other is strong. True. Moreover, Odysseus and Penelope are two powerful individuals on their own, and even stronger together.

With Penelope and Odysseus in mind, I made a list of the fictional power couples I’ve met and liked -couples whose love stories are cheer-worthy. And likewise, they are forces to reckon with together or even individually. Forces that can either shape or knock down a kingdom (or something like that).

(5) Lindsey Boxer and Joe Molinari (Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro)

Sgt. Lindsey Boxer is a homicide detective for the San Francisco Police Department, who has multiple solved-cases under her belt. She faced off with too many scumbags on record, crossed bullets, and survived them all. She loves deeply and fights fiercely for her own. Joe Molinari was former deputy director of Homeland Security and FBI agent. His CV is probably a hundred pages thick. He left his august position, to be near Lindsey and take care of their baby girl Julie, and now works as a consultant for different agencies. Aside from Lindsey’s group of lady friends, Joe is her topmost consultant on her active cases and everything else.

  

(4) Yelena Zaltana and Valek Icefaren (Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder)

Yelena is a Soulfinder, a very rare magician that can capture or release human souls. She has remarkable equestrian and Bo Staff fighting skills too. Valek, on the other hand, is an assassin whose tracking, disguise, and knife skills are yet unmatched. I love their loyalty to each other, more so by their loyalty to their kingdoms and how much they are willing to sacrifice to find peace between Ixia and Sitia.

(3) Sophie Hatter and Howl Jenkins Pendragon (Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones)

Known for her shyness and gentle heart, Sophie came to be a determined individual after she was cursed into an old woman. After a while, it is discovered that Sophie is capable of talking life into objects. Meanwhile, Howl is a powerful wizard and can turn himself and others into any animal. Bound with Calcifer, Howl’s power is heightened. Together, Sophie and Howl took down a powerful witch and djinn. I love how these two can always find each other even in peculiar ways.

(2) Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar and Rowley Picot (Mistress of the Art of Death Series by Ariana Franklin)

Adelia is an Italian doctor from the renowned University of Solerno and well-versed in the "art of death". In Henry II’s England, when both advanced medicine and autopsy were but a myth, Adelia is an oddity for being a lady doctor. So she hid her true identity to fend off accusations of practicing witchcraft while answering to the King’s call to unravel murders and examine the dead. Sir Rowley Picot, is the Bishop of St. Albans. A knight and Henry’s most trusted fixer. His current position turned him into one of the most powerful people in England, opening many doors, and yet bound apart from Adelia and their daughter Allie. Together, they have foiled conspiracies and a war against Henry II and England.

(1) Hero Jarvis and Sebastian St. Cyr (Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris)

Hero Jarvis is the only child of Lord Charles Jarvis, the Prince Regent’s cousin, executor, and the real power behind England in this series. Hero is the Lady after my own heart. She is determined and smart, even shrewd if she wants to be. And her social principles are to be replicated. Hero works on writing about the underprivileged people of London slums, bringing awareness to the opulent populace the true nature of their society. She never cringed away from danger and exposure if it means saving lives. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin is the youngest son and heir of the Earl of Hendon. He also served in the royal army. Now, he serves the people by investigating murders and bringing perpetrators to justice. Picture him as James Bond in Regency England. With both Hero and Devlin’s influences and talents, they can move around circles no Bow Street Runner can and investigate.

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I am sure there are more power couples out there to add to this list. I’ve yet to discover them so I’ll keep my eyes peeled. If you have any suggestions, give me a holler. 

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Pay the Piper (A Rock 'n' Roll Fairy Tale #1) by Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple

   

Pay the Piper by Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple
Publication: June 27, 2006
Publisher: Starscape
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★

A rock 'n' roll band to die for . . .

When fourteen-year-old Callie McCallan scores a backstage pass to interview the lead singer of the famous band Brass Rat, she's thrilled. Peter Gringras is so cool. When he plays his flute, it's as if he has some kind of hypnotic power. But there is something strange about him, something Callie can't quite put her finger on. Then, on Halloween night, Callie's little brother Nicky disappears, along with all the other children in town. It's crazy, but Callie thinks she knows where the children have gone--and who took them. To prove it, and to rescue Nicky and the other children, Callie must journey to a mythical world filled with fantastical creatures. A world from which there may be no return. . .

On the 26th of June 1284, “came a colorful piper to Hamelin and led 130 children away…”

More interesting, of course, is the why of it all. And so, many tales have stemmed from this brief account. Tales that had been weaved and threaded to give reason to these unfathomable bare facts. I’m sure you’ve heard or read some of them. Still, there is no harm in giving way to one more, right? This time, however, the Piper came to Northampton, Massachusetts. Now the question is, “Who will pay the Piper this time?”

A striving school journalist and self-conscious middle child, Callie, might have the answer.

The title caught my attention instantly. It is undeniably very intriguing- A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fairytale. I love retellings. I love it whenever folklores and fairytales are given new twists and different endings. I love it when they come with new diverse heroes, because (as one would expect) it’s the complications that give retellings new life. This is a coming-of-age book that shows children the value of family, responsibility, love, and sacrifices with a very modern approach. Even for children, this is definitely a short and enjoyable read.

And by the way, we, middle children (ahem) absolutely rock.

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About the Authors:

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

I am a professional writer, poet, musician, web designer, and poker player, as well as an amateur artist, youth soccer coach, and skilled pinball player. In the past, I have worked in a warehouse, picked vegetables for two bucks an hour, rehabbed houses, golfed (poorly), traded options, arranged music for children’s books, got married, and raised two mostly grown children. - Adam Stemple

*Photos and profiles were grabbed from authors' Goodreads and blog sites. No infringement was intended.

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Book Review | THE SECRETS OF LOVE STORY BRIDGE by Phaedra Patrick

  

The Secrets of Love Story Bridge by Phaedra Patrick
Publication: April 28, 2020
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★★

A single father gets an unexpected second chance at love in the heartwarming new novel from the author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.

It’s summer in the city and passions are soaring along with the temperature—for everyone but Mitchell Fisher, who hates all things romance. He relishes his job cutting off the padlocks that couples fasten to the famous “love story” bridge. Only his young daughter, Poppy, knows that behind his prickly veneer, Mitchell still grieves the loss of her mother.

Then one hot day, everything changes when Mitchell courageously rescues a woman who falls from the bridge into the river. He’s surprised to feel an unexpected connection to her, but she disappears before he can ask her name. Desperate to find out her identity, Mitchell is shocked to learn she’s been missing for almost a year. He teams up with her spirited sister, Liza, on a quest to find her again. However, she’s left only one clue behind—a message on the padlock she hung on the bridge.

Brimming with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and a sparkling cast of characters, The Secrets of Love Story Bridge follows one man’s journey to unlock his heart and discover new beginnings in the unlikeliest places. -Goodreads

This story reminds us that we have to be connected,
bridged with the people in our present.

Struggling as a single parent, Mitchell follows a strict schedule to function every day. And he needs more time taking care of his 9-year old daughter Poppy. So after quitting his architectural job, he now cuts padlocks from the bridges of Upchester as part of the city maintenance. For three years, since Anita’s death, Mitchell has been living with the ghost of the past and nursing guilt that prevents him from moving forward.

Phaedra Patrick is back with another heartwarming tale of family, self-forgiveness, and second chances. I love how she always gathers these engaging people together to tell their stories tucked in sumptuous mysteries. Mitchell saved a lady from drowning. Although he was hailed as a hero overnight,  he failed to get the lady's name or learn whatever happened to her after. Until he met the mystery lady's very peculiar sister.

We need more stories like this –straightforward and uplifting. It’s very interesting how each person carries a piece, like a puzzle, which connects with other people. They need not necessarily be alike. One could be a unicorn, and the other, a donkey. And that alone can make a new difference in the world.

THE SECRETS OF LOVE STORY BRIDGE is available on April 28 in the US and in paperback as THE SECRETS OF SUNSHINE on May 14 in the UK. Make sure to get a copy.

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About the Author:

Phaedra Patrick is the internationally bestselling author of THE LIBRARY OF LOST AND FOUND, RISE & SHINE, BENEDICT STONE, and THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER, which has been translated into over twenty languages worldwide.

Phaedra qualified firstly as a stained glass artist before gaining her professional Marketing qualifications. She has worked as a waitress, stained glass designer, film festival organizer, and communications manager. She enjoyed her first real writing success when she entered and won several short story competitions, and she now writes full time.

She lives in Saddleworth, UK, and is represented by Clare Wallace at Darley Anderson Literary, Film and TV Agency.


*Thanks to Park Row Books (Harlequin) for the advance review copy in exchange for this unbiased review.
*This post is a part of the monthly linkups organized by Lovely Audiobooks! You can click here to check it out and be a part of it.

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Wednesday Spotlight | Interstate Narcos by Stefen Farmer

About the Book:

August 23, 2019
Stefen Farmer

On the inside, he built a new team. On the outside, he has success on his mind and will stop at nothing to capture what he's been envisioning during his lengthy prison stay. The S-man said he's going to do things differently this time, and he meant it.

While keeping his business secret from, B, the love of his life, who has a secret of her own, things heat up in the bedroom and in the streets. With his new contacts and string of associates, the money piles up. Meanwhile, kidnappings and robberies turn in to murder investigations.

But nothing can stop the flow of things being transported from one state to the other as promised. David has a nonstop supply of products and clients of his own. To keep every bodies hunger in check, work is put around the clock.

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About the Author:

I was born and raised in Washington D.C., but I've lived in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. I've seen a lot and have heard many different tails from the streets. My surrounding-influence my writing, because there's always so much going on. Every day there's a new experience to write about. I started writing at a very young age. I'm inspired by many authors. While serving a ten-year sentence in prison, I wrote eight novels and taught myself Spanish, which I use here and there in my stories. I also wrote plays for Ciaros. For me, writing is therapy. I can't remember exactly what triggered my desire to write stories, but my life has changed ever since. Life, with all it has to offer visually, makes me want to put what I see into words.

Read more about Stefen Farmer here.

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Book Review | THE BIG FINISH by Brooke Fossey

  

The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey
Publication: April 14, 2020
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★

Meet Duffy, an old curmudgeon who lives in an assisted living home.

Meet Josie, a desperate young woman who climbs through his window.

Together, they’re going to learn it’s never too late—or too early—to change your ways.

The book opens to a day's schedule. For many, that schedule would be a very dull itinerary but for the residents of Centennial, that makes their daily existence.

We counted on stuff like this to keep us afloat,
and none of us took it for granted.

Carl and Duffy are roommates who seemed content living the rest of their monotonous life at Centennial,  an assisted home for seniors. Then, Josie appeared and tipped the balance off that monotony. I have to admit, I like Duffy from the first go. He is gruff and way too perceptive for his own good. And I love how this heartwarming community walks the extra mile to help each other. Often with the aid of a walker or a wheelchair, but they do get there.

I really appreciate how Ms. Fossey approached the heavy topics of alcoholism, abandonment, and the inevitable loneliness of old age with humor and lightheartedness. It is absolutely unique to find these characters bursting with excitement and interactions despite their advancing age and limitations. Moreover, here they are giving us a witty and profound lesson on family, community, and second chances.

THE BIG FINISH is a wonderful debut and I highly recommend it.

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About the Author:

Brooke Fossey was once an aerospace engineer with a secret clearance before she traded it all in for motherhood and writing. She’s a past president and an honorary lifetime member of DFW Writers’ Workshop. Her work can be found in numerous publications, including Ruminate Magazine and SmokeLong Quarterly. Her debut novel, THE BIG FINISH is forthcoming in 2020 from Penguin/Berkley (US), and Piper/Pendo (DE). When she’s not writing, you can find her in Dallas, Texas with her husband, four kids, and their dog Rufus. She still occasionally does math.

*Thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for the advance review copy in exchange for this unbiased review.
*This post is a part of the monthly linkups organized by Lovely Audiobooks! You can click here to check it out and be a part of it.

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Book Review | WHO SPEAKS FOR THE DAMNED by C.S. Harris

   
Who Speaks for the Damned by C.S. Harris
Series:  Sebastian St. Cyr #15
Publication Date:  April 7, 2020
Publisher:  Berkley
Genre:  Historical Mystery
Rating:  ★★★★★

It's June 1814, and the royal families of Austria, Russia, and the German states have gathered in London at the Prince Regent's invitation to celebrate the defeat of Napoléon and the restoration of monarchical control throughout Europe. But the festive atmosphere is marred one warm summer evening by the brutal murder of a disgraced British nobleman long thought dead.

Eighteen years before, Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the late Earl of Seaford, was accused of killing a beautiful young French émigré and transported to Botany Bay for life. Even before his conviction, Hayes had been disowned by his father. Few in London were surprised when they heard the ne'er-do-well had died in New South Wales in 1799. But those reports were obviously wrong. Recently Hayes returned to London with a mysterious young boy in tow--a child who vanishes shortly after Nicholas's body is discovered.

I look forward to this series every year as an annual event. I am so invested with the characters that I want to keep tabs on how their lives are moving on. This is the fifteenth book in the series, but Ms. Harris still manages to keep each mystery fresh and new every issue. Her research skill is so exceptional that the historical details in Regency England are weaved seamlessly.

A convicted murder, believed to have died in Botany Bay, was recently found… well… dead with a sickle on his back at Pennington Tea Garden. Knowing Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, a person’s death is not necessarily the end of the story. He was pulled into this investigation because of a young boy who went missing after Hayes’s death, and also because Devlin saw a mirror of himself in the victim. Nicholas Hayes’s murder stirred far too many old memories and quite several nobilities. And there’s nothing more intolerable for Devlin than a cold mix of nobles and their lies.

To decry injustice is merely scratching the surface. The issues that this sequel has in its arsenal can be overwhelming. And despite the setting, we can still spot these issues in these present times, if we look hard enough. Devlin and his wife Hero represent something far deeper than just “a power couple”. They stand for people who cannot stand or speak for themselves. Their views and hopes for the disadvantaged and neglected are something we, everyone, should aspire to.

These events took place in London, England, in 1814. The continent is celebrating Napoleon’s defeat and England is hosting events for the Allied Sovereigns. A time where opium smuggling was rampant and Lascars made England their new home.

Very rich in history, well-plotted, and deliciously peppered with red herrings, WHO SPEAKS FOR THE DAMNED will keep you at the edge of your seat from beginning to the end.

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About the Author:
Candice Proctor, aka C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of more than two dozen novels including the Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series written under the name C.S. Harris, the C.S. Graham thriller series co-written with Steven Harris, and seven historical romances. She is also the author of a nonfiction historical study of women in the French Revolution. Her books are available worldwide and have been translated into over twenty languages.

A former academic with a Ph.D. in European history, Candice also worked as an archaeologist on a variety of sites including a Hudson's Bay Company Fort in San Juan Island, a Cherokee village in Tennessee, a prehistoric kill site in Victoria, Australia, and a Roman cemetery and medieval manor house in Winchester, England. She loves to travel and has spent much of her life abroad, living in Spain, Greece, England, France, Jordan, and Australia. She now makes her home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, retired Army officer Steve Harris, and an ever-expanding number of cats.

*Thanks to Berkley for the advance review copy in exchange for this unbiased review.
*This post is a part of the monthly linkups organized by Lovely Audiobooks! You can click here to check it out and be a part of it.

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Book Review | BELLS OF PROSPER STATION by Gloria Pearson-Vasey

   

Bells Of Prosper Station by Gloria Pearson-Vasey
Publication Date: June 14, 2019
Publisher: Victoria Hall Press
Genre: Historical fantasy
Rating: ★★★½

With Hallowmas approaching, time travelers, Azur Moonstorey and companions, exit Creekside's station library to board the midnight ghost train bound for nineteenth-century Prosper Station. Their mission: to rescue Azur's sister from the eerie dimension, Vapourlea.

This is one of those books that slipped-under-the-radar. Well, almost. BELLS OF PROSPER STATION is unexpectedly enjoyable and imaginative. I like the author’s take on Hallowmas, how the infamous train from hell could be a time-traveling machine, and oil-digging caused the mutation, not only on humans but with the supernatural as well. I enjoyed looking at the scenes from Victorian-era Canada –the community, their lifestyles, and the changes carried by the oil industry to the country- as much as I enjoyed all the local folklore incorporated into the premise.

And there’s, in fact, a good amount of sensible romance to fill the belly. I am glad that it never overshadowed the plot lines and the focus remained on the adventure at hand. I am not a fan of small talks on adventure books, honestly, those slowed things a bit for me. Although, there are very few tangent stories here and all loose ends were tied nicely together in the end.

The characters were suitably shaped, there is very little development, but they are charming. And after one of my recent read, I promised not to read another book where pets are featured, but Bleu is so interesting and fierce, I kept rooting for her. One of these days I’m going to see how things went for these characters, maybe they’ll be on the next book of Curious Tales from Creekside too.

I recommend this for readers who enjoy historical fiction, folklore, and adventure.

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About the Author:

Gloria Pearson-Vasey is a storyteller, an author of suspense veiled in mystery and enigma. She weaves contemporary issues into her novels, writing stories that have authenticity along with hopeful endings.

A member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, Pearson-Vasey’s background includes nursing, psychology, music, journalism, and theology. Inspired by her autistic son’s unique sensory experiences, her writing reflects the hidden depths of things.

She lives in a picturesque Ontario town with her husband and one of four sons and enjoys reading, nature, country drives, and time spent with family.

*Thanks to Miss Gloria for sending the digital copy in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Spotlight | JAIRUS'S GIRL by L.R. Hay

About the Book:

March 17, 2020
Salted Lightly

Funny, accessible, and moving kids'-eye view of the Jesus story - aimed at pre-teens, though some adults have sneakily read and enjoyed it too.

Tammie's life in a quiet fishing town would never be the same. Her future wasn't looking good (*understatement!*) but things quickly went from bad to WICKED with the arrival of a strange grown-up with nice eyes.

And as for the business with Daniel's lunch or Dibs's roof...

JAIRUS'S GIRL will be part of The Young Testament, a series on the life of Jesus, but with the children and young people as the main characters.

Next up, a prequel: JOSEPH'S BOY - a kids'-eye view of the first Christmas!






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About the Author:

Lynn Robertson Hay's writing covers a number of episodes for BBC TV, film, radio, and theatre - winning an award from the Writers' Guild of Great Britain. As an actor, she's played parts ranging from Lady Macbeth to Mole, and was last seen wielding a rolling pin as Andy Capp's wife Flo. Her one-woman show has played in a variety of venues, including the only part of Glastonbury Abbey still standing (not her fault). Lynn's claim to fame is that she once won an episode of quiz show Fifteen to One.

*Content sent by the author for this blog's publication. This is a free ad.

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Book Review | OF LITERATURE AND LATTES by Katherine Reay

Of Literature and Lattes by Katherine Reay
Publication Date:  May 12, 2020
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson
Genre:  Contemporary Fiction
Rating:  ★★★★★

Amidst literature and lattes, two people discover the confusing, complex, and beautiful nature of friendship.

After fleeing home three years earlier, Alyssa Harrison never wanted to return. But after the Silicon Valley start-up where she works collapses and turns her world upside down, she finds herself broke, in trouble, and without a place to go. Having exhausted every option, she returns to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup and then move on. Yet as friends and family welcome her back, she begins to envision a future in this small Midwestern community.

Jeremy Mitchell moves from Seattle to Winsome to be near his daughter and to open the coffee shop he’s been dreaming of for years. Problem is, the business is bleeding money—and he’s not quite sure why. When he meets Alyssa, he senses an immediate connection, but what he needs most is someone to help him save his floundering business. When he asks for Alyssa’s help, he wonders if something might grow between them—but forces beyond their control soon complicate their already complicated lives and the future both envision is not at all what they anticipated.

Return to the cozy and delightful town of Winsome as two new friends discover the grace of letting go and the joy found in unexpected change.

Winsome Illinois is home to The Printed Letter Bookshop characters and it is lovely coming back to this community for OF LITERATURE AND LATTES’.

I think Katherine Reay is starting to be a favorite. I am totally captivated by her deep understanding of the community. For an immigrant like me, the need for kinship and inclusion is very acute. Everyone deserves a place to call home and a family to lean on, especially when things go sideways. Reay did her best to bring in real-life issues and avenues to address them, enveloped with acts of kindness and a good amount of grace, without being theatrical or desperately pious.

The characters are all relatable -you can be a father, a mother, a daughter, or a good friend- there’s a good chance you’ve been there too. I am drawn to their struggles and how they overcame them, to their mistakes, and how they amenably acknowledged each. I am drawn to their transitions from a very rocky start to optimistic individuals.

I highly recommend this book that celebrates second chances and the birthing of a book club.

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About the Author:

Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels and one full-length non-fiction work.

Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University and is a wife, mother, rehabbing runner, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. She lives outside Chicago, IL.

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the digital galley in exchange for this unbiased review.
*This post is a part of the monthly linkups organized by Lovely Audiobooks! You can click here to check it out and be a part of it.

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Book Review | MISS ICELAND by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir

   

Miss Iceland by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Publication Date:  16 June 2020
Publisher:  Grove Atlantic, Black Cat
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Rating:  ★★★★★

Named after one of Iceland's most magnificent volcanoes, Hekla always knew she wanted to be a writer. In a nation of poets, where each household proudly displays leatherbound volumes of the Sagas, and there are more writers per capita than anywhere else in the world, there is only one problem: she is a woman.

She decides to try her luck in Reykjavik, and moves in with her friend Jon, a gay man who longs to work in the theatre, but can only find dangerous, backbreaking work on fishing trawlers. Hekla's opportunities are equally limited: marriage and babies, or a job as a waitress, in which harassment from customers is part of the daily grind. They both feel completely out of place in a small and conservative world.

And yet that world is changing: JFK is shot, hemlines are rising, and in Iceland another volcano erupts, and Hekla knows she must escape to find freedom abroad, whatever must be left behind. -Goodreads

The New York Times got it right, Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir upends expectations. This is my first experience reading her and the book blurb is not enough to describe this work. Winner of the Nordic Council Literature Prize and the Icelandic Literary Prize for her novel Silence Hotel, Ólafsdóttir is a force to reckon with. Her manipulation of the fragmented narrative is reminiscent of favorite laureates. Unlike most fragmented narration though, there is no blurring of the timeline in MISS ICELAND, but rather the perceptions and images are fogged. Side stories, historical information, and metaphors are provided to highlight an uncommon thought or to indicate what is broken. That rich approach hooked me from the very beginning.

Set 1960s, the story follows Hekla, an emerging novelist, who has moved from remote Dalir to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, to be published as a writer. In the beginning, Hekla shares her childhood friend Jon’s tiny rented room. She became witness to her friend’s struggle with being gay and victimized for it, “I don’t belong to any group Hekla. I’m a mistake who shouldn’t have been born.” Meanwhile, Hekla herself battles with being a woman and a poet in a male-dominated society. Their other friend Ísey, on the other hand, exclaims being happy as a mother and a wife, while lamenting her being a mother and a wife and not pursuing her writer’s dream. Another would-be poet is Hekla’s boyfriend, Starkadur, who bemoans that he’ll never be bound in leather. Hekla describes him as: “He uses alliteration, but no end rhymes.”

“Men are born poets. By the time of confirmation, they’ve taken on the inescapable role of being geniuses. It doesn’t matter whether they write books or not. Women, on the other hand, grapple with puberty and have babies, which prevents them from being able to write.”

I am fascinated by Ólafsdóttir’s array of diverse characters sharing their hardships. I love how they lift each other up and not exactly looking at themselves from each other’s perspective, but by feeding their own madness, crossing their boundaries, and defining their own happiness. I like the chapter headings. They are like haikus, giving the reader a warning where the story is heading. I also like how the story ended -an opportunity to put the imagination to work.

Also, praise to Brian FitzGibbon for the exceptional translation.

In a nutshell, this is a profound read for thought. It is no wonder that it won the 2019 Prix Médicis étranger. I recommend it for either personal reading pleasure or book club discussion.

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About the Author:

Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir was born in Iceland in 1958, studied art history in Paris, and has lectured in History of Art at the University of Iceland. Her earlier novel, The Greenhouse (2007), won the DV Culture Award for literature and was nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Award. She currently lives and works in Reykjavik.

*My thanks to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the DRM in exchange for this unbiased review.
*This post is a part of the monthly linkups organized by Lovely Audiobooks! You can click here to check it out and be a part of it.

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