The Shadow of the Wind

The Shadow of the Wind

(This review first appeared in January 2006) Rating:  The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Penguin Books (2005), 487 pages. This is a book for people who love books. Not just the language of books, but the very essence of bookness—the feel and sight...
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel

(This review first appeared in March 2004) Rating:  The True Story of Hansel and Gretel, by Louise Murphy. Penguin Books (2003), 306 pages. Through the trees they came, pawing at the snow to uncover the moss and leaves, eating any low-growing twigs and...
People of the Book

People of the Book

Rating:  People of the Book, by Geraldine Brooks. Penguin Books (2008), 386 pages. Geraldine Brooks is an exceptional writer of nonfiction (Nine Parts of Desire was shortlisted for a Gustine in 2008) and fiction set in the past (Year of Wonders, set during...
Pharmakon

Pharmakon

Rating:  Pharmakon…or the Story of a Happy Family, by Dirk Wittenborn. Penguin Books (2008), 404 pages. The father in this novel is a psychology professor at Yale who has determined that his route to fame and fortune will be his invention of a pill to cure...
Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields

Rating:  Strawberry Fields, by Marina Lewycka.  Penguin Books (2008), 294 pages I loved this book. But before I remark on anything else, I really need to share my thoughts on the stunningly dreadful and inappropriate U.S. cover. (The book was originally...