34. Book Review: The Steady Running of the Hour (2014)

The Steady Running of the Hour: A Novel

Synopsis 

A QUEST NOVEL and a historical tour de force, The Steady Running of the Hour unravels a tale of passion, legacy, and courage reaching across the twentieth century. 

 In 1924, the English mountaineer Ashley Walsingham dies attempting to summit Mount Everest, leaving his fortune to his former lover, Imogen Soames-Andersson—whom he has not seen in seven years. Ashley’s solicitors search in vain for Imogen, but the estate remains unclaimed. 

 Nearly eighty years later, new information leads the same law firm to Tristan Campbell, a young American who could be the estate’s rightful heir. If Tristan can prove he is Imogen’s descendant, the inheritance will be his. But with only weeks before Ashley’s trust expires, Tristan must hurry to find the evidence he needs. 

 From London archives to Somme battlefields to the Eastfjords of Iceland, Tristan races to piece together the story behind the unclaimed riches: a reckless love affair pursued only days before Ashley’s deployment to the Western Front; a desperate trench battle fought by soldiers whose hope is survival rather than victory; an expedition to the uncharted heights of the world’s tallest mountain. Following a trail of evidence that stretches to the far edge of Europe, Tristan becomes consumed by Ashley and Imogen’s story. But as he draws close to the truth, Tristan realizes he may be seeking something more than an unclaimed fortune.

Review

I absolutely loved this book from the get-go and about half way through I couldn't put the book down at all - I even stayed up until 2am reading one night. I can't remember the last time I did that.  The two stories lines make for a definite page turner and my curiosity about the mystery that the story presents is irresistible.  I would have loved a little more involved ending… the book ended so abruptly!  But regardless this is a gorgeous book and one I won't soon forget.

Other books you may like…

The Signature of All Things: A Novel

Flight Behavior: A Novel

Any book by Kate Morton who is a genius with double story lines like this book!

22. Book Review: The Girl You Left Behind (2014)

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

Synopsis

France, 1916: Artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his young wife, Sophie, to fight at the front. When their small town falls to the Germans in the midst of World War I, Edouard’s portrait of Sophie draws the eye of the new Kommandant. As the officer’s dangerous obsession deepens, Sophie will risk everything—her family, her reputation, and her life—to see her husband again. 

 Almost a century later, Sophie’s portrait is given to Liv Halston by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. A chance encounter reveals the painting’s true worth, and a battle begins for who its legitimate owner is—putting Liv’s belief in what is right to the ultimate test. 

 Review

I just love Jojo Moyes. I love the way she tells a tale and the heart with which she tells it.  Each book she writes is so enjoyable and heart wrenching to read.  I loved reading this book on the heels of The Goldfinch as it's story was a bit lighter (although at some points this story was quite heavy) but mostly because it followed the theme of art and what it means to those who behold it. And I have said this before and I'll say it again, she writes a darn good love story.  This book is a great beach read or summer vacation read. It goes quickly but deeply.

Other books you may like…

Suite Francaise

The Secret Keeper: A Novel

14. Book Review: Stella Bain (2014)

Stella Bain by Anita Shreve

Synopsis

An epic story, set against the backdrop of World War I, from bestselling author Anita Shreve. When an American woman, Stella Bain, is found suffering from severe shell shock in an exclusive garden in London, surgeon August Bridge and his wife selflessly agree to take her in. A gesture of goodwill turns into something more as Bridge quickly develops a clinical interest in his houseguest. Stella had been working as a nurse's aide near the front, but she can't remember anything prior to four months earlier when she was found wounded on a French battlefield. In a narrative that takes us from London to America and back again, Shreve has created an engrossing and wrenching tale about love and the meaning of memory, set against the haunting backdrop of a war that destroyed an entire generation.

Review

I picked this book up on a whim after finding it at the library without having heard anything about it previously.  After reading the book flap I was curious and brought it home with me.  I was pleasantly surprised by it. Anita Shreve also wrote The Pilot's Wife, which is a book I remember really enjoying reading. The story moves quickly and the writing is driven mostly by dialogue which in my opinion makes for a fast read. This book is a perfect "palate cleanser" after a deep, tough or lengthy book. Where some books can be equated to an epic movie… this was more of a one hour tv show. If that makes sense. The characters were likable and the story was an interesting albeit predictable one.  This book would make a great beach read.

Other books you may like…
The Pilot's Wife
The Aviator's Wife: A Novel
Sarah's Key