My new favorite author (this week) is Suzanne Strempek Shea. I read "Becoming Finola" by said author last week. I read "Lily of the Valley" this week. "Becoming Finola" wins hands down, but "Lily of the Valley" was also a good read.
Thinking back, I'm not sure what it was that was so enrapturing about "Becoming Finola". Maybe that it was unexpected from the very beginning. The first part of the book had me thinking the star of the book was someone completely different than it was. Sophie was a complete suprise. The whole book was a surprise. I loved that it was in Ireland. I loved that one of the main characters didn't even make a personal appearance in the story until nearly the end. I loved that it had a happy ending. I loved that the persona of Finola, built up throughout the story was a mirage.
The characters in this book were amazing. So vivid and real.
The way Shea writes is inspiring. I love the use of metaphor, and her descriptions of people, and the setting (which means a lot coming from me because I usually skim description, picking out only what seems necessary to the story).
I suppose I should post one warning for those highly opposed to the "f" word. It is used a few times, but if you can believe me, in a completely non-offensive, everyday conversation, sort of way. Being set in Ireland, Shea even explains through the narrator, Sophie, that the "f" word isn't viewed the same way across the pond as it is here in America.
Overall, I'm a big fan of the book. When I finished, I wanted to read it again. Right then.
Thinking back, I'm not sure what it was that was so enrapturing about "Becoming Finola". Maybe that it was unexpected from the very beginning. The first part of the book had me thinking the star of the book was someone completely different than it was. Sophie was a complete suprise. The whole book was a surprise. I loved that it was in Ireland. I loved that one of the main characters didn't even make a personal appearance in the story until nearly the end. I loved that it had a happy ending. I loved that the persona of Finola, built up throughout the story was a mirage.
The characters in this book were amazing. So vivid and real.
The way Shea writes is inspiring. I love the use of metaphor, and her descriptions of people, and the setting (which means a lot coming from me because I usually skim description, picking out only what seems necessary to the story).
I suppose I should post one warning for those highly opposed to the "f" word. It is used a few times, but if you can believe me, in a completely non-offensive, everyday conversation, sort of way. Being set in Ireland, Shea even explains through the narrator, Sophie, that the "f" word isn't viewed the same way across the pond as it is here in America.
Overall, I'm a big fan of the book. When I finished, I wanted to read it again. Right then.
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