Lisa Scottoline is known as a mystery-suspense author. In her first novel, She has gone out of the box to shake things up and went out of her usual with Eternal, and now Loyalty. I can't give you my take on Eternal because I haven't read it yet. Instead, I read Loyalty and absolutely loved it. I didn't know what to expect. The only other author I know who wrote out of his usual was Chris Bojhalian. He wrote a spooky novel. In the years past he has written novels out of his usual, with historical fiction as well. I shouldn't have been surprised then, with Ms. Scottoline writing a terrific novel either.
I have learned to take notes when there are many characters to keep track of at first. Then once the story is set up I can usually then understand what is going on. As I have gotten older I hate starting a new book. I tense up and get nervous until I know how the story is set up. My reasoning for taking notes in the beginning of the novel. Is to keep track of the characters.
Loyalty takes place in Sicily sometime in the 1800s. It takes a bit to get to know who is who is in the novel. The cast of characters includes Franco and Roberto( Franco's twin brother), who work for a wealthy lemon grower, a Baron, a lawyer, Gaetano, and his family, Mafalda is a new mother, and Alfred, a farmer who produces " magical cheese", and Dante a person who intersects the entire story between all the characters.
The lemon grower, the Baron asks Franco to commit an illegal act, kidnap 5 year old, Dante and murder him. Instead, Franco takes him to the madhouse. Gaetano, who is a lawyer and believes in Justice seeks out and investigates what happened to the little boy, and Alfredo who I'm not sure why he is a character in the book. But does enhance and enrich the folk tale-type novel He is a minor character. I would love to see more of him in the novel. I hope Lisa in the future finds a place to put him in another novel.
Dante is held in prison for years. Most workers don't understand Dante in the Mad House. They think he is psychotic and crazy. Who wouldn't if you were imprisoned and isolated for years?
One part I was confused about with Dante as he is older. I was trying to figure out if she was a vision or a real person. If so, how did she get into the madhouse without detection? Maybe I missed something. It didn't take away from the book though. Years later Franco thought his boss loved him. Found out the baron used him as a tool. Instead, Franco takes revenge on the Baron and burns the Baron's property, and ruins the Baron. Franco and his brother rise up to become a group of men and form what is called a mafia. The novel has themes of injustice throughout the novel.
The novel is a unique novel set in Sicily. Some people will not like the novel because of the many unfamiliar names. But also the characters don't come all together and connect till the end. If you have the patience to let the author play with it. Then you will keep going. It is a wonderful read for the beach. Sicily is a character in the novel. I could imagine the landscape in Sicily, think of the movie, The Godfather. I could see the landscape and the music of The Godfather while reading. If you saw the second Godfather you will know what I am talking about.
The Lost Apothecary is one of the novels you just sit back and read and take in. Just let the author do the work, and you imagine and enjoy. I am a literary snob and enjoyed reading the unique style of writing.
The author had two times lines that really worked for me. The timelines are usually weak. Usually, when I read there is one timeline I care about and the others don't usually work. The authors use the technique too much.
The author of The Lost Apothecary allows you to use all your senses of imagery. The author spun the tale of each of the characters in corresponding chapters and parallel each of their actions and behaviors. What a lot of work for an author. But it worked for the intensity of the story.
The novel is a feminist tale with injustices to women, and also is a mystery, suspense, escapist, friendship, and historical fiction, with a touch of magic. Some novels don't tell the story specifically. The authors who write at times think we are stupid and have to lecture us in the story, not Lost Apothecary.
The author used many literary techniques and tricks which includes symbolism in many parts of the novel which worked for me. The author made a point to say that women are erased from history. You will understand what I am talking about while reading. Also, the use and crimes against women For thousands of years were unaccounted deaths in suspicious deaths of men.
One part of the story bothered me a tad. Eliza is a 12-year-old girl not understanding menstruation. No one told her. She thought she was cursed. The correlation between menstruation and the curse was an interesting take. Our book club realized and talked about how the author used it in the novel. Did it work? Or was it unbelievable? You decide.
A female apothecary, Nella in 17 Century England sells disguised potions to women seeking revenge and the men who wronged them, either by abuse, neglect, etc.
Two hundred years later in the present day, US a woman and her husband are planning on a trip to England. She leaves without her husband.
She finds out he was cheating on her. She arrives in London once in London. She takes a walk. During her walk she finds a vial in the Thames River.
This is the intersection of the two storylines intersect. Instead, she finds out he has been cheating on her. The hardest part she gave up her dream of going to college and becoming a historian. After she learns he has cheated she takes the trip alone. That's when the lives intersect.
I would like to recommend the novel to anyone looking for a book to read at the beach. Anyone who loves historical fiction and take you away to another time and place with a touch of magic.
I enjoyed the novel. It made me feel like I was actually living it in real-time in Springfield, and Washington DC. The Characters came alive and actually helped me understand the times before and after the Civil War, and Lincoln's election. I had empathy, and sympathy for some of the characters, Mary for instance. What she went through losing her sons, and the assassination of her husband. What would you do? How would you react?
The toll on slaves, and slavery, the legacy of Lincoln. The effects of the Civil War were never resolved after Reconstruction. It makes you wonder what if. What if President Lincoln wasn't assassinated? What would have been different? It makes you wonder. The author put it in perspective in the last quarter of the novel what did the Civil War solve? Was it worth it? The author fast-forwards to another event in the 1908 riot in Springfield. There is a connection of one of the characters to the riots which surprised and saddened me. Are we surprised we didn't know about this? For me, I'm not. I learned some years ago about Tulsa, then learned ab.out Wilmington. So, no I'm not surprised. There were several riots around the country in the late 19th century and the early 20th century.
I recommend the novel to anyone interested in American History, particularly the history of Lincoln. The only issue the novel was a bit slow in some parts, hence the four stars. But keep going as it gets better. I learned some much and did my research to learn about the riots.
Ashton Hall is different than previous novels I have read. Yes, I have read mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. But, what is different is threading through the story is historical fiction, family issues, and research, and fact finding in history through the manuscripts.
The novel is atmospheric while reading. Which makes the novel a page turner. Even though at time it is slow moving which adds to the suspense. If you think it will be a ghost story, it's not. It's gothic and atmospheric in nature. Surprisingly, history based in time, and culture. It is not history of real characters. But the period of Tudor England from 1650's-1690's.
Hannah and Nicky arrive in Britain from the US. Her Uncle Christopher is dying. He asks Hannah to take sometime from her marriage and take care of him at his estate in Cambridge, England.
Soon after they arrive. Nicky finds a skeleton of a woman in a walled-off part of the mansion. Which drives the entire book. Forensics discovers her birth during Tudor England(from 1550's and died in 1590's). The big questions are, who is she? Why was she in a blocked off room? Hannah, and Nicky, starts digging and digging in the house looking for clues. Old ledgers, manuscripts, old letters, old medieval books are found and archaeology and forensic are used.
It was interesting to see the story unraveling and all the clues come together to find out who the skeleton was. How the research materials, forensics, and archeology used to form the theories, and eventually the facts
. For instance the plague wiped out a entire village in Tudor England. How did the author put it all together you ask. Believe it library registries in the manor. The books were meticulously counted for by each family member. How money was spent and for each item. Remember this is Tudor England in the 1500's. What was going on during the period. Roman Catholic vs. Protestant. In history it was a bloody period. Queen Mary was imprisoned. Society hidden away religious books to prevent them from being killed, imprisoned, or both.
We, the reader do find out who the remains belong to. It is slowly revealed and researched by forensics. It is gloomy, creepy, and gothic, and atmospheric feel throughout the novel. What I felt was different was the family issues interspersed of Hannah and Nicky. But also Hannah's own story of the holocaust in her family history. What was also revealed is the dark passages of Ashton Hall their stories hidden in Tudor England and modern day.
I loved reading about the English gardens, the bubbling brooks, the large English estates, the British countryside, The smell and tastes of the English bakeries. The differences of the British and American culture was written about. It was not heavy handed but a touch. Have you heard of an "electric shower"? I haven't. I learned a bit of English culture and society of English vs. American society.
I enjoyed reading but you have to take it in slowly. You can't read the novel fast or you will not enjoy it as much
After reading I will be reading more books like this. I enjoyed the gothic feel. But, not many ghosts. If you want to read about ghosts you will have to read a different novel. If you like history and Tudor England and modern day England mixed in with family issues. I would pick it up.
Wow! After finishing Lessons in Chemistry. No words can express my enthusiasm. I'm gushing at this book. I read the kindle version. I can't wait for the paperback to come out. This book is a keeper for me. I have a funny feeling it won't be awhile since the book is very, very, hot right now. I mean red hot! The book is being adapted for Apple TV.
I didn't expect to love Lessons in Chemistry at all judging by it's cover. If you don't usually read Chick-lit or what is called Rom-Com. Which I don't know what the difference is really. Then if you are like me you read literary fiction, women's fiction then I assume you would do the same. Pass on by so many times seeing the cover and keep walking. Does the book call you? Speak to you? It did none of those things to me. Until I was forced to break down for my book club this month. Why, oh Why did it take me this long. NOW, I UNDERSTAND! But, why oh why did the publisher pick the artwork and cover to look this way! The author even had input and the publishers never listened. They didn't listen. Wrong choice, Penguin Random House. Look at the other countries book covers. All of them look a bit more appealing to me:
I choose the British cover if I was the publisher. The other ones look a bit sexist. What was Random House thinking? I just had to get it off my chest. I pretty much think the publishers have lost sales because of their decision not using a less sexist cover( Pink), and Rom-Com type cover. I hope they learned their lesson. The author is traveling around the country doing extra work to change minds. The book has been rated the best book of the year by Barnes and Noble. I can see why after reading Lessons in Chemistry. I have inserted Bonnie's conversation at an event at Barnes and Noble.
I read Lessons in Chemistry for this month's book club in March. I kept putting it off. Even though I bought the digital version. I was extremely offended by the publishers using this cover art work. I like the pencil and the hair because I can remember women doing it all the time. I think the reason to use the cover was not to judge her by her beautiful looks but her smarts. I don't know if it would have made a difference. It is what it is. There is so much talk about the cover. It's unbelievable. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. This just takes away from the book discussion. What the meat and potatoes of the book is about.
There are many people who love it. There are some who hate it. I am wondering if age has something to do with it. People my age in my 60's appreciate the book. We remember what it was like in the 60's and 70's. Actually for me I was too young to understand what was going on. I wasn't into current events, or news. My family didn't talk politics much. But, I remember what the culture and what things were like as a young girl, and teenager. What was acceptable and not acceptable as a girl/women.
Women couldn't have a credit card without husband's permission.
Women were fired or let go if they were pregnant.
Science/ law education was rarely allowed. Except nursing, or teaching fields.
Women couldn't get a managerial position
Domestic abuse
Men didn't do any housework or taking care of the kids.
Being at home when the husband arrived
Cooking, shopping, taking care of the household
Husband only worked- It was unacceptable for women to be anywhere else but home.
Women didn't go to college( it was rare of women to be educated)
Wife didn't not take care of the finances.
That all changed after it became difficult for only one income in the family household after the 1970's and the feminist movement changed the work force. But not for our heroine of the story, Ms. Zott.
Elizabeth is a bit different than most people. She doesn't accept it.
it's only a man's world at Hasting Institute. She is a scientist, and of all things a woman. It doesn't sit very well with everyone who works at Hastings. She is the only woman, a scientist.
That is not good enough for her, though. One day Calvin Evans comes into her department and fiddles around. Tells her she is taking some beakers from her department. Which of course she questions. And is not happy with someone coming in her department and picking and choosing her inventory. She doesn't realize he is the famous scientist, Calvin Evans.
He wants to do something to make it up to her. But he doesn't know how. Incidentally, which I can't recall if he purposely went to the same movie theatre and Elizabeth. But, they did come separately and alone without each other. Though, Calvin sees Elizabeth and so excited. Unfortunely he becomes ill, and sick to his stomach. He throws up in front of her. She takes pity on him.
They strike up a friendship which eventually turns into something entirely then both of them expected. They both fall in love and move in with each other. Elizabeth tells Calvin the wrongs of the in the working world especially science as a woman. He is dumbfounded and can't believe what he hears. He supports her and cheers her on constantly. Without her knowledge he helps her get funding for her research which she is unaware of.
Both Calvin and Elizabeth have hard and difficult upbringing. Elizabeth was going to a ivy league college until a professor attacked her. Of course she was the one who got the raw end of the stick. She couldn't get back into the school. Instead she taught her self.( one of the parts of the novel wasn't realistic). Instead going into her undergraduate work she jumps ahead and has received her Master's degree.
They become closer learning about each other's unhappy upbringing. While Calvin's parents were killed and was giving to his Aunt. He lived with her until she was killed. Then he was given to a home. The one thing Elizabeth never wanted, children. This part will be important information to remember. You will understand why.
In the short time they had with one another. Unfortunately Calvin is killed when he is taking his dog for a walk, 6:30. He is killed by a car. 6:30, the dog makes the book so adorable, and fun to read. Everyone will cheer for 6:30. He makes the novel very interesting.
After Calvin's funeral Elizabeth learns her job is in jeopardy. Everyone treats her differently know that Calvin has died. While Calvin was alive he was backing her up in support to her boss. Now, he is gone there is no one to support her and she is fired. Because she is pregnant. But this is only an excuse. They never liked her as a scientist. The scientist all men felt threatened. They were all happy and relieved she was let go. During the 50's and 60's you couldn't work while you were pregnant. I don't want to tell you too much else. Or I will ruin it for you.
I loved the book. I was so surprised and I don't know what I was expecting. But, it was better than I expected. The book was a reaffirmation of what women went through. Even though I was to young to understanding it.
I always heard about it in the news. I graduated college in nursing in the 1980's. So I didn't go through many of the problems women were going through in science or the business world. Or didn't realize it in the hospital when I was a nurse. Perhaps the reason was it was a women's field. If I worked in a field that was dominated by men. I would have noticed. I am sure we as nurses were discriminated. Nurses were made fun of on TV. Doctors treated nurses as servants. But because it was dominated by women we didn't realize it the same way.
Now, I think back on the things that were said and done in passing in life. We always felt it was just the way it is. These women now in 2023 has changed the way women are treated thank goodness. Never thought things would change. When I heard about the Weinstein case. I thought this has been going on for years. I am so glad something has changed( Me Too). These young women speak up, Thank you for speaking for all of the ladies. But, it is the back of us older women and what we accomplished that you persevere and continue the fight.
I love the idea of cooking and chemistry come together in the novel. Which is actually true. If you read any of the new cookbooks there is many reactions that happen while cooking and baking. But this is not the entire reason of the mix of cooking and chemistry for the novel.
Elizabeth gets a job because of her neighbor. Its a cooking show, Supper at Six. Her neighbor though asks her to conform to the producer's wishes of course Elizabeth can't do it. Instead she is attempting to reach her audiences who she knows are mostly housewives. Who sit home and sit pretty in the kitchen take care of the kids and don't think for themselves. She wants to educate the audience to connect with them to have a mind and think about the science. "That's why I wanted to use Supper at six to teach chemistry."
When women understand chemistry they begin to understand how things work. When atoms and molecules. The real world govern the physical world and when women understand the basics. They can see the false limits that have been created before them.
Chemistry is the root of change where chemistry is always changing from reactions over and over again. "Change is what we were chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, pledge don't hold back." Despite what Elizabeth Zott will tell you, Supper at Six is not just a introduction to chemistry, he wrote that day on the plane. It's a thirty minute five day a week lesson in life. And not in who we are or what we're made of, but rather who we are capable of becoming."
There is many quotes about chemistry and their reactions of chemistry in cooking for example making brownies. " Brownies are best when made from either a high quality cocoa powder or unsweetened backing chocolate. It contains a high level of ployphenols, which as you know are reducing agents that protect the body against oxidative.." Who knew?? Then there is the example of the skin of the baked potato. I am not going to go into it. You can read it when you are ready.
This is to give an example. There is many chemistry equations in the book many non-chemistry women out there who will not understand. But will learn while reading, lol! which makes it fun in the novel. Which I am a science nerd anyway so I love it. There are so many snide remarks made by Elizabeth. But, lots and lots of humor. Which I don't ever laugh in many humorous novels. So the book has to be funny.
Elizabeth gives birth to Madeline, or Mad or Maddy as she is known after she is born. She is a trip and so whip smart beyond her years. Her teacher doesn't know what to make of her. Mad doesn't understand why her mother takes the job. The cooking show which she feels is beneath her Mom. Eventually though things change...
I am sure this happens in reality to children watching their mothers. Especially now. Their daughters I can see them questioning their mother's occupation. What its like working at their specific job. What are their bosses like. Do they get paid fairly to give one example. Many mothers want their daughters to see them as a good example. For their daughters to see their mother's as strong women and not to take no for an answer.
In closing I am sure you realized I loved the book, Lessons in Chemistry. Every young woman should pick up a copy. This book is multi-generational for women. For what women have fought for and continue the fight with the young women. But, also life lessons for men to understand what their mother's have gone through. What their sisters, and girlfriends, and wives still need to accomplish. And some day break the glass ceiling. The book is wonderful novel to talk about women's issues this month. Since it is Women's History Month.
I will say the best part is the ending. With someone getting what they deserve, Y-E-S! This is one novel I am happy for all the string were tied and knotted together. I usually don't like a novel that gives us ending.
The book is tightly woven and continues that way to the very last word. I am so glad I read the book. It is a page turner and keep you turning the pages. I wish it didn't end. I loved all the quirky characters... Especially, Six Thirty. Who actually talks back. That part gave the book magic. The most delicious book I have ever read. I had an adult daughter I would run to the store and buy her a copy. But, I don't I have a son instead. My excuse he is not a reader. But, he doesn't know what he is missing, ha, ha, ha!
This is the second time around I am reading, The Plot Against America. The second time around I have a better appreciation of the novel than the first time around. I read it when it was first published in 2008. It didn't have the same impact as it does now.
The book I read again a few weeks ago. I don't remember the entire novel. But, I will say, Phillip Roth must have seen it coming. All the themes he has covered in the book is pretty much is what is happening now. It is a warning to us.
I didn't read any of Phillip Roth's novels. I did see as a young adult I recall watching a couple of his earlier novels. Which were adapted for the screen. I can't believe I watched them. But, those were the times we lived in.
Anyway on with the book. Since my memory is fuzzy. I will just tell you the novel is speculative fiction. What if novel. So you are asking what if, what? Back in the 1940's if you were living then you already are aware of the history. But, some us didn't know it was happening. It wasn't written in our history books. Everything was painted roses. We loved our leaders, senators, congressmen. This is not true at all. The average American didn't realize what was happening in our country while FDR was president. There were threats within caused by outside sources. Of all places Germany. What??!, you say. It's sounds unbelievable. Yes, it is. But, it is true. I couldn't believe it either. But, I did my research. And found out it is true.
Any hoo, the book is terrifying. And close to what we are experiencing in the United States today. Being an outsider when you are not welcome in the US. There are so many parallels in the book comparing to the 1940's, to now. Making it relevant for today. The author must have known what was happening in our government and political leaders.
He wrote the book after 9/11. Think about what was going on during that time. Our president and leaders were becoming rigid and hard line with the middle east, particularly Iraq, and Afghanistan. We were being swayed by news media. Who was telling the truth? We didn't know the truth. Only what we were being fed.
The Plot Against America is about a family living in Newark, NJ in the 1940's living in the US where anti-Semitism was running rampant. It divided families against each other and communities. FDR was running for President for a second term. He was running against Charles Lindbergh. He is larger than life hero. He was famous as an aviator who crossed the Atlantic. He's baby was kidnapped and eventually found dead. He is known for his politics, and anti-Semitism beliefs.
I feel it was interesting perspective I had from 2004 and now in 2023. What a difference of my thoughts of the book from then to now. I recommend the book if you like speculative fiction, historical fiction. I give it five tea cups.
Looking For Jane is based on historical fiction on reproductive rights on the 60's and 70's in Canada. It is the story of three people and how they connect and interweave into their lives and their story. I am writing my review as someone who grew up in the 1970's in the United States. I also grew up when Roe vs. Wade had passed in the supreme court. Also in advance my view on reproductive rights in advance. Everyone has a right to privacy, and right to choose. That said, I ma be biased on the book. But, it is a book worth reading. To know what women had to go through before, during and after the laws were changed( realize this is in Canada).
I don't think young women realize how dangerous to live before reproductive rights were law in Canada and in the US. Back alley abortions were performed with coat hangers, infections, finding a medical doctor vs. someone without a license. Women were desperate. I grew up in the 70's after Roe vs. Wade became law. I think many women took it for granted that Roe vs. Wade was the law of the land. If you didn't pay attention to politics. You would have never known. I will now get off my soap box.
Looking for Jane has three different time lines from the 1960's till 2017. There is a good reason why the author chose these time lines. Think pre abortion laws, when it was passed, and after it was passed. How the laws changed and affected Canadian women. I believe it passed in Canada in the late 80's.
The story opens with three time lines and three main characters. It was a bit confusing. Which doesn't take away from the book. You will understand why the confusion toward the end of the book. And will like the resolution toward the end. It will all make sense toward the end of the story, and give you a "aha moment". That's what makes it a satisfying read from the beginning to the end. The characters are realistic, true and loveable characters. The developing of the characters and story was well developed through out the book. The stories weave and interconnect each other tightly, no hanging threads. No questions unanswered. I related to the story of what these women were going through as I was a teenager in the 70's. It felt realistic.
Looking for Jane has three time lines and three main characters. Angela in 2017 finds a hidden letter that has life changing consequences to the recipient. Angela searches all the way back to 1960's and brings her to a rabbit hole, " Underground Women Movement, Code name, "Jane". Where she discovers who the recipient to the letter is. When you as the reader, think you understand and know what is going to happen. You are totally wrong. It went to a totally different direction. It threw you a different bone.
It brings Angela to finding out about the Unwed Mother's Home in Canada. What truly happened in that home. Who the letter was actually for. Would the letter be a welcome or a disaster to the recipient? I didn't expect the book to be a page turner or a mystery. The novel was more Women's literary fiction, than mystery. That's why my expectations were low for the book. I was greatly surprised. I didn't expect it to have a lot of grit being women's fiction. But, guess what it did.
Anyone interested in reproductive rights will like the book. Anyone who likes suspense and mystery will also enjoy it, although it is not set in the US. It doesn't take away from the flavor. I recommend it highly if you like historical fiction, feminist and reproductive activism. I sure hope there will be more books on reproductive rights written in fiction.
I received a review copy through Kindle from the publisher as compensation for the review.
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