Reviews are often most useful when we're talking about new books, but new books are seldom what I read. I just finished an old book (1991) that I thoroughly loved and suspect some of you will, too--The Last Innocent Hour by Margot Abbott. Set in Berlin circa the 1930s and 40s, this novel is best described as noir meets love story meets Nazis meets journey of personal growth and recovery. Kind of a Sophie's Choice with a Romeo and Juliet star-crossed lovers angle thrown in. Trust me. It's incredible.The reason I'm so enthusiastic about sharing this one is that I had a very emotional response to it, which for me is the hallmark of excellent writing. This is the first book I've read in a long time, since longer than I can remember, actually, that sucked me in even when I was not reading it. You know this type of book. The one that you can't get back to soon enough. The one that makes you giddy because it's time (!!) to sit down and get back to the story. The one where you think you know the characters and feel like they are with you in your living room.
It's okay. You don't have to publicly admit that you do this like I do. But for me, this was that book.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction, noir, or dark romance.
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I enjoyed the book, too! Wish I knew more about the author - did she ever write anything else?
ReplyDeleteYou know what? I don't think she did. The friend that gave me this book said something about that. If it's true, how remarkable.
ReplyDeleteThanks - I checked out local library and nothing - just that one book -she is remarkable writer - by the way I am going back to the library on Tuesday and will check out your books! Happy writing! Linda from Montreal Canada
ReplyDeleteI discovered this while researching something else. So many incredible books out there. Thanks for the recommendation, and congratulations on all that you do, Rachel. You are a busy woman.
ReplyDeleteLynn
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Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers