Reviews in Brief

Midsummer’s Bottom delights with Shakespearian couplets and a cacophony of human foibles that smash up to a satisfying ending. Dash has created a stellar cast of full, engaging characters. The author dances with the Bard measure for measure as he twists and turns his characters through their tumultuous stay in Limerick. Tightly-written and imaginative, Midsummer’s Bottom glides the reader through a wonderful story towards a rewarding, and unexpected, end.

Set inside a post 9-11 New York City, the sadness and distrust of these characters rise off the page. Finegan gives each character, however minor, heft, with backstories and quirks that deepen the plot, as well as exploring varying facets of the human condition. He is a gifted wordsmith, crafting sentences that are rich and multilayered, which propels the story along beyond the intricacies of the plot. A rare work of literary fiction that also shines as a mystery and a thriller, Cooperative Lives offers a brilliant exposé on the shattered nature of modern lives.

Given today’s headlines and divided opinions about refugees, war and misuses of power, this book is a timely and impactful read. Clara Martin balances an engaging plot, compelling characters, and smart allegorical writing to deliver a powerful start to this new genre-bending series. The novel can stand alone as an entertaining work of fantasy, but there are also enough loose ends to keep readers eager for the sophomore offering from this sharp new voice in the genre.

A moving work of LGBT literary fiction. Poe’s writing is understated but still plenty hard-hitting. The inner conflict and emotional turmoil Simon suffers truly resonate, as does his deep-rooted feelings for his mother, Vivian. Simon’s Mansion is an engrossing literary novel that offers a moving tribute to those who are unafraid to make their choices and live by them, for an inspiring story of absolution over adversity.

A swirling, beautifully penned novel. The level of the prose is where this novel truly shines. When the writing delves into the details of a particular room, or the intricacies of someone’s clothing or face, it is easy to feel transported, caught up in the pomp and circumstance of the enigmatic past. A love letter to another time, The Secret Diaries of Juan Luis Vives is both eloquent and accessible for all readers – an impressive balance that makes reading Ellis’ novel a richly rewarding escape.

A visceral and beautifully penned novel. The story is riveting and patiently told, with just the right amount of historical exposition to situate the reader and immerse us in Ben’s isolated world. The language itself, however, is where this narrative shines, as Arbogast writes with a deft and descriptive pen, stringing together themes that criss-cross the prose, creating a web of emotions and intentions that feel deeply authentic. Sorrow Ledge is an original Civil War story in an unexpected setting that is a dramatic and engaging delight.