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Peeking Between the Pages

Peeking Between the Pages

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The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

July 16, 2008 by Darlene

I finished reading The Lace Reader yesterday and I’m still struck by what a great novel this is. I’ve always liked stories set in Salem or having to do with witches, warlocks, etc. This one is full of such things along with another fascinating aspect-telling the future with a piece of lace.

The story centers around Towner Whitney and her family-their roots and their secrets. It’s a fascinating story that follows Towner as she learns the truth about her family and her sister’s death. Towner comes back to town because her Aunt Eva has gone missing. Eva is the town lace reader although Towner, as well as most of the women in her family, have this ability but choose to ignore it.

Towner has already survived many hard times and her Aunt Eva drowning just adds to the load. But maybe there are other reasons for Eva dying-reasons unknown to anyone-just maybe the only way to get Towner back to face her own demons. What unfolds is a story full of mystery, family secrets, and mixed identities-it all leaves you wondering just what is going on which is what makes it such a good story. It takes the reader all the way to the end of the novel before you realize what is a lie and what is the truth and you are engrossed all the way through waiting for the finale.

I loved that at the beginning of each chapter there was a reading that came from The Lace Reader’s Guide which was a notebook Eva had kept. My favorite one was: To clear the lace: the presence of joy. To clear the Reader: meditation or prayer. To clear the Seeker: breath alone. I was really intrigued by the whole lace reading business. I doubt I’ll look at a piece of lace the same again or anything else for that matter. The book says that if you look at anything, for example, a cloud-you can see a pattern of lace. I had never thought of it before but it’s true.

This book is one of those that will stay with you a while. I don’t consider it a light read; it’s engrossing and good. It’s full of details and descriptions that just fill your mind up. When it ends, you’re sad. I became fully involved in the characters of this novel and miss them already. I would have liked to know what happened to them in their futures. The author’s way of writing is extremely engaging and her storytelling leaves you wanting more. I would definitely recommend this book. There is no way to put into words how good it is-it’s one of those stories you just have to read for yourself. You won’t regret it!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. April says

    July 16, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    I was anxious to hear what you thought of this one. It sounds really good! Great review!

  2. Jenn says

    July 16, 2008 at 10:47 pm

    I’m really looking forward to reading and reviewing this one, Dar!

  3. Ramya says

    July 16, 2008 at 11:51 pm

    hey.. i decided to drop by and have a look at your blog! you’ve got a really nice blog!:) will visit you often in the future!:)

  4. Mary says

    July 17, 2008 at 12:09 am

    Happy to hear you liked it – I’ve only read good things about it!

  5. Dar says

    July 17, 2008 at 1:55 am

    Thanks for the comments ladies. Thanks Ramya for the compliments on my blog-glad you’ll be back to visit often!

  6. Jessica says

    July 18, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    Sounds like a fantastic read! I was in Boston this spring and was hoping to get a chance to visit Salem while I was there but ran out of time. I’ll definitely have to add this one to my TBR list.

  7. Dar says

    July 18, 2008 at 11:48 pm

    Thanks for dropping by Jessica. Salem would be a wonderful place to visit that’s for sure. Just the history of it would be so interesting. There’s a post on the BookClub Girl’s blog that offers a chance to win a trip to Salem. The book really was great.

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