The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

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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