Peeking Between the Pages

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Book Review: Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove


Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove is a vivid portrayal of a woman’s journey through her grief and memories. One would think that this would be a complete downer of a book but it’s not. The main character is kind of amusing in some of the things she does, says and thinks and there is a bit of a mystery surrounding this story that makes it a definite page turner. This book still haunts me with the emotions of grief felt, faced, and overcome.

Kate Davis is in her twenties and a widow. Not only a widow but a widow whose dead husband is still talking to her. Kate’s husband died quite unexpectedly and it’s left her a wreck. She just can’t seem to move forward at all – she’s not washing her hair, not eating, and there is no way she can sleep in their bedroom. Instead she is camped out on her living room floor. Kate thinks she may be going crazy hearing her husband’s voice and the worst thing is that she can’t remember a thing from before he died.

Finally Kate decides to seek help. She tries a variety of therapists; none of which are suited to her. Eventually she finds a psychiatrist who she at least seems to connect with and begins to take a look at what might be causing her to hear her husband’s voice. It’s definitely not a smooth journey as along the way hidden truths are uncovered that rock Kate to her core. People she thought she knew and trusted had betrayed her, including her dead husband Kevin.

Kate’s journey to recovery takes her from going more than a little crazy at times which lands her in a mental institution all the way to meeting a man, Jack, who may be the key to helping her deal with her past. Jack is a pastor, although not really a traditional kind, who Kate meets while going to support meetings and with his quiet, easy manner, he starts to earn her trust and friendship.

The book flips back and forth from Kate in the present to flashbacks of Kate’s memories and it’s very well done. The author’s portrayal of Kate instantly draws you in and holds you in the story. Kate is a character I think we can all relate to in some way especially those who have lost someone important to them. The novel chronicles her grief, anger and helplessness but also shows that life moves on one day at a time and each day gets a little bit easier until you feel you can finally breathe without your world falling apart.

Talking to the Dead is Bonnie Grove’s first novel and it’s beautifully written and I would absolutely read more of her work. This is a Christian novel which I always enjoy but this one would really suit anyone as this element is not pushed at all. It is mentioned but not in a way to overwhelm anyone and really not until the end of the novel. You can buy Talking to the Dead here in the US and here in Canada. Be sure to visit Bonnie Grove’s website as well.

Darlene

My Thanks…to Audra Jennings with The B&B Media Group for my review copy of Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove

Comments

  2. I love a book that sticks with me for a while – the way it sounds like this one did for you. I can see why religion would be mentioned in it with that subject matter.

  5. Sounds like a book where making the connections keeps you turning the pages. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.

  7. Sounds good. I have recently started reading some Christian fiction and I am finding that genre to be very good. I do like my books to be a little spicier but it is refreshing to read a book for the story.

    Good review

  10. It's not often that a book will follow you around long after you've finished it. It definitely says alot about the atmosphere and character development. This one sounds really good!

  11. I think this books sounds fascinating. Thank you for the wonderful review and a for sure read that is going on my wish list.

  15. Great review, Dar! I have seen this one around the bloggerworld and it captured my attention right away. I hope to get to read it someday.

  16. I've seen this book in stores before. It sounds really good, I just haven't gotten around to getting it yet. Thanks for reviewing it; it helped remind me to buy the book! 🙂

  20. Thank you for this review! I love to keep up with what is new, and this one sounds like it might be right up my alley 🙂

  22. I have heard a lot about this book and the synopsis you provided really appeals to me. I also tend to enjoy Christian books where the message is not overly pushy, so I am putting this on the top of my wish list. Great review!

  23. Something about the cover reminded me of Ghost Whisperer before I even read the title or synopsis.