Rachel´s Random Resources: The Novel Detective by Teresa Dovalpage

Teresa, the main character is The Novel Detective by Cuban-American writer Teresa Dovalpage is having a successful active life in the States, when she is requested by a former high-school colleague to return back to Cuba in order to investigate the suspicious death of a former professor.  

As a mystery author, she may have also a professional interest into the story, but feels also intrigued by Estrella´s involvement into the case. She may accept the challenge, which open up some interesting plot directions. Her return may bring her back to her early teenage years and her curious interests. 

The Novel Detective smartly combines the passion for classical mysteries with the Latin- and Central American magical realism. It is a rare encounters, but such a welcomed diversion from the usual literary canon. The references to the two Cubas - in the 1980s and now, inspired by the author´s own experiences - create a very complex frame for a story that cannot be separated from the geographical and political context that generated it.

The diversity of perspectives shared in the story as well as the rich timelines created an interesting story that will clearly think about for a long time. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: A Farmhouse in France by Rachael Lucas

How does it feel to find out without any prior warning that the father that never cared about you left you a farmhouse in France and a bit under 100,000 Euro to start all anew? Especially when your pub in Yorkshire is seriously struggling? This is the beginning of the story of Daisy, the main character of A Farmhouse in France by Rachael Lucas. 

The farmhouse, which require a serious attention and renovations, comes also with a very handsome neighbour. What do you need for starting your romantic escape to France?

I was caught into the story from the very beginning particularly by the vivid dialogues who are promising a lot of action and surprises. Daisy was given a chance when she was expecting the least, although in deep need to a dramatic life change. Although reluctant that this unexpected inheritance will create tons of problems, in the end it looked like things were much smooth and easier - there is also a European stereotype that France bureaucracy is a maze which is myth, believe me. 

The writing is very engaging, taking the reader as witness and participant to the story. Especially when there are new beginnings in sight, you need the character to win, as new beginnings are uplifting, but often we need the courage to start over. 

I am clearly interested in more France-based romantic content, therefore anything that may continue this story is on my TBR. 

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Il Mantello di Rut by Paolo Rodari

 

I´ve continued my Italian reading adventure with a very profound book about freedom and belief during terrible times. 

Il mantello di Rut (Ruth´s Cloak, which is the biblical Ruth who willingly followed her mother in law Naomi in her belief, for Jews a symbol of dedication on behalf of the converts, although the Christian interpretation escapes me right now) by journalist and teologically trained Paolo Rodari is set during the end of WWII in Nazi-occupied Italy. The main date that put into motion the tragic chain of events is the 16th of October 1943, a Saturday, the day of the Holy Shabbat, when the German forces raided the Jewish ghetto of Roome, arresting 1,259 persons. Out of 1,023 sent to Auschwitz, only 16 survived.  

Remo, the Catholic monk storyteller, is writing to Aida, a little Jewish girl who saved during the German occupation, with whose mother he fell in love. Inspired by his own tortured relationship with his emotionally numb mother, who sent him to the seminary due to lack of financial resources after the death of his father, he is sharing his story to the little girl, who stayed hidden without being forced to be baptized as often happened with other Jewish children ´rescued´ by the Church - until her uncle found her and picked her up in her new life. 

He writes to keep Rachel´s memory alive, who most probably was killed by the Germans, but also to explain his own choices, his difference compared to other people of faith. Remo is talking a lot about the freedom to decide: to stay or to go, to help or stay indifferent, to fall in love or follow the faith. The approaches are nuanced and very direct, echoing the thoughts someone may have about life, humanity and religion during terrible times.

Il mantello di Rut is a condensed yet very thoughtful read which is trying to counter the documented cases when the Catholic Church and its representatives were complacent with the Germans and manifested antisemitic attitudes. 

Inspired by the topic, I may continue some individual researches about this topic soon. 

The Italian is level B2 mostly, easy to understand without using a dictionary more than 25% of the reading.

Rating: 4 stars

Rachel´s Random Resources: Postcards from Sicily by Nancy Barone

Estranged by her mother who left her and her father 20 years ago, running with a younger Italian of noble origins, Olivia/Livvie has her own struggles: a love-less marriage, a rebelious teenage daughter, the secret feelings for her business partner Markus. But it seems that most of her life decisions are following her desperate need of being different than Susan, her mother, not abandoning and disappointing her family.

Despite her refusal to be in touch with Susan, her father kept talking with his ex-wife once the week and he tried - and suceed - to convince her accept two months of fully paid spa stay. Will this stay heal the old wounds and will bring answers to Livvie´s tormenting questions about her mother´s sudden disappearance? Would she reconsider her personal options after all?

Postcards from Sicily by Nancy Barone is a humorous and delicious rom-com that delicately deals with trauma´s impact on our lives. Livvie was deeply hurt and for at least 20 years she carried the weight of those events. ´An introvert at heart´ as she describes herself, she internalized the deep sadness her mother tried to escape. She is not depressed though, just over-reacting and nervous. As she is taking this 2-month break, the time is perfect for a change.

This is a romcom about second chances and the power to forgive, with a dash of hope happening in the breathtaking landscape of lake Maggiore in Italy. 

I´ve read this book this weekend during my summer extended holidays and made me think a lot about the many delicate ways in which a mother-daughter relationship can consume itself, but also heal.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own