Originally published in School Library Journal, February 2019. Gr 9 & Up: Readman's debut novel unfolds in 1950's Scotland, weaving together mystery and magical realism surrounding two young girls on a remote island. Lorrie's family moved from England to help her aging grandfather, Grumps, in the family whiskey distillery. At once intrigued by her shy… Continue reading Something Like Breathing by Angela Readman
Tag: 1950s
The Magnificent Life of Esme Wells by Adrienne Sharp
Review originally appeared in Library Journal, January 2018. Young Esme Silver was born in pre-WWII Hollywood to Dina Wells, a 16-year old wanna-be actress star with the right looks, but very little talent. Her father, "Magic Ike," gambler and small-time crook, spends his days at the horse track, dragging "Baby E" along as he makes… Continue reading The Magnificent Life of Esme Wells by Adrienne Sharp
The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons
The Song of Hartgrove Hall, written by Natasha Solomons, begins in post-WWII Britain in the 1940's. The story alternates between 1940s - 1960s Britain and present day, with the same family, the Fox-Talbots, inhabiting Hartgrove Hall. Hartgrove Hall itself has such a pivotal role in this story; the once stately, then crumbling, then restored once… Continue reading The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons
Librarian Laura 