September Book Review Wrap Up

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The Girl Who Said Goodbye

By: Heather Allan

The Girl Who Said Goodbye is the memoir of author, Heather Allen’s aunt, Siv Eng whose life was turned upside down by the violent take-over of the Khmer Rouge army, in Cambodia, in the 1970s. Siv Eng was studying pharmacology when she, her brother, sister-in-law, and aunt were rounded up and marched out of the city to a work camp. Separated from her mother and younger siblings who were similarly rounded up, Siv Eng’s story is of bravery in the face of unimaginable danger.

This story is truly captivating. Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down. Allen’s prose bring harrowing story of the will to survive in the face of unbelievable tragedy to life in an engaging way. This story honors a piece of history that fails to get the attention it deserves.

Don’t miss this brilliantly written memoir.

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Black Hole Town

By Henry Hinder

Black Hole Town, a dark comedy novelette is the story of two friends, Scots, who decide to hit the road for the ultimate drug fueled roadtrip. An escape, if you will, from their every day lives of drugs, booze, gambling, and even women. Because everyone needs to get away from it all every now and again. Am I right?

I am a fan of good dark comedy. If you are not, this is not the book for you. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s vulgar. It’s well-told short fiction that will keep you laughing to the end. The absurdity is truly engaging from start to finish. A great read for a weekend afternoon, when you really need to get away from it all.

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Mighty Mary

By: Max Davine

Mighty Mary is the story of an Indian elephant who was captured and transported to American to be trained as a performer. After disaster struck in Erwin, Tennessee, just after the turn of the century, her case would become one of the most famous surrounding animal cruelty.

This story is the emotional depiction of Mary’s life as a member of her mother’s herd, her eventual capture and transport. Mary’s story is one of love and loss, told in an engaging detail. Mary is an empathetic and captivating character. Davine does a wonderful job of humanizing his protagonist. This is an emotional telling of the harm abuse causes; an emotional depiction of animal injustice.

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Reflections from a Glass House

By: Carol Sveilich

Reflections from a Glass House, A Memoir of Mid-Century Modern Mayhem is an intimate and detailed story of growing up in the Silicon Valley, in the 1960s.

Sveilich shares her story in incredible detail, making her very easy to connect with. In many ways, this felt like sitting down with a friend, reminiscing and sharing old stories. I appreciated her use of humor in her telling of adolescent shenanigans while empathizing with her more emotional moments. Her vivid descriptions of her family home transport the reader through time and space to the Eilcher designed home of her youth.

This is a wonderful exploration of family dynamics, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Simon’s Wife

By: L. M. Affrossman

Simon’s Wife is a work of Jewish historical fiction, set in 70AD Jerusalem. following the destruction of the city and the second temple. Shelamzion bat Judah has been captured and is facing execution. But could an unlikely friendship with her Roman jailer change her fate?

This book really held my attention from beginning to end. Affrossman writes in incredible detail with captivating, well-developed characters. The relationship between Shelamzion bat Judah and her jailer, and would be Roman historian, Fabius Cornelius Grammaticus is wonderfully complex. There is a depth to the writing that captures the reader.

You won’t be able to put this one down; Jewish historical fiction at its best.

The Unforgiven King

By: L. M. Affrossman

The Unforgiven King is a work of Jewish historical fiction, centered around King Herod. The story begins with Herod as a young man, follows his rise to the throne, and his cruelty. The story is told through an unnamed narrator, who provides the reader with in-depth context around Roman occupied Jerusalem, who eventually becomes entangled in the story directly.

Affrossman’s use of an unnamed narrator is a literary tool that adds an interesting layer to the detailed storytelling. The writing employs wonderfully vivid imagery, taking the reader right into the heart of Jerusalem. Affrossman offers compelling insight into King Herod, as well as the time period.

This is a captivating read from beginning to end.

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