Unstrung
by Laura
Spinella
Publisher: Montlake
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Reviewed by Maria Lokken
Reviewed by Maria Lokken
Her choice of community service is the turning point which will
affect everything and everyone in her life. As the reader gets deeper into the
story they discover Olivia’s life appears to be one thing on the surface, but
like a Russian nesting doll there are secrets hidden beneath the layers.
Everyone in her life gets some version of the truth, and when her ex-husband
comes to town to ask for forgiveness, her life begins to unravel like a
knitting ball tossed to the floor by a playful kitten.
This story is a multi-layered mosaic of how Olivia became Olivia
and what moves her. Ms. Spinella weaves a
complex story, chapter by chapter. In
many respects the book plays out much like an episodic series on HBO with each
chapter adding another revelation to the overall story arc.
Nothing is as it seems, and everything will be different when you
finally reach the end of the book. Will
the reader get a happy ending? Yes. Will it be what you expected? I’m not the one
to say. I can say I would certainly read another of Ms. Spinella’s books. She has a terrific wit, and creates dialogue
that sets the tone and gives breath to each character.
I’m always amazed when I read a work of fiction where the author has created a world that comes to
life, a living drama before my eyes.
Those are the best kinds of reads.
That’s what this author has accomplished with “Unstrung.” A work of fiction that’s come to
life, beautifully and sometimes tragically played out, in a world I couldn’t stop ‘watching’.
In the last six months,
what book have you read that kept you up late at night?
The Whistler, by John Grisham, was a book I couldn't put down, I needed to know what was going to happen next!
ReplyDeleteHey Laurel, I know the feeling. There were several Grisham books that kept me up past my bedtime.
DeleteUnfortunately, I am an "early-to-bed-early-to-rise" person and always have been. So, nothing keeps me up. However, I admit that I often wake up in the middle of the night and think about books I'm reading.
ReplyDeleteI found "Unstrung" to be an fabulous book and would honestly love to see it made into a movie.
Hi Connie - I couldn't agree more.
Delete"...but like a Russian nesting doll there are secrets hidden beneath the layers." Those might be my favorite words I've read regarding Unstrung. Thank you so much for reading, and posting such a thoughtful review. It's very much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your book. You were a-new-to-me author and I'm happy to have discovered you and your backlist.
ReplyDeleteWOW - this review blew me away. Thanks for the introduction to this author and this book.
ReplyDeleteThe last book which kept me up at night was Four Nights With The Duke by Eloisa James. That book just hit the spot for me.
Hi Annette - I think you will enjoy this book and this author.
DeleteI'm a big Eloisa James fan, but haven't read this one. But I will. (She groaned, looking at her ready to topple over TBR pile:) )
Great review! Will have to check this book out. Last book that I've read that kept me up was Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason.
ReplyDeleteHi Pamela -
DeleteOh gosh - another book I'll have to check out:) So many books, so little time. In truth, 90% of what I read is based on recommendations, so I'm happy to hear about this book - thanks.
I love, love, loved Debbie Mason's Starlight Bridge! She's a auto-buy for me.
DeleteI added Unstrung to my wish list, Maria. It sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI loved Debbie Mason's Starlight Bridge too, but the most recent book I read that kept me up into the wee hours was an ARC of Emilie Richards's The Swallow's Nest--a women's fiction novel about three women who want the same little boy--the biological mother who gave him up, the wife of the child's father who loves the boy despite his being a living reminder of her husband's infidelity, and the boy's paternal grandmother who sees the boy as a way to correct the mistakes she made as a mother. It was riveting and wrenching, and I can't stop thinking about it. I'll probably read it again before I write the review.