Spring Edition Book Reviews

It's the Spring Season and my nose has been in multiple books that I have to share with you. In this edition of novels I have read lately, they are all Historical Fiction novels with their own unique story mixed between history. And no matter where I sat down with cup of coffee or tea and or even what city I was in, I was transported to another era of time. Let me tell you now, I love each one these three books individually and as whole set together if I inspire you read just one, I did my job right. Two of the three made me have a few outbursts of emotions without even realizing my own surroundings. I will get into that shortly but I do have to mention these novels are meant to be a slow burn kind of read. Meaning with novels like this, make you want to enjoy every word, every sentence that the author gave to each character and to step into the story yourself understand every detail about them.

But who's to say I am the expert here, I am just giving my little opinion. Let's get into these escapism novels.

The first novel that I finished back in February is by Laura Morelli called The Stolen lady.

Now the Stolen lady is a story behind the untold story of the Mona Lisa painted by Leonardo Di Vinci within the story of WW2 when works of art had to be hidden from the Germans who wanted the art or to destroy works of art. Throughout the novel you are be in-between five hundred years of history, two story lines and looking back at the novel ;I think that concept was the only understand the connections between the real Mona Lisa (Lisa Gherardini ), Bellina ( her ladies maid) and Anne Guichard ( archivist of the Louvre). Reading about each lady in their timeframe, I learned about each one of them more depth than what's just in our history books today. The feeling of losses what Lisa Gherardini had in her life. Bellina's character of taking care of Lisa deeply and yet yearning for love also the fight within her own beliefs. Then Anne's fight to help protect the works of art with everything she has and yet what's constantly on her mind is where her brother went. Which mind you when you find out where her brother was during the war. Things will come full circle. I found Anne's and Bellina's life's were the most similar in their own way. Protection over some very important secrets than what history books would never tells us at least. I loved learning about Leonardo Di Vinci's life and lifestyle while creating his famous art work pieces, architecture that we seen by millions every year to this day. I can honestly say I didn't know that much behind the story of the famous Mona Lisa and her own history of five hundred years of existing.

Upon finishing up the novel, I was captivated between the two worlds of France 1939 and Florence 1479 towards the end of the novel, I just didn't want the book to end. I only wanted more about these famous key people in history. And I also wanted to know more about the people behind the scenes that protected all the art in Anne's timeline. Can you imagine if it wasn't for the men and women whom saved all the art, how much we would have at all to admire, if they didn't save them? The only thing I would have to say for my as reader I felt there was some loose ends left unfinished in a way besides Vinci's and some of Bellina's story. I felt like Anne's story had more room for closure then what was given. Then again I just might be a lover of romanticism because I think Anne found her one and only. To also had once you discover Bellina's life after Lisa Gherardini will shock you to. And I going to stay tight lipped about all of that, you have to read to find out for more.

I did in fact give this novel a four and half stars, definitely a must read.

After I finished The Stolen lady, I started reading The Last Checkmate By Gabriella Saab in March.

Let me first tell before I get into some detail about this very special novel that it will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions from the beginning line of the novel to end. Once you learn about Maria Florkowska; a young polish daughter who was a skilled chess player and a underground resistance member in Warsaw against Germany, you want to know every detail of her life. If it wasn't for her mind and her one goal, she would have died in Auschwitz. She was beaten, burned, tortured but her goal was to win the end. Maria played her way through for her life against unbelievable evil. This particular novel, I loved how the story begins at the ending of her torment and at the beginning of her Success intertwined on the first page. You will understand how important that last moment is for her to have the last checkmate against Fritzsch. You will met the ones who became her family through her time in prison when she lost her own the day she arrived in that cruel place. I loved father Kolbe, the sweet gentle soul who was a real life person in history that no one mentions in history books. He saved so many lives to the day his ended. And that speaks to how much this novel pulls you in to each character. I came to love Irene in the end , trust me she was one character that made me question her personality here and there. But she did love Maria then what she really led on, I will tell you that. There are other key characters who played a key role in her life encampment and after her encampment.

There is one moment in the end about a certain box for Maria that threw me on the edge of emotions and once you read that part, get the whole box of tissues.

I loved how in the end this novel came in full circle for herself, for her family. That all the pain, suffering she went through worked out in the end and not only justice in her eyes but she learned more about her family that she never knew. This novel reminded me of Anne frank in her "own way" she had her writing and Maria had her chess. If you loved The Tattooist artist of Auschwitz and Queen's Gambit you would love this novel that much more.

I gave this novel a more than a five star review!

And my last and final book I would like to share is called I was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon. Its not a historical fiction but a Fiction novel. I like to think It has a historical aspects to the novel in my opinion from the author and I encourage you all to read her authors note and acknowledgments for more information on her take of the real story of the Romanovs and her adaptation in the novel. I think this novel was written beautifully and in-depth as well, I will try my best to not give away anything because it makes you feel like you are apart of Anne's world, her friend in away. I felt so many emotions while reading to the point Anne did give the reader a "fair waring" at the beginning that the reader might end up feeling upset or mad at her. Which to be honest I did and I got so lost in the world created that the, "I told you so " got me. If you know the real story of the Romanov's legend, then you understand. I will say I was drawn to the others connect with the family, their stories and memories of their time together. I think Anne Anderson was Anastasia in so many ways the same person. I fell in love with Alexander and her mothers love for the family and keeping their family as protected as possible through every phase. I loved the idea of the daughters finding love through such tragedy that love exists in the darkest times of life. And I felt for little Alexey he went through so much is life time, besides falling ill and losing his favorite pets nearly broke is heart more. Each of Romanov's went through so much hurt, tragedy through the novel that it amazes me how much they continued to stay strong each day. And Anne was the fighter no matter much you had to control herself that family was first and any bruise was worth it. I would close with the opening quote from the novel ,"If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten "-Rudyard Kipling (The Collected Works) An unsolved mystery of this family went on for decades and it should have a good outcome than a sad ending. I think the positive note should be that we still talk of them and remember then forget their story.

In closing these book reviews, I know a lot of you have been waiting on my next book reviews! And I am so sorry for the delay and here they are. I hope I have convinced you to read a novel or two. These novels are probably one of my favorite groups of reads in a row. When I tell you I love each one of them, I sat with these novels in my hands and in my heart. I see apart of each character in my real life and felt connected to them on so many levels. Please let me known if you decide to read one of them.

See you,

Misreaders.

The Book of Lost Names Book review

MORE Than a Five STAR Rating !!!!!!

This September month's Book Review is about The book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. Yes it's another Historical fiction world world two novel. Let me just say I just finished this book and I still feel like I am part of the novel, living the story as my it's my own life in the sense ;maybe a past life. When I say towards the end of the novel it was part of me, I had dreams of living it. I don't know why I did but this novel stuck to me in the best ways, I will try to explain why. Bottom line before I get into it , you need to buy this novel ,end of story!

My very first thought starting the novel Kristin had me within the first few lines and I couldn't even put it down and when I had to my thoughts were about it. I was hooked completely and if you read my last book review, this one blew it out the water instantly. A little heads up there are two timelines through out the novel from May 2005 to back in June 1942 but as reader you barley even notice the changes between the two. Which is bonus in my opinion being such a well written novel. It feel like being right beside Eva Traube as a young graduate student through Eva Traube Abrams in her golden years.

This story is about Eva Traube in her golden years sees her book , The book of Lost Names on the front cover of the New York Times. The book that she risked everything for in her former life sixty- five years ago. And a secret to an answer that haunts her for all these years lies with the pages. Going back in time to rescue not only the book but who she was and when her story began forced out of Paris when her father was arrested. Also becoming a skilled document forger along the way to save the lost children.

"The book I last laid eyes on more than six decades ago.

The book I believed had vanished forever."-The Book of Lost Names

I wish If there was a real book of last names in every "War" in the past, in the present. So those have been lost, have been taken can be remembered. Given back to those who lost them the most. I can highly relate to that and I why I created Misread to never be forgotten. In the world we live now, there are stories that no one knew about war, I am hopeful that maybe someone was creative to do something like for the world to find eventually.

Before the last chapter or towards the ending, I had my own thoughts how she would write the end. And it tossed my thoughts towards the opposite direction because I didn't think she would of went there, its hard to explain. In the last three pages of the novel, I literally shouted, holy( fill in the blank here.) out loud. I had just no words, mind blown on how it finished. I don't even want to give away a word about it , I would spill everything in seconds. I only wish in the reality, could have a love, a story as Remy and Eva have. Kristin Harmel needs to a part two ( An extension) of their story. I need to know more about them as individuals and about their days apart to the days.

And if you were wondering , why this review is a bit short. I meant it to be like I said before I am trying very hard not to spoil one bit of the book because it's such a worthy read. So purchase a copy and see why I kept my book lover mouth shut as much as I could. I need someone that already read the novel so I can spill my thoughts fully .

Best wishes,

Misread.

P.s More is coming , Get Ready ! Prior Blog posts are linked down below.

Book Review :The Last Bookshop in London

Let me begin this book review by saying I know my last book review was last April of the year. But from those months apart, I can say this book I am about to share is beyond worthy for everyone to read. From beginning to end, the novel is pure escapism. No matter what age you are in life or where you are in the world ;each time the book was opened , the world around would disappeared and I was in London during World War Two hearing that world come alive.

I never read any book by Madeline Martin before I am glad I picked up The Last Bookshop in London to start with. Her way of writing historical fiction is nothing I have read before or have anything to compare it to . Her creative way of writing this novel feels as if you are physically in the shoes of the world between the pages. From the moment Grace Bennet and her best friend Viv made it to Farringdon station the novel took off. I wish Viv was my best friend, her vibe seemed just fun to be around.

She saved Mr. Evans when he didn't want her help in the slightest. She saved her mother's bestfriend, Mrs.Weatherford. Grace fell in love with George Anderson the moment he turned her a book lover with The Count of Monte Cristo. And during the darkest days and the distance between them making a relationship work despite the world. And all I am going to say there should be more George Andersons in the world, that's all you are getting romantics. Also we can't forget Colin Mrs.Weatherford son, he was that type of character that has the gentle soul with animals and would bring them home. We can all admit we all had that friend that did that or have done that to. I have know to that and my defense the animals tend to find me not the other way around.

Each time I sat down with the novel, in any chair ,couch or bed I was transported to the world before Grace Bennet. The time of prosperity at her fingertips change as quickly as the Second World War brewing to begin. The beauty of Grace bennet changed ,saved so many lives by just being herself through think and thin. Losing certainly of the world, losing people, experience love another level in her life. Lifting up a city by hearing her own words and protecting what she could of other lives from air raids in the morning or dragging on through the night the next day.

I loved reading how Grace was falling in love the with books she read along the way like Jane Eyre. I can appreciate how she fell in love with each story. And going from not reading a single book in her life to read every book in a bookshop. She built a community of people without setting out to make one happen. Naturally making one in a tube station or from the footsteps of Primrose Hill. I do also think Grace was meant to be a ARP warden, it was perfect for not only her character to do but the Title suited her because she is helpful person. And it only made her stronger inside and out and taught her many lessons for life beyond the war.

I have a few favorite moments from the novel but each one I want to pick gives away to much information about the story. I can say that Mr. Evans carried more Grace then he ever thought and he thought he couldn't be saved by anyone or anything until Grace. And same for Grace Mr. Evans, Primrose Hill was more important to Grace then any recommendation she needed in the first place. Once you get into the novel you will understand Mr. Evans has a tough exterior but inside he is a teddy bear with excellent taste in novels. And the caretaker of the most important novels in world when they were taken by Germans to be destroyed.

Okay I can't help it one of my favorite moments is when people gathered in the Tube station listening to the novel being read to comfort them. Its one of the most beautiful parts of the novel through all the darkness. And to think before television and the radios they did have at the time Books and newspapers were the talk of the town, worldwide. Books were and are fundamental of life at least in my opinion. To add my favorite chapter of the whole novel was twenty-one of the most powerful chapter and I love every word of it.

I didn't want to read this book to fast , it deserved to be a slow burned read. Not actually burning it to clarity. That would be against rule of law in my book. This Book deserves to read many times over, it feels just timeless. Every character in the novel that was either in there briefly or stayed till the end is relatable to the time of 1939 to 2021 and further beyond that timeframe. Once you have a copy in your hands you will understand why it feels timeless and relatable in any age.

I do hope you all have great day and enjoy the fall season fast approaching upon us. I do have a new monthly post coming up after this one goes up in a few days. I do hope you buy this book in a physical copy or in digital format. I secretly hope you buy the physical copy, I can't help it I love books and I never full love books digitally; never felt right.

Anyway.

Best regards ,

Misread

The link for the book is down below: