The Forgotten Sister: Mary Bennet's Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Paynter

Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction

We all know Elizabeth Bennet's and Mr. Darcy's story, and we know about Jane and Mr. Bingley, Lydia and Mr. Wickham, and even a few sentences about what happens to Kitty. But what about that bookish, Goth-before-it-was-cool sister, Mary Bennet? What ever happens to her? While Jane Austen was content to leave her readers laughing at Mary's social foibles and pedantic sermonizing in everyday conversation, Jennifer Paynter decides to reveal the "Forgotten Sister's" story in her fan-fiction-esq book.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this first-person novel, and it really made me sympathetic towards Mary as a character while generating annoyance with her popular elder sisters. While Paytner does not shy away from detailing Mary's awkward piano playing at the ball at Netherfield or her ability to say precisely the wrong thing at the wrong time, she allows us a look into Mary's thought processes and her backstory: a long illness and a deep clinical depression that left her looking less pretty than her sisters, a stint away for her family where she learned to read and memorize to control her anxiety, and a genuine faith in God to help her in her most lonely moments. From Mary's point of view we see not just the silliness of Lydia and Kitty, but also the selfishness of Elizabeth and Jane in excluding Mary, albeit sometimes unintentionally, from their company. We see a character very self-aware and more embarrassed of herself than her family is of her when she makes public mistakes.

My only criticism of the book, which was well-written and engaging, is Paynter's obvious nods in Mary's voice to the story we all know of Pride and Prejudice. This ripped me out of the world of the story somewhat, as if the fictional Bennets were aware that Jane Austen was writing a book about them, and it would've been more effective to just let Mary tell her story as if we've never heard it before.

For all her trouble, Paynter writes Mary a happy ending and you'll have to read the book to find out for yourself what that is. But this book reminded me that no matter what we see on the outside of a person, much more might be happening in their hearts, and we would do well to welcome the outcasts in. They might have a lot more to tell us than we think.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Genre: General Fiction

Book Summary: Five-year-old Jack has never known anything but his mother and Room, a tiny sound-proof shack in which he was born. His mother is a kidnap victim and a prisoner, but she has somehow made Jack's tiny world magical and filled with her love and sacrificial protection. The real world, in many ways, is more traumatizing for him, and both of them must learn to overcome the horror they have experienced.

Indulgent Book Talk: This book was a gift from my mom, one that I hadn't heard of until she gave it to me. I read it in just over two days--definitely hard to put down! It is described as a thriller, and it was quite riveting, but I don't think that a book is a thriller just because it is a page-turner, and I'm not sure that is an appropriate distinction for this book. Told from the point of view of a five-year-old boy, the perspective somehow makes a horrible, upsetting situation somewhat placated and toned down, which was masterfully done and made this book readable and not too disturbing.

Glorifying Elements: Jack's mother keeps him safe and healthy under impossible odds, and I imagine reading this as a parent would be very moving experience. Also, the reader quickly understands that Jack is a product of rape, and yet his mother sees him as valuable, as a part of her, and I personally found that very counter-cultural and refreshing for a secular novel (although the book fails at one point in the pro-life theme; I'll describe that more fully below). I was also glad this book had a happy ending; it could've very easily been a depressing ending. But ultimately, despite all the evil Jack and his mother experienced, it celebrated the triumphs, sometimes just the small ones, of good.

Also, Jack's mother instills in him some Christian values. They pray to "Baby Jesus" and they talk about the saints. It's definitely watered down, but that element is there and provides a sense of hope and transcendence for both of them.

Worldly Elements: This book made such a good case for pro-life arguments until one comment made by Ma (the only name ever given to Jack's mother): "I had an abortion at 18, and I don't regret that, but..." and then she goes on to explain why Jack is a worthwhile human being and shouldn't just be viewed as living reminder of the sexual slavery she experienced. When my mom and I discussed the book afterwards, we agreed that this was so opposite of the pro-life themes that were so blatant in the book that we speculated whether an editor forced Donoghue to add that dialogue in because they thought that theme was too heavy-handed (It is also interesting to note that Donoghue lives in Ireland, with a high Catholic population and where most abortion is illegal). A shame, really. That one line really weakened the powerful impact of Jack's character.

Other elements to be aware of are scenes of rape, but since they are told from the point of view of a little boy, they are very tame. Some mild use of language. And a book about a kidnapping and imprisonment is never going to be completely rated G. But Jack's perspective keeps it toned down.

General Recommendation: I think this book is well-done and an engaging read. If you are not too disturbed by the premise and subject matter, it would definitely be one to try.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Genre: General Fiction

Book Summary: Henry, a librarian, has a strange genetic disorder that causes him to unexpectedly time travel. This allows him to meet his future wife, Claire, when she is a child and witness events of his life from many different perspectives and angles, but he is unable to change the past or inevitable future. A film starring Rachel McAdams was made based on this book.

Indulgent Book Talk: This book was extremely engaging and interesting, and even though it sounds very sci-fi, it really isn't. Instead, the time traveling is used mainly as a plot and thematic device to explore how time effects our lives and how much we are a slave to fate and how much our choices matter. It's also very much a romance. I think the title is interesting in that it seems like it is going to be told only from the point of view of Claire, but it actually jumps between Claire and Henry in first-person narratives. The author is also good at keeping all the time frames straight by telling you exactly who is talking and when.

Glorifying Elements: Though they have an imperfect relationship, Claire and Henry are very devoted to each other, even when tragedy strikes their lives. On that level, that's a cool picture of marriage. Also, Claire suffers several miscarriages in the course of the novel, and in her grief makes it clear that she thinks the unborn baby is a child and is worthy of life.

Worldly Elements: Well, let's put it this way. I was really glad when I watched the movie later that it didn't have nearly as much sex as the book. There is a lot of sex described in this novel, and sometimes with crude terms. I was able to get through it because it didn't interrupt the plot and was fairly easy to breeze through, but it was still excessive. Also, Claire and Henry's sexual relationship starts well before marriage, which is of course against God's design for sex. There was an unnecessary amount of bad language, which to me is just lazy writing, and some violence, gore, and drug addition described. There is also a lesbian relationship between two minor characters, but there wasn't really any description about that except just a passing mention.

General Recommendation: Hmm. Well, I thought it was an interesting take on the whole time travel motif and the plot was well-constructed. But I'm not sure it was good enough to slog through some of the graphic mess. I probably won't reread this book.

Menfreya in the Morning by Victoria Holt

Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction

Book Summary: Harriet Delvaney has always been fascinated with Menfreya, an old mansion with a mysterious history. When she marries into the family and becomes heiress of the Menfreya estate, she finds out just how dark and dangerous that history is, and how her own life might be in danger.

Indulgent Book Talk: One of my good friends has always been a fan of Victoria Holt novels, which is just one of the many pen-names of a single author, and she recommended and lent them to me. This book is marketed as a romance, but I think it follows more of a Gothic novel line, like Jane Eyre. It was an easy, suspenseful, quick read.

Glorifying Elements: Harriet's character is a strong one, and she is good at rising above some of the hard situations in her life. On the other hand, she is also quick in the first person narrative to admit her faults, especially her emotions that she knows are selfish. She also cares for people, like her best friend, when the rest of the world would ordinarily reject that person.

Worldly Elements: Harriet does not always act perfectly, and can often be quite rebellious against her family. She is also has a tendency to be suspicious of others and assume the worst in them, especially in her own husband, which bothers me personally. This book also deals with murder and death quite a bit, has an instance of a child being born out of wedlock, and a few mild sexual references.

General Recommendation: For a quick, entertaining read, this is a good pick.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

Genre: General Fiction

Book Summary: Since I didn't finish it (and this review will give you all the reasons why I didn't), it's hard to summarize. It seems to be about a small English town where all the people are wildly dysfunctional and perverted and take that out on everyone around them.

Indulgent Book Talk: I write this with such a heavy heart! Everyone knows my love for Harry Potter, and I know, I know, this was never meant to be Harry Potter Book 8, but I don't understand what Ms. Rowling was thinking when she wrote this. It's exactly the kind of writing and content that so infuriated me in my creative writing workshops. Ms. Rowling, anybody can write a string of F-bombs to show anger. Ms. Rowling, it doesn't make much talent to write graphic sex scenes; the pornography industry makes billions of dollars off of a bunch of no-names doing that. Look, I am not opposed to the occasional swear word for deliberate effect or for important characterization. I've read many a book like that where profanity is used with care and for good reason, and even if I would've made a different choice than the author with my own writing, I can at least see justification within their story's context. And as writers, we want to reflect reality, and sometimes reality just isn't rated G all the time, and I get that. But this was gratuitous. It almost seemed as if, knowing that everyone would know her as the author of the "children's" series of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling wanted to prove with this book that she was a "big girl" and could write mature themes. It just saddens me, because with her wild success, she could've written anything under the sun. Why go down the same degenerate path so many authors have already trodden?

Some of the reviews I read of people who did finish the book had similar problems with it, so I know my 27-page impression is not off base. Even they say that all the muck didn't even lead to an ending that was hopeful or redemptive. Does every book need to be hopeful or redemptive? Perhaps not. But there is enough ugliness in real life that I feel like our jobs as authors or artists of any kind is to reveal beauty despite the evil, to show that there is hope beyond this dreadful planet. What's the point in just contributing to what is already nasty? I don't get it.

Rowling herself said that this book was influenced in part by what she experienced before she made the billions (yes, billions) she did with Harry Potter. In an NPR interview I read, she pontificated on how her book is a reflection of the gritty reality of poverty and what it does to people. From what I read, this is more just a literary indulgence in the worst of humanity, writing for "shock" value. I'm so disappointed.

Glorifying Elements: None, really, in the 27 pages I read.

Worldly Elements: Swearing, taking the Lord's name in vain, nasty descriptions of sex and body parts, small-minded characters. On pretty much every page. People who had read further said drugs, physical abuse, and rape come into play too. She must've been trying really hard to fit it all in there. 

General Recommendation: Emphatic no. But may I say, please do not let this book influence what you may think of Harry Potter, especially if you haven't read it yet. The books, themes, and characters couldn't be more different. If it didn't say J.K. Rowling across the top of the book, I would've never have known this was the same author. Do read Harry Potter. Don't waste your time with this one. I'm returning my copy today.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Genre: General Fiction

Book Summary: When Margaret Lea, an amateur biographer, is commissioned to write the biography for extremely popular and mysterious author Vida Winter, she is thrown into a story of intrigue, scandal, and lies that have characterized Vida’s life, a life that is quickly succumbing to disease and old age. Margaret has demons of her own though, and as the novel progresses, both Vida and Margaret learn not only the awesome power of a story, but the freedom that acknowledging the truth brings.

Indulgent Book Talk: This book was a reread for me, and a delightful one at that. This is a book lover’s book, indulging the reader in the craft of writing and the potency of a good story. It is beautifully written and expertly crafted in its plot, and reflects the style and tone of nineteenth-century British Gothic novels (think Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights). I love how this book deliciously unfolds the plot and keeps the reader engaged the entire time, wondering what exactly is going on and being surprised when everything is brought to light. Even with a second read, this book did not fail to disappoint, and I noticed more nuances and small twists the second time around.

Glorifying Elements: Two major themes that resonated with me were the value of the truth and the importance of friendships. Vida Winters has told lies to the media her whole life about who she is where she came from, which has literally destroyed her life, emotionally and physically. Having Margaret write her biography is her confession of sorts, and the more she reveals, the more peace she seems to have with her life and the direction it has taken. Likewise, Margaret comes to terms with a tragedy of her own and the way it has impacted her family and is left with a sense of closure at the end. The book clearly shows the dangers of taking fiction too far, especially when the lines between fiction and reality are blurred.

Additionally, one thing that Vida and Margaret have in common is their reclusive natures; Margaret loses herself in books and Vida has maintained none but one volatile relationship in her life. Their conversations together and with others they encounter eventually bring them out of their respective shells, and they are both better because of it. God created us to exist in community with each other, and this book, though it makes no claims to any sort of Christian worldview, clearly shows the danger in resisting relationships with others: that we can become hard, selfish, and desperately lonely without even realizing it.

Worldly Elements: This book is really very dark and moody, and if it were put to film, I imagine it would receive a PG-13 rating. One thing you might want to be warned about is that there is an incestuous relationship depicted, but the author handles it with a lot of tact and virtually no description; you only know what is going on by vague dialogue between the two characters. It is in no way glorified or reveled in; in fact, it is one of the main things that sets in motion a lot of the terrible events that happen in the book, including rape and the birth of illegitimate children. Setterfield really does a fantastic job though of making sure the reader understands what is going on without wallowing in the messy details of such happenings; she could’ve very easily done that, and a lot of authors do, but she doesn’t, and that’s deliberate. I really appreciated that about her. She respects the intelligence of her readers in this way, I think.

General Recommendation: I don’t know if I would call this one of my favorite books, but it is certainly one that I have enjoyed more than once, and I appreciate it both for its writing and its story, which doesn’t often go hand-in-hand in every book I read. If you are not just a reader, but a bibliophile, you will probably really like this book. Fans of Gothic literature will also like this respectful homage to that influential period in English literature. It is a dark book, not one to read if you are looking for something cheerful, but the ending is uplifting and satisfying.

So Brave, Young, and Handome by Leif Enger

Read on my Kindle!

Genre: General Fiction

Book Summary: Monte Becket, the story’s first person narrator, is a one-time successful writer, who, despite a loving wife and son, has lost much purpose in his life now that he can’t seem to write another book. So when a mysterious tramp, Glendon Hale, shows up rowing a handmade boat near his home, Monte can’t resist an urge to go with him to Mexico to help him reconcile with his ex-wife, Blue. Early into their travels, Monte learns that Glendon is an outlaw and train robber, albeit a reformed one, and is being doggedly pursued by a cruel ex-detective. This of course throws Monte into an adventure he never expected or asked for.

Indulgent Book Talk: I picked up this book because it is the second book of my most favorite author of all time, Leif Enger, who wrote my most favorite book of all time, Peace Like a River (you can find a short review of that one here). And truthfully, this book engaged me as much for Enger’s terrific writing style as it did for its plot, if not more so. Poor Mr. Enger. When you write a book like Peace Like a River, it’s really hard to outdo something like that. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story, its voice, its poetry, and its themes, many of which echoed Peace Like a River, even if they weren’t quite as flushed out.

And a side note: I placed this book into the General Fiction genre, even though it takes place in 1915, because I tend to categorize Historical Fiction as stories that deal specifically with greater historical events of the time the story is set in. For this book, the year was more of a backdrop than anything else, and other than mentions of train robberies and Old West settings, it did not really concern historical events of 1915. You may consider this more of a historical fiction book than I did, but that’s my opinion, at least.

Glorifying Elements: “You can’t explain grace, anyway, especially when it arrives almost despite yourself. I didn’t even ask for it, yet somehow it breached and began to work. I suppose grace was pouring over Glendon, who had sought it so hard, and some spilled down on me.”

Of the many godly themes in this book, undeserved grace versus works righteousness was the most pronounced. In some ways, the pursuit of Glendon by Charlie Siringo, the ex-detective, was very reminiscent of Javert’s pursuit of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. Glendon had very obviously done some terrible things in his life. He was truly sorry for them, and he sought not what he knew he deserved, which was jail time, but what he didn’t, and that was grace and forgiveness. On the other hand, Siringo thought himself to be the epitome of the law and righteousness, but his prideful view of himself only lead him to be unduly cruel to others. As a reader, I definitely found myself rooting for Glendon and hoping Siringo would get what was coming to him. I loved as well how Monte’s realization of Glendon’s grace-induced goodness lead to his improved development as a character (I’d be more specific, but then I’d give away the story!)

Worldly Elements: I would rate this book as PG for content. Very little if any bad language. There was some violence, but one of the reasons I’m so impressed with Enger’s writing is that he focuses on the emotion of those violent moments rather than the gore. There was nothing gratuitous about those scenes, but they were disturbing for other reasons, namely the way Enger made the reader feel for the characters involved. I do wish other writers would aspire to Enger’s way of telling a story. It’s so much more poignant than detailed descriptions of gore.

General Recommendation: I liked Peace Like a River more. And if you want to read Leif Enger, I recommend that you pick up that one first. But I did enjoy this book, and his writing is word candy. I do hope he writes more. I will be reading this author until he calls it quits.

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

Genre: Christian Fiction, General


Book Summary: I don't terribly often reread books, but considering this one is in my top-ten, and the fact that I've been needing some eternal perspective on suffering, I decided to pick this one up again. I was not disappointed. This book follows two friends, old college roommates who are worlds apart. Ben Fielding is an American Harvard graduate and businessman, on a fast track to be CEO of a successful international company. His roommate and friend, Li Quan (pronounced Chuan, the book helpfully explains), is also a brilliant Harvard graduate, but has moved back to his homeland of China and lives a humble existence as a locksmith apprentice and fights for his life and family in the underground Church. When Ben travels to China to do research for his company, he stays with Quan, and his life is never the same again.

Indulgent Book Talk: This book never fails to bring me to tears multiple times in a reading. The writing isn't terribly remarkable (though definitely skilled and readable), nor is it groundbreaking in style, and therefore probably would not find its way into any sort of literature canon (except my own personal one), but the themes, story, and characters are heart-wrenching. Though a work of fiction, Alcorn did research, and many of the events of the novel are pieces of real things that happened, in one way or another. With a focus on and a poignant portrayal of the persecuted Christian church, specifically in China, but also throughout the world, no Christian can read this novel without catching a glimpse of God's heart for His Bride, especially those who suffer joyfully for the sake of His name. When I first read it, it was the book that developed in me a heart for the persecuted church (a passion probably second only to my heart for the unborn), and this second rereading still had a strong effect. Our Western suffering is so small in comparison to what others go through, and we have to struggle, I think, to follow the charge of Hebrews 13:3 to "remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you are also in the body." This book, for me at least, helps me do that.

Glorifying Elements: This book has almost everything going for it: great characters, Biblical themes and even teaching (especially teaching that is helpfully apologetic in nature). It has a very real conversion story in it that doesn't strike the reader as contrived, nor is the character's life suddenly easy; it in fact gets harder. This is a theme that is sadly missing from many Christian novels, that coming to Christ can make life more difficult, not easier, so it's refreshing to see it so expertly portrayed in this novel.

Worldly Elements: There are none, really. There is violence portrayed, but it is not graphic or overdone, just realistic for the subject matter. Randy Alcorn speculates about Heaven and what it is like, which has Biblical basis.No doubt though Alcorn would readily admit the portrayal has to be taken with a grain of salt, since the Bible is not super clear on many of the specifics of Heaven.

General Recommendation: If the fact that this book easily makes it to my list of top ten isn't enough for you, I don't know what more I could say would be! Except maybe the knowledge that if you purchase the book, all royalties go to efforts to help the persecuted church around the world.