PositiveWashington Independent Review of BooksIn a reading experience comparable to pruning a bonsai, subdued tones frame Ann Patchett’s sneakily captivating new novel ... As a sentimental examination of life and family, Whistler succeeds. Crisp prose and a halcyon plot driven by peaceful people exert the force of a steady breeze that never slams the shutters closed. Conflict and challenging situations very much exist here and are addressed head on — sometimes with resolution, but often (just like in real life) with acceptance. This is a contemplative book that will leave readers in a warm, speculative daydream.
RaveWashington Independent Review of BooksCompels readers to contemplate how truths are often more painful than lies ... The Scottish landscape may be backdropped with dour grey skylines, but the novel’s scenes shine brilliantly ... John of John is less emotionally taxing than Stuart’s phenomenal, Booker Prize-winning Shuggie Bain, but it is as expertly composed. The last quarter of the novel is impossible not to read in a single sitting and feels like it might’ve been penned by Thomas Hardy. The gripping finale is loaded with unexpectedly poignant moments that underscore the central tenet of the book: The truth is transformative, and the scars left by honesty are mere scrapes compared to the wounds from living a lie.
RaveOpen Letters ReviewRichly woven scenes are threaded with dark connective tissue in John Boyne\'s stunning new collection ... Boyne immediately kidnaps our attention ... A comprehensive 500-page narrative brimming with powerful synergy ... Imagination spills from the page and it is fascinating to witness how each element frames its respective part ... Streamlined prose and perfectly placed flashbacks make the book an immersive literary experience ... Rarely is such elegant writing paired with succinct character crafting ... This is easily one of the best books of the year.
RaveOpen Letter ReviewExpectations are constantly subverted in brilliant ways ... This author infuses deliciously dark wit into grim material and separates Renko from so many broken down, morose detectives in literature ... We are treated to a thrilling chase sequence ... Martin Cruz Smith mines humor from the unlikeliest sources and uses it effectively to counterbalance the pain of occupation and oppression ... A magnificent work of mystery writing for us all.
RaveOpen Letters ReviewEffective ... A mystery at heart, but a gorgeously composed one that uses every modality to create ominous atmosphere.
RaveOpen Letters ReviewExcellent ... Pavone walks a narrow path and constructs a cast that shines with authenticity while not feeling calculated. Minor characters are portrayed as convincingly as headliners ... The heart of this novel is in recognizing we are all flung together in an especially ridiculous time. Keeping that theme in sight, it is still able to land poignant moments.
John Banville
RaveOpen Letters ReviewSoaring, atmospheric ... While luxuriating in prose, Banville never pauses long ... Banville clearly enjoys being transported to the vanished Ireland of his youth, a pleasure that resonates with readers. Atmospheric portraits of scenery, dress and climate are painted in each scene, but through human failings, secrets and crimes the author shares his most evocative memories of Dublin.
