I recently read The Death Chute by Ambrose Stolliker courtesy of Netgalley. It was a quick read, less than two hundred pages. The main character, Jake, develops and produces reality television shows in Hollywood. He is home in Vermont to settle his mother in a nursing home. Sophia has dementia. The nursing home he selects is a building that was a TB sanitarium. What develops is a collision between the old and the new with a mystery at the heart of it. The book touches on a racial theme (quality of care dependent on race) and letting self-interest stop to ensure other's survival.
The book could have been much better. I think if the author had removed the racial theme and just concentrated on the old sanitarium, there was more than enough horror to be had. As I said it was a quick read but not a satisfying one. None of the characters were fleshed out enough to feel real. The location too could have had better descriptions of its grounds and rooms. The book was a missed opportunity in many ways. #TheDeathChute2019 #NetGalley
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The Trial of Lizzie Borden written by Cara Robertson and narrated by Amanda Carlin. It is a fantastic book. It is a nonfiction book covering the trial of Lizzie Borden for the murder of her father and stepmother. What sets this book apart from all others is the content. It does not contain any current historian's interpretation of events. It is a detailed account of all the events told through the words of those who were there. Newspapers contain reports that keep the public enthralled. The Borden Murder trial was a huge newspaper seller. Everything, from neighbor's statements to the police to a discussion of what Lizzie was wearing, filled the front pages of newspapers from Boston to New York and beyond. It was fascinating to see how the events and people were viewed. Anyone interested in Lizzie Borden's story will find this audiobook enlightening. Amanda Carlin is a very good narrator. She handles the 19th-century language without problems and speaks very clearly. I will listen to The Rial of Lizzie Borden again and soon. It contains so many interesting points. I received a copy of the audiobook from Simon and Schuster Audio in exchange for an honest review.
The Other Boleyn Girl, written Philippa Gregory and narrated by Vanessa Kirby, is a wonderful audio version of the popular book about Elizabeth and Anne Boleyn. The narration is wonderful. Ms. Kirby does an excellent job with voices and emotion. The story is captivating and heart rendering. It focuses on Elizabeth Boleyn, Anne's sister. Elizabeth's mother (another Elizabeth) is part of the Howard family. The Howard's are led by the Duke of Norfolk who considers women as pawns to further the family's fortunes. The main plot of the book is the Duke's plan to get a Howard to capture the King's interest and bestow gifts on the family. But the king is Henry VIII and he is not a tame king. The book explores the tragic aspects of Elizabeth's life and her relationship with her sister Anne. A note about historical accuracy: you will find very little here but that does not make the story any less enjoyable. I received a copy of the audiobook from Simon & Schuster Audio in exchange for an honest review. |
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