The Lace Reader

Let me start by saying that although this book is a New York Times bestseller, there have been mixed reviews from people who have read it. You must remember that bestseller lists portray how many people are buying it, but does not take into account how much people like it once they've read it. It's true, bestsellers are helped by word of mouth, but many are made by publicity and having the right reviewer (or celebrity) endorse the title. On GoodReads, The Lace Reader has received less than stellar reviews. The Washington Post review, however, tells us that this is the first in what will be a three part series. Knowing this, going in, helps the reader to understand that not all of our questions will be answered and neatly wrapped up by the last page of this first novel. 

That being said, I loved it. Perhaps it was because I have just fallen into major crush-mode over Salem, Massachusetts. The book is somewhat a tribute to the town and, having just been there, reading the prose extended my visit. Though the town is what drew me into the story, the characters and plot held me there. Combine magic, generations of women, and a mystery that I have to figure out and I'm pretty much hooked. This book is darker than many would imagine by hearing the title, so please don't open it thinking you are going to hear about frilly lace and girly sagas. The narrator, Towner, is a woman with a disturbed past, and a highly influenced present because of it. Many reviewers tell you to take her at her word from the beginning of the novel when she states that she is a liar and can't be trusted, but that won't help you figure out the ending. The truth is Towner is trying to survive a heartbreaking foundation without having all the pieces to make her well. It isn't until the end of the book that she, and the reader, begin to figure out what exactly happened to her. So rather than think of her as a liar, think of her as a confused person telling you a story to the best degree that her befuddled memory can portray. Yes, there are parts of this book that are not clear (and, as I mentioned, the ending does not answer every question), but that is because the narrator is not clear about her life. She is as much in the dark about the big picture as we are. Hopefully that, and knowing that there is more to come in the story (by way of the next two novels), will help you appreciate the ebb and flow in this web of a story instead of becoming frustrated by trying to be Sherlock Holmes. 

My advice to you; read it. But sit back, relax, and don't work too hard. Let the story wash over you and remember that there is more to come. There will be enough answers to satisfy your biggest queries, even if you are left wondering about some of the details. 
Four Coconuts

xo,
The Coconut Library

By the way, all three novels' movie rights have been purchased already, and The Lace Reader movie is already listed as in production.

Comments

[Lisa]

This book could have been much better for me with some major editing. There were things I didn't feel like needed to be in there, somethings that went on too long and too much going on in general. I felt like Barry rushed to wrap it up. But I think I'm definitely alone on this one!

[Coconut Library]

Hi Lisa, you're definitely not alone. This book did not actually get rave reviews by the readers on goodreads.com. Finding out that it is the first part in a trilogy is what made it make a bit more sense to me. I hoping that by the end of the third one, we'll know why this one left so many holes.