Readers & Writers! 
I’m always on a reading spree, but today I pause to share some of my best finds with YOU!
Novelist Alice Hoffman
Reading Alice Hoffman’s historical fiction is always a treat for me. Her prose glows as she probes the magic and mystery of both the ordinary and extraordinary in any age. Recently, I read A Marriage of Opposites.
Here is my review on Goodreads:
Alice Hoffman’s A Marriage of Opposites (2015) is certainly a romance, but more than that it is a tale of forbidden love between Rachel Pomié Petit and Frédéric Pissarro, a union that begets Camille Pissarro, the impressionistic painter of outdoor rural activity and still life scenes.
As the story progresses, Pissarro, the painter, unites with housemaid Julie, thus perpetuating the family saga of forbidden marriage into the next generation. The threads of the story seem to be historically accurate but wound around a fictional narrative. In essence, the story recounts the migration of Jewish Danes from Paris and thence to the Virgin Islands, documenting their struggle to survive and maintain their identity as Jews.
Nature in the Island of St. Thomas can be seen as one of the characters. I admired the author’s description of luscious apples, dark soil, luminous leaves blowing variously green, gray, and silver under a “haint” blue sky, a setting where the reader may imagine ghosts lingering in the atmosphere. If family feuds and opposing dispositions, imprinted with the stamp of history, sound tempting, A Marriage of Opposites may be your next engrossing read. Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6817107316
Dreamstime image of Jewish Synagogue on the Island of St. Thomas
Novelist Tracy Chevalier
I’ve fallen in love with Tracy Chevalier’s fiction ever since I read The Girl with the Pearl Earring (2001). My paperback copy survived our move eight years ago. Now I’ve finished reading and reviewing The Glassmaker, which portrays three-dimensional glass makers, who make Venetian glass glitter.
Here is my Goodreads’ review:
“If you skim a flat stone skillfully across water, it will touch down many times, in long or short intervals as it lands.” So begins Tracy Chevalier’s novel entitled The Glassmaker of Murano, Italy. The novelist plays with time as she narrates the story of many generations of the Rosso family who endured the plague of 1691 and the pandemic of 2019 along with historic floods in Venice, a City of Water built on wooden pilings over a lagoon. Male members of the Rosso family fashion Muranese glass from a peculiar sand which can magically turn translucent or even transparent when melted. Chevalier’s fictional glassmaker is a woman, Orsolo Rosso. “As a woman, she is not meant to work with glass—but she has the hands for it, the heart, and a vision. When her father dies, she teaches herself to make glass beads in secret, and her work supports the Rosso family fortunes” as the Amazon blurb declares. Chevalier orchestrates the fates of a full gallery of colorful characters, including the flamboyant Marchesa Luisa Casati and her stable of live cheetahs and male lovers.
Readers can feel the heat and tedium of the glass-making process, observe the fierce rivalries of the glass-making dynasties, and admire the glittering beauty of Venetian glass. Once again, Chevalier is a master of her own craft, inventing a riveting story of a woman, a family, and a city of everlasting beauty. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6849056165
***
I’ve never met Alice Hoffman or Tracy Chevalier, but I have “met” Pamela Wight, novelist, poet, and children’s author. We have read and reviewed one another’s books and visit regularly on our blogs. You can read more about Pam’s writing life here: https://roughwighting.net/about/
Recently, Pam and her grandson Neville have teamed up to write her third children’s book, Petey Wants Wings.
The beautifully illustrated hardbound book tells a fable of contentment, a lesson appropriate for any age.
Petey the squirrel wants wings. Despite his great life as a squirrel with many friends, Petey is unhappy. He knows that if he could fly like his bird friend Bessie, then his life would be complete. A magical dragonfly grants Petey his wish, but only if he gives up something important. Through misadventures and surprises, Petey discovers that changing himself to be like someone else won’t bring him joy. In fact, taking away his own unique skills could be his downfall. By the end of the tale, Petey discovers how special it is …. to be himself.
You can find the book here: Amazon, Borgo Publishing
This picture book is gratifying to read, especially with someone of a different generation. However, the tale of how the book came to be is equally fascinating. Here’s the condensed version: After writer Pam and grandson Neville indulged in playing several games of Monopoly and munched on “stickeydoodles,” Neville’s nickname for Snickerdoodles, grandson queried his “Madre” — “Why haven’t you written another children’s book? And thus began a magical collaboration. You can read the complete story here: https://roughwighting.net/2024/08/30/fantastical-but-true/
Neville and His Madre Pam
You can find Petey Wants Wings HERE!
As Sir Francis Bacon has wisely said in his essay “Of Studies”
“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
Good morning, Marian! I’m reading The Glass Maker now–almost finished. 🙂
How lovely that you’ve also featured Pam and her grandson’s book! 💙
I look forward to your thoughts on The Glassmaker soon.
These days you are posting before dawn’s early light. Thanks for being the early bird again today, Merril!
I’m enjoying the book, Marian.
I’m always up early, usually around 5, but I guess in the summer I’m out walking earlier.
😀
Pam writes a fabulous story and combining her skills with her grandson makes this book very special and very giftable.
Welcome, Bernadette! I’ve discovered from your website you combine storytelling with cooking. 😀
I agree, Pam and Neville’s book would make a very nice gift! 😀
Hi,
The book The Marriage of Opposites caught my attention with its title. I like reading books that present another way of looking at life. The children’s book also interests me . Children don’t bury their creativity.
Both books I have on my TBR list.
Shalom shalom
I’m glad two books here have piqued your interest. Thanks for letting me know–and sending once again a double “Shalom!” 😀
Hi Marian, a lovely post. I like the sound of both novels. Pam’s book with her grandson sounds delightful. It is currently only available to me as a paperback and Amazon US no longer ships to South Africa. If it comes out as an ebook, I will definitely read it.
You and Michael have blazed the trail with book publication between the generations. I hope Pam will read this and consider an e-book too. As you know, a digital picture book is less costly to print than a hardback, which is very lovely. Thank you, Robbie!
My pleasure. Yes, ebooks are much cheaper and I like that they don’t take up space in my house. I had to give 900 children’s books away due to space constraints.
Interesting idea, Robbie. I’m not sure how to make Petey Wants Wings into an e-book considering the detailed illustrations. I’ll have to look into it!
I use Adobe Create to design my books. Once designed I convert them to either a PDF for print or an epub.
Good morning, the number of books you read is amazing. I’m still split enjoying non-fiction but in recent years read many more fiction books, now that I’m retired. Lucky us, eh?
Yes, we are lucky and can enjoy expanding our reading into any genre we please. Reading and writing are two sides of the same coin, in my opinion. Thanks for doing both here, Melanie. 😀
I saw the movie adaptation of The Girl with Pearl Earring, but never read the book. Having watched two seasons of a glass-blowing contest on Netflix, this glass-making book sounds fascinating! And what a lovely cover for Pamela’s book. How wonderful that Neville could write it with her.
The Glassmaker is another award-winner, in my opinion. You won’t be disappointed.
Pam’s book just came out, and I’m glad you agree with me about her picture book cover–exquisite! 😀
How lovely to feature Pam and her grandson, Neville, and their book, Petey Wants Wings!
Thank you for chiming in, Laurie! 😀
I love the idea of a grandma and her grandchild writing a book together! When I was a child my grandma ordered books for me from Germany because she wanted me to keep the language of my childhood and she knew that I loved to read just as she did. I received a brand new book almost every Christmas or birthday. It certainly had an influence as I became a German instructor later as an adult.
I wonder how many of your accomplishments your Oma was able to see. She would be so pleased!
Your Grandma certainly sowed the seeds of your facility with languages and your storytelling ability. Thanks for your tribute to her today, Elfrieda! 😀
Oooo, so many good choices, Marian! I also loved The Girl with the Pearl Earring and I love glass, so guess what I’m reading next, haha? Thanks for providing those enticing details. Also, I love your early (very!) early reading spree photo! Words were always your destiny. ❤️
My mother added my age as 14 months in blurry fountain-pen script. I thought I looked older but maybe it was the hair. . . and the intent look.
Tracy Chevalier’s newest book will not disappoint, Melanie. I found both novels at the library–The Glassmaker I had to wait several months to read. 😀
Records like that are great, Marian. I am learning how helpful names, dates and places written on the back of photos really is. And thanks for the tip about the library! 😄
Thanks for sharing favorite books, Marian. I’ll take a look at a few of them now that the Monarchs are gone and the garden is nearly done for the season. The Alice Hoffman book looks alluring and maybe my local library has access to a copy or can get it through interlibrary loan. Be well and thanks for sharing the bounty.
Elaine, your library probably has one or more of Alice Hoffman’s books available. She’s written dozens, and I find her style a lot like Tracy Chevalier’s. Thanks for tuning in today! 😀
These are all three authors I adore. I have read just about everything Tracy Chevalier has written and have never been disappointed. I have this one on my TBR list. And how wonderful to see Pam and her grandson’s book here too.
I’m glad my choice of authors strikes a chord with you. And I appreciate that you review many of your books on Goodreads as well. Thanks, Darlene! 😀
Thank you for your insightful book reviews, Marian. I love how you capture the essence of the narrative while preserving the story’s surprises. As it happens, I just downloaded “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman. I have not read any of her books, so am looking forward to this adventure!!
Thank you, Rebecca! That’s my goal: capture the essence with no spoilers. As you’ll discover, Hoffman likes to research the period and the people she writes about, adding her own spicy writing style in the mix.
I think you will love The Dovekeepers, Rebecca. It’s one of my favourites. It sticks with you a long time.
Your reviews of all the books and your friendship with Pam make me happy. So many wonderful books out there so thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
Well, thank you, Ally! I’m glad these titles added to your happiness today. 😀
All the best to Pam and her inspiration for Petey Wants Wings! Looks like a winner. Sharing to help spread the word.
Thank you, Liz. You know the value in sharing, a great way to spread positive, literary energy. 😀
You’re welcome, Marian.
I’ve got goosebumps. I had NO IDEA that you would include PETEY WANTS WINGS in your fabulous reviews of good books. Dang, you are an amazing blogging friend. Actually, an amazing all-around and forever friend.
I have read almost all of Alice Hoffman’s books. She’s a gifted writer and the reason I grew to love the genre of magical realism. But I haven’t read The Marriage of Opposites and will make sure I do!
I haven’t read any other Tracy Chevalier books other than The Girl with the Pearl Earring. Yup, another one just added to my TBR list.
Neville and I “launched” our book together this past Saturday at a big event hosted by our local library. It was incredible despite one big (i.e., huge, gigantic, enormous) hiccup. I think I’ll blog about it on Friday. The bottom line for us authors: write and don’t worry about the small stuff. 🙂 Just write with your passion and believe in your characters and your readers will come. (Fiction or non-fiction.) Many, many thanks, Marian.
You are VERY welcome, Pam!
Good–the goosebumps. And well-deserved, the accolades. 😀
Very few grandchildren get mentored by a loving, and experienced “Madre,” who can show them the ropes from creation–> revision–>publishing–>book launch–and all that comes after. I predict this experience will whet Neville’s appetite for more collaboration.
I am familiar with hiccups, even ginormous ones. Remember the moon-roof blowup on a book signing trip back in April? Of course, we hate for bad things to happen, but in the end, we continue writing our s-t-o-r-y with all the laughs and lumps!
You are very supportive too, Pam: Reading my marriage memoir twice and writing a review along with a blurb for the book. So, go ahead and enjoy all the stages of this launch, and tell Neville a big Hoorah and Hug! ((( )))
Pam, this is Cliff.
When I designed Marian’s two memoirs (book covers, font and paragraph design) Mennonite Daughter and My Checkered Life, Marian and I decided we needed each print book to also have an eBook companion.
I’ve done some research on Make an eBook Do-It-Yourself project, but we decided to spend some money and let an expert crew create the eBook correctly.
There are basically two versions of an eBook, one that will adjust paragraph sizes to fit various media (like iPhone, computer, iPad)…and a version that someone reading your book on a computer (would look like a PDF where the artwork and text formatting would look exactly like your print book with color. Probably enjoying the artwork with your text layout would be difficult to see it you had your eBook as a variable text and paragraphing.
An advantage with Marian’s eBooks was that that any of the photos and artwork that had color in them allowed the reader to enjoy the layout as intended. And of course, color illustrations are the major part of a children’s book.
Best wishes for you and your grandson Neville’s new book!
Thanks, Cliff. I am a techonaught (I just made up that word). I don’t ‘get’ any of it. So I’d hire a professional if I decided to make Petey into an e-book. I think one that, like you said, could be seen on an I-pad (or Kindle?). My friends who are teachers feel that a children’s book like this is best read as a hardback (and thus they convinced me from the beginning to make it a hardback, not a paperback) because it’s easier for teachers to hold (as well as parents). THANK you for your comment and info. Much appreciated.
Thanks for the book reviews, Marian. I like historical fiction, but if I find the time to read one or two books a year, I should be happy. And, I have a few on my TBR, usually gifts, paperbacks I’ve carried around for years, or books from author friends. So nice you included Pam and her grandson’s latest book. I really like the cover and the “moral” of the story!
Thank Liesbet. You are an excellent example of someone who figured out exactly who they are and are now exploring the world!
Liesbet, life on the road is intense. A few years ago, I was amazed how you wrote, revised, edited and published your memoir, knowing as I do the rigors of travel. These days, you still keep up with publishing detailed blog posts. So, no apologies for not having time for pleasure reading. Thanks for checking in today. Yes, Pam and grandson’s picture book is pretty special! 😀
One of my good friends is reading The Glassmaker right now. It will be interesting to compare her opinion with yours. I remembered Pam’s entertaining blog post about how Petey Got His Wings came to fruition. I’m going to lock the idea of writing something with my grandson away until he gets older.
Well, Pete, that little grandson already seems expressive, by the looks of things. I have no doubt you’ll be involved as a grandparent every step of the way. Fun times!
And, yes I look forward to reading others’ opinion of The Glassmaker. 😀
I enjoyed this post, Marian, thank you!
You are very welcome Resa. I am always pleased when an artist enjoys my words. 😀
I enjoyed your reviews Marian. I love Hoffman’s books and haven’t read one in some time, this looks a great read. And I loved The Girl with the Pearl Earring and didn’t remember the author so thanks for sharing your enticing review for this new book. And of course, congrats to Pam and her grandson on this wonderful joint venture. I love the cover. <3
In my books, you are a famous reader and reviewer, Debby. I’m glad these titles piqued your interest.
I always appreciate your comments but especially this evening as Hurricane Helene howls through our neighborhood. (On the east coast, I hope we’ll have minimal effects.) ;-D
Thanks for your kind words Marian. And I’m thinking of my Florida friends. Stay safe! <3
I appreciate you thinking of us. We had lots of wind, a little rain, but no damage. I’m thinking of those in other states who have endured upheaval. I’m glad they will have monetary support to rebuild, but still so very distressing. ((( )))
Hi Marian – three great book recommendations! I thought I’d read a book by Alice Hoffman, but I checked and I haven’t. This looks like a good place to start. And Tracy Chevalier – I’ve only read Girl with a Pearl Earring – such a good book. I must read more of hers.
And, PAM! Wow I’m so glad to learn about her new book here. I saw something on social media during my break – she’s amazing and so fun to read the story of how it came to be.
Hope you are doing well, Marian 🧡
Barb, I’ve just got back from a birthday party and checked my inbox, where I responded to your latest book review. 🙂
Now I’m see your comment here–great! You’d like both the Hoffman and Chevalier books; in fact, their writing styles sometimes seem similar to me.
Yes, we survived the hurricane though I grieve for those farther north who sustained heavy losses. 🙁