Average customer rating:
- Worst kind of garbage posing as literature
- Good Collection only on the strength of 33% of the stories
- Amazing Collection of Shorts
- Disappointing
- Life among the smugly disappointed
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Werewolves in Their Youth: Stories
Michael Chabon
Manufacturer: Picador
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Wonder Boys: A Novel
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Summerland
ASIN: 0312254385 |
Amazon.com
Wonder boy Michael Chabon's second collection of stories tackles the American family in all its tragic and often frighteningly funny dysfunction. In the title story, a self-professed "King of the Retards" tries to distance himself from his next-door neighbor and only friend, who has taken their games (Plastic Man, Titanium Man, Matter-Eater Lad) just a little too far. In "House Hunting," a drunk real-estate agent shows a young couple through a house far too expensive for them, pocketing knickknacks and demonstrating a strange familiarity with its rooms. The wrenching "Son of the Wolfman" follows the aftermath of a rape; after a long struggle to conceive, Cara Glanzman becomes pregnant by her rapist and decides to keep the child, even as her husband struggles with his violent thoughts. In spite of the potential for sensationalism in such a plot, "Wolfman" is moving, unsentimental, and like the rest of these tales, wholly original.
Chabon is a master of the lively and unexpected description, his prose studded with images that split these mostly conventionally themed stories wide open. Consider his burly Quebecois carpenter, who has "a face that looked as if it had been carved with a pneumatic drill by a tiny workman dangling from the sheer granite cliff of Olivier's forehead." Or the "local drunks" of a Chubb Island bar, "a close-knit population, involved in an ongoing collective enterprise: the building, over several generations, of a basilica of failure, on whose crowded friezes they figured in vivid depictions of bankruptcy, drug rehabilitation, softball, and arrest." Or, the narrator of "Mrs. Box" and his failed marriage: "...very soon they had been forced to confront the failure of an expedition for which they had set out remarkably ill-equipped, like a couple of trans-Arctic travelers who through lack of preparation find themselves stranded and are forced to eat their dogs." Werewolves in Their Youth is worth reading for such moments alone. When Chabon uses them to illuminate our darkest impulses and fears, the result is often revelatory.
Book Description
The author of Wonder Boys returns with a powerful and wonderfully written collection of stories.Caught at moments of change, Chabon's men and women, children and husbands and wives, all face small but momentous decisions.They are caught in events that will crystallize and define their lives forever, and with each, Michael Chabon brings his unique vision and uncanny understanding of our deepest mysteries and our greatest fears.
Customer Reviews:
Worst kind of garbage posing as literature.......2007-09-26
I just read one of the stories from this book because my visiting cousin (16 years old) has it assigned for classwork. She said it was "the dumbest thing" she had ever read. Thinking she migh be missing something, I read the story myself. She is correct. This is the type of verbal diarrhea that causes young people to dislike literature. What a sad commentary on our culture that this is considered worthy of study in any context.
Good Collection only on the strength of 33% of the stories.......2007-07-29
This is the second work from Chabon that I have read - *The Final Solution* being the first. I was very disappointed with that book, but mostly because it didn't speak to me and couldn't follow it due to lack of interest. I do plan to read *The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay* and I did really like the movie version of *Wonder Boys*. That setup to this review said, this collection of short stories - Chabon's second I believe - is somewhat uneven. I would have given it 3 stars, but the first three of the nine stories were so good that they alone propel my rating to 4 stars.
The first three stories of this collection are fantastic. "Werewolves in Their Youth" is a nifty tale of boyhood and being an outcast at a school with someone even more of an outcast, which you still get to place yourself above. But, it is also the story of a boy who is dealing with the broken marriage of his parents and all of the turmoil and repercussions that follow. In "House Hunting", a young, recently married couple is shopping for the house that will fix all of their marital problems. Their guide on this journey? A broken down Real Estate agent friend of the family with marital problems of his own. This story is great in all of its subtle brutality. The third story in this collection is "The Wolfman's Son", another tale of marriage going bad, but this one centers on the impending birth of a child from the wife's rape. Not a particularly uplifting start for this story, but in the end, it is a story of redemption and acceptance. I can't believe I actually liked it.
The rest of this collection is mostly forgettable; so much so, that in the week since I finished the book, I can only remember one other story: "The Harris Fletko Story". This one had promise as it followed the slow downward spiral of a quarterback in a failing indoor football league and the shadow cast upon him by his somewhat equally down and out father/football coach. But, this story never really goes anywhere I want to and was a lost path by the end.
Amazing Collection of Shorts.......2006-10-20
You would be hard pressed to find a short story collection that is this deverse, and all written by the same author. I own all of Chabon's books and this is by far my favorite, not to say I don't love them all. But if you're not familiar with the author this is a great place to start. Each story has it's own voice, which is refreshing, because if you don't like one story, just try another. Good reading!
Disappointing.......2006-06-01
To me,the most notable aspect of Chabon's style of writing is his ability to describe disgusting things (notably food) in a disturbing manner. He describes sad human cases with a pretentious detachement and a punctilious care of ambient and objects details that can't replace a more profound analysis of the characters'stories: those would be interesting, if we knew less of tapestries and the content of suitcases and more of the inner turmoils and interpersonal conflicts of the unfortunate persons whose misfortunes are narrated. At the end of the stories I felt as I missed something.
As of the final horror story, that's a bit better,pretty chilling, Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith come to mind, but Cha
bon's elliptic style is once again frustrating.
Life among the smugly disappointed.......2005-09-13
One way I judge the strength of a story is to ask myself whether it would ever be anthologized and maybe studied in future literature classes. I don't think any of these stories will ever be anthologized in a collection of say, "Best Short Stories of the End of the 20th Century." What's good about these stories is Chabon's gift of observation. It's been a couple of weeks since I read this book, and I still think of some of the images it contains. He's very good at picking out the salient detail and describing it in a way that gives it a resonance beyond mere description. Here's a boy with a box of laboratory supplies belonging to his banished father: "I knelt down and wrapped my arms around the carton and lowered my face into it and inhaled a clean, rubbery smell like that of a new Band Aid." Here's a six-foot-eight athlete- turned- tycoon in a business suit: "He wore silver aviator eyeglasses and a custom-tailored suit, metallic gray, so large and oddly proportioned that it was nearly unrecognizable as an article of human clothing and appeared rather to have been designed to straiten an obstreperous circus elephant or to keep the dust off some big, delicate piece of medical imaging technology." I think that's good stuff. I just wish I had been able to become involved in the stories, or maybe have identified with one of the characters once in a while. Most of the characters are people who are unconnected to their surroundings. Parents have failed their children, children have failed their parents, ex-spouses want they-don't-know-what from each other. The book is populated almost exclusively by people who are resigned to failure. As a result, there's a certain smug undertone to all the stories that I found off-putting. I did not find any of the stories very emotionally involving. My basic reaction to each story was a smirk. Considering Chabon's legions of fans, surely his reputation does not rest on his short stories. One of these days I'll give one of his novels a try.
Average customer rating:
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Jovenes hombres lobo/ Werewolves in Their Youth
Michael Chabon
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ASIN: 8497939816 |
Book Description
In the final instalment of Gayle Callen's exciting Spies and Lovers trilogy, a mad–dash search for truth brings together an unlikely pair – a woman accused of treason, and the man who convicted her...
Now that he finally has the infamous traitor, Julia Reed, in jail, you would think English agent Samuel Sherryngton would be pleased to see justice served. But circumstances aren't always what they appear to be, and the facts aren't adding up. Soon Sam has doubts over her guilt which, of course, has nothing to do with the attraction for Julia he's been fighting against for so many years. Not willing to see her executed for a crime she may not have committed, Sam defies the laws of England and breaks Julia out of jail. What initially began as a search to find proof convicting Julia quickly turns into a quest to prove her innocence. Can this bold and dashing pair discover the truth and still find time for love?
Customer Reviews:
Specifically, 3.7 stars.......2005-08-23
While not one of Callen's best, or particularly riveting, A Woman's Innocence did hold my interest rather well. Sam & Julia are good together, the solving of the murder (accumulating evidence really) is fairly well done, and Sam's family makes good secondary characters. The problems are the easily handled henchman and the way everyone suddenly accepts Julia and Sam as a couple. Sam himself had major reservations because of their difference in station; suddenly, at the end, everyone -- including his mother who was quite outspoken -- is all in favor of it. Nor is there any mention of how the awkwardness of a son and sibling becoming the master was handled. Too quick and easy a resolution, which is the main reason for lowering the rating.
FInal Installment of Spies and Lovers trilogy.......2005-06-03
A WOMAN'S INNOCENCE is the third and final novel in the Spies and Lovers trilogy, written by talented author Gayle Callen. This historical romance is an exciting romp through history, peppered with adventure and steeped in forbidden love. The characters shine thought with pure Callen style and the plot is fast-paced and stimulating. Readers who love a bit of suspense and intrigue with their romance will adore Gayle Callen's latest novel.
Though the book can be read as a stand-alone romance, I'd highly recommend reading all three in the trilogy just to get a feel for the richness of the Spies and Lovers history. Callen truly has a gift - weaving an intricate and fascinating tale and filling it with characters that come to life upon the page. I actually find myself sorry to see the last of the sexy, sensitive spies and their witty, outrageous lovers! If only there were one more book in the series...
Reviewed by Janean Nusz of AuthorsArt.com
Gayle callen has written some wonderful books BUT.......2005-05-03
this isn't one of them. I am halfway thru the book and it is so stupid. On top of a weak plot, the lead characters are so boring.There is nothing appealing about 'sam' or julia.What a waste of my money and callen's talent.....
Great conclusion to this series!.......2005-04-22
I think it helps to read this series in order! I loved the books that came before and Julia had seemed possibly innocent of the crimes against her. It was great to see the hero of her whole life come back and save her. You had to really like Sam, it is always fun to read about a spy at work and their disguises and how they fool people. It was also very touching how he could not fool his brother - that showed a deep family love there. Both Sam and Julia were the product of her being so far above his station in life when they were younger and both loving each other from afar for so many years that it caused them bad choices in their lives. The mystery of who really did the treason was not much of a mystery but more how they were going to prove that Julia did not. It was a good plot and the chemistry between Sam and Julia is evident from beginning to end. I especially loved the epilogue and all the couples coming together - all having their happy endings! A truly great book - Gayle Callen never disappoints!
solid Victorian thriller .......2005-03-30
In 1844 Leeds, spy Sam Sherryngton finds it hard to believe that his childhood friend Julia Reed betrayed her country resulting in the slaughter of 16000 soldiers at the Khyber Pass in Afghanistan. Still he did his job and she lingers in a nearby jail awaiting extradition to London to stand trial, a formality as the evidence is so overwhelming.
Still one thing bothers Sam which involves the time sequence of the death of the mother of the government's key witness Edwin Hume. Deciding to ask Edwin a few more questions, Sam finds instead a dying man.. In his last breath Edwin tells Sam that Julia is innocent; her brother General Lewis Reed is the traitor. As Edwin dies, two constables arrive. They accuse Sam of murder to help Julia. He escapes and shortly afterward frees Julia. As they run for their lives, Julia refuses to believe her sibling would set her up like this. Sam hopes to keep them alive while seeking proof that Lewis is a traitor and a killer. He never expected to fall in love too.
This solid Victorian thriller is more an action yarn than a romance though fans of the latter will appreciate the growing love between the lead couple. The story line is fast-paced as Sam and Julia go on the lam with little hope of convincing authorities without concrete proof that a British general officer sold the country out; getting that proof is the fun of this tale. The ending will surprise the audience though historical readers will know the realism of the decision that just wraps up final tale of the "Spies and Lovers" trilogy in triumph.
Harriet Klausner
Customer Reviews:
Innocent, shy and boring.......2002-11-06
Back Cover description: She needed to believe...He needed to love. Jenny Wright dreamed of adventure--and longed to be chosen by her boss, Morgan Trayhern, for a true mercenary mission. But no one saw Jenny as anything more than Morgan's mousy assistant. Until the fateful day Jenny got her first assignment--with mercenary Matt Davis as a partner! Matt was a legend in Jenny's mind--until their assignment forced her to go deep undercover as his wife. As the innocent young woman shared close quarters with Matt, she discovered the man beneath the armor--a heart she longed to heal. Now the spirited beauty faced her greatest challenge yet: showing this proud soldier the power of love!
This story wasn't even remotely believeable. First she's mousy, then she's a beauty-make up your mind. She spends the entire book stating that she's a coward. Big deal. I didn't care about these characters and the plot dragged. A quarter of the way through the book I found myself skipping pages of boring dialogue. I agree with the reviewer from Canada, there just isn't much of a story.
Innocent, shy and boring.......2002-11-02
Back Cover description: She needed to believe...He needed to love. Jenny Wright dreamed of adventure--and longed to be chosen by her boss, Morgan Trayhern, for a true mercenary mission. But no one saw Jenny as anything more than Morgan's mousy assistant. Until the fateful day Jenny got her first assignment--with mercenary Matt Davis as a partner! Matt was a legend in Jenny's mind--until their assignment forced her to go deep undercover as his wife. As the innocent young woman shared close quarters with Matt, she discovered the man beneath the armor--a heart she longed to heal. Now the spirited beauty faced her greatest challenge yet: showing this proud soldier the power of love!
This story wasn't even remotely believeable. First she's mousy, then she's a beauty-make up your mind. She spends the entire book stateing that she's a coward. Big deal. I didn't care about these characters and the plot dragged. A quarter of the way through the book a found myself skipping pages of boring dialogue. I agree with the reviewer from Canada, there just isn't much of a story.
Innocent, shy and boring.......2002-11-02
Back Cover description: She needed to believe...He needed to love. Jenny Wright dreamed of adventure--and longed to be chosen by her boss, Morgan Trayhern, for a true mercenary mission. But no one saw Jenny as anything more than Morgan's mousy assistant. Until the fateful day Jenny got her first assignment--with mercenary Matt Davis as a partner! Matt was a legend in Jenny's mind--until their assignment forced her to go deep undercover as his wife. As the innocent young woman shared close quarters with Matt, she discovered the man beneath the armor--a heart she longed to heal. Now the spirited beauty faced her greatest challenge yet: showing this proud soldier the power of love!
This story wasn't even remotely believeable. First she's mousy, then she's a beauty-make up your mind. She spends the entire book stateing that she's a coward. Big deal. I didn't care about these characters and the plot dragged. A quarter of the way through the book a found myself skipping pages of boring dialogue. I agree with the reviewer from Canada, there just isn't much of a story.
Innocent, shy and boring.......2002-11-02
Back Cover description: She needed to believe...He needed to love. Jenny Wright dreamed of adventure--and longed to be chosen by her boss, Morgan Trayhern, for a true mercenary mission. But no one saw Jenny as anything more than Morgan's mousy assistant. Until the fateful day Jenny got her first assignment--with mercenary Matt Davis as a partner! Matt was a legend in Jenny's mind--until their assignment forced her to go deep undercover as his wife. As the innocnet young woman shared close quarters with Matt, she discovered the man beneath the armor--a heart she longed to heal. Now the spirited beauty faced her greatest challenge yet: showing this proud soldier the power of love!
This story wasn't even remotely believeable. First she's mousy, then she's a beauty-make up your mind. She spends the entire book stateing that she's a coward. Big deal. I didn't care about these characters and the plot dragged. A quarter of the way through the book a found myself skipping pages of boring dialogue. I agree with the reviewer from Canada, there just isn't much of a story.
Innocent, shy and boring.......2002-11-02
Back Cover description: She needed to believe...He needed to love. Jenny Wright dreamed of adventure--and longed to be chosen by her boss, Morgan Trayhern, for a true mercenary mission. But no one saw Jenny as anything more than Morgan's mousy assistant. Until the fateful day Jenny got her first assignment--with mercenary Matt Davis as a partner! Matt was a legend in Jenny's mind--until their assignment forced her to go deep undercover as his wife. As the innocnet young woman shared close quarters with Matt, she discovered the man beneath the armor--a heart she longed to heal. Now the spirited beauty faced her greatest challenge yet: showing this proud soldier the power of love!
This story wasn't even remotely believeable. First she's mousy, then she's a beauty-make up your mind. She spends the entire book stateing that she's a coward. Big deal. I didn't care about these characters and the plot dragged. A quarter of the way through the book a found myself skipping pages of boring dialogue. I agree with the reviewer from Canada, there just isn't much of a story.
Amazon.com
Somewhere in this book, Wharton observes that clever liars always come up with good stories to back up their fabrications, but that really clever liars don't bother to explain anything at all. This is the kind of insight that makes The Age of Innocence so indispensable. Wharton's story of the upper classes of Old New York, and Newland Archer's impossible love for the disgraced Countess Olenska, is a perfectly wrought book about an era when upper-class culture in this country was still a mixture of American and European extracts, and when "society" had rules as rigid as any in history.
Book Description
Cambridge Literature is a series of literary texts edited for study by students aged 14–18 in English-speaking classrooms. It will include novels, poetry, short stories, essays, travel-writing and other non-fiction. The series will be extensive and open-ended and will provide school students with a range of edited texts taken from a wide geographical spread. It will feature writing in English from various genres and differing times. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is edited by Janet Beer Goodwyn, Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at Roehampton Institute.
Download Description
Newland Archer saw little to envy in the marriages of his friends, yet he prided himself that in May Welland he had found the companion of his needs--tender and impressionable, with equal purity of mind and manners. The engagement was announced discreetly, but all of New York society was soon privy to this most perfect match, a union of families and circumstances cemented by affection. Enter Countess Olenska, a woman of quick wit sharpened by experience, not afraid to flout convention and determined to find freedom in divorce. Against his judgment, Newland is drawn to the socially ostracized Ellen Olenska, who opens his eyes and has the power to make him feel. He knows that in sweet-tempered May, he can expect stability and the steadying comfort of duty. But what new worlds could he discover with Ellen? Written with elegance and wry precision, Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece is a tragic love story and a powerful homily about the perils of a perfect marriage.
Customer Reviews:
Societal Pressures.......2007-05-10
This classic is set in New York after World War I when high society was a way of life. You'll see how each decision made affects life.
Wharton is a genius........2007-04-20
Edith Wharton was (and still is) one of the greatest American authors to have lived. Her ability to capture the the ridiculous of the traditions her society clung to so desperately shows her forward thinking and liberal attitude towards life. The conflict Newland Archer goes through after meeting the Countess, the decision he must make between freedom and tradition is incredible. This book is not a blatant attack on society, but rather it is a foray into the interworkings of a man in a certain place at a certain time who must decide the course of his life; the choice between what is right in his head and what is right in his heart. The countess offers a world where there is the chance of something more, something different, at the expense of leaving his fiance, his family, his whole previous way of life. His struggle with this choice is eartbreaking, as is his decision in the end--and yet it is exactly what should have happened.
At the same time, it's also a story of a woman trying to find happiness in a world she does not completely understand, nor perhaps wish to understand. Countess Olenska is not a rebel, she is merely a woman ahead of her time. She desires a life where she makes the decisions, where she can have options beyond those traditionally given to her. Wharton's book is beautifully written and so incredibly natural, she doesn't preach, she doesn't push her agenda. She merely presents the facts as they are, the way life really operated in her time and her New York society and shows how people would truly and honestly react in these situations. Overall, this is one of the greatest books ever written and should be in everyone's library.
The Age of Innocence.......2007-02-19
While radical for its time, this novel now seems somewhat superficial and dated. The main characters are more two-rather than three-dimensional. The international theme, the conflict between American and European values, is not well developed. Compared to a Henry James novel, such as The Ambassadors,
that deals with the international theme, The Age of Innocence, functions on a lesser level.
A Well Written Novel and a Compelling Read.......2006-11-05
This is the last major novel of Edith Wharton (1862-1937). She was a New York writer who moved to France in 1910; and, she wrote six well-known novels starting with "The House of Mirth" in 1905. The present novel won a Pulitzer Prize in 1921 for best novel. I bought and read the Penguin Classics Red version. My version had the text only and there was no analysis. The edition posted here for sale has additional comments. The red version is slightly cheaper and from what I can determine ít is the same novel. The 363 pages are a fairly quick read and I read it in two evenings. The prose is straightforward and there are not too many characters. It is a well-constructed novel, i.e.: it is medium length, it has a good plot with interesting characters, well balanced, and it has some mystery.
The setting for the novel is a bit reminiscent of Henry James or F. Scott Fitzgerald. Wharton's characters are a bit more level headed and easy going than those writers. The characters do not go through violent swings of emotion as one sees with the Fitzgerald characters.
Without giving away the plot, the story is set in 1870s New York, among the wealthy social families. It is a love triangle among three wealthy people: two women and one young man. The man is Newland Archer, a young New York lawyer. She describes their balls and dinners and nights out at the opera. We follow them to Boston and out into the country on vacations and weekends off. There are no "common folk" here among the characters. They are all in a few related and wealthy families.
The novel is very well written. It is clear, concise, and it is an interesting and a compelling read. She generates enough interest to keep our attention throughout. Once you start to read, one will look forward to getting back to the novel during breaks. The main three figures are sympathetic characters and mostly an interesting story.
Wharton has an easy going and clear style that is easy to read. Most will enjoy this novel.
I recommend the read: 5 stars.
Age of Good Writing..........2006-10-16
I preface this review with an admission: any and all of Edith Wharton's works so far are like candy to me. Once I start one of her books, it will take quite a while before I put it down.
Age of Innocence to me is like a good Monet painting. It is surreal, interesting and sad, and yet there are so many layers to it. How you interpret it and how you decipher it's layers, is the key to enjoying it. Her verse is also intricate, careful and precise.
Note of caution: The movie is much better after you've read the book. There is great meaning in the pregnant stares and the social layers of society, something that is not easily expressed in a two hour long movie.
Product Description
Aging landscape painter Sam Grant of Time to Sow, Time to Reap is separated from his upwardly mobile wife. Gloria, whom he calls Old Glory. Although they live apart, she continues to visit him, and Sam is inspired to paint glory in the nude. He tells her he will immortalize her, and at the same time, transform himself from an average painter into a great artist.
He soon learns that Glory is ill. She is terrified of dying and returns to live with Sam, who persuades her to pose for him even though she is weak. Sam seemly exploits Glory for gain, but he learns something about himself in the process and ultimately triumphs over adversity.
The adolescent Mary in Innocence is fighting a battle for survival too. She discovers she is unable to experience emotions that girls of her age are expected to feel. Because she is beautiful, men are attracted to her. She drifts in and out of marriage and wanders aimlessly, getting involved with people who use her without giving her anything in return.
In her diary, Mary depersonalizes the people who exploit her, which enables her to talk objectively about profound matters. Finally, she decides that she must escape the realities of her existence. She gets on a bus that will take her to a place where she can complete her diary.
Average customer rating:
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A Woman's Innocence
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739452401 |
Product Description
Julia Reed's love of adventure led her far from home and resulted in her wrongful conviction for treason against the British Crown. Now she faces a death sentence, thanks to the determined efforts of Sam Sherryngton, the dashing agent who arrested her, and a man whom Julia has adored for years. Even though the evidence against Julia is compelling, Sam cannot help but believe in her innocence. Risking everything, he breaks this enchanting prisoner from her cell and leads her undercover to find the real traitor. But on the trail of a dangerous truth, a passion is stirred that can no longer be hidden or denied.
Amazon.com
Sharyn McCrumb is one of the major wonders of the mystery world. Her books about forensic anthropologist Elizabeth MacPherson (including Highland Laddie Gone) are strong, meaty contemporary stories; her comic novels (Bimbos of the Death Sun, Zombies of the Gene Pool) are delightful satires. And then there's the jewel in her crown, the series known as the Ballad novels (including The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter and The Rosewood Casket) where the third-generation Appalachian resident McCrumb sews together what she calls "colored scraps of legends, ballads and fragments of rural life and local tragedy" into books that are like Appalachian quilts. The Ballad of Frankie Silver is the fifth in the Ballad series, and it might well be the best. The blend between the old story and the new is perfect, as Sheriff Spencer Arrowood digs into the 1832 case of the first woman ever hanged for murder in North Carolina--18-year-old Frankie Silver, charged with dismembering her husband--while some disturbing new evidence is surfacing about another, much more recent capital crime. If you have friends who don't read mysteries but liked Cold Mountain, pointing them toward McCrumb might be the start of something big. --Dick Adler
Book Description
From the author of The Rosewood Casket and She Walks These Hills comes a lyrical new novel of obsession and suspense. In 1833, 18-year-old Frankie Silver became the first woman in North Carolina to be hanged for murdering her husband. But was she guilty? More than one hundred years later, obsessed by the story of Frankie Silver, Sheriff Spencer Arrowood is determined to reveal the truth about a new murder case that has many parallels to the long-ago murder.
Download Description
"From New York Times bestselling author Sharyn McCrumb comes the fifth novel set in the Appalachian wilderness blending legends and folklore with high suspense. A career lawman will bear witness to the final judgement, as a man he put away twenty years ago is about to be executed for the brutal slaying of two hikers. However, his conscience is no longer clear to the point of absolute certainty about the man?s guilt. Also of intense interest to the lawman is the parallel between the current events and a legendary murder and execution over 100 years old-- the story of a great injustice, and a woman condemned to die for a crime she didn?t commit. Suddenly, the sheriff finds himself in a race against and across time to see that history doesn?t repeat itself! "
Customer Reviews:
review of frankie silver.......2007-01-04
we needed book quickly for school project. book was sent in a couple of days and was very interesting. Project finished thanks to quick shipping! Thanks.
Intriguing and Suspenseful ..........2006-11-29
I happened to find this one on my mom's bookshelf over the holiday weekend and I thought it would be a good read for this busy time. It is a great read ~~ much more than I expected and definitely one of the best novels I've read in awhile.
I love how McCrumb tied two stories together in one novel ~~ set apart by at least a hundred and twenty years. This book starts out with Spencer Arrowood, the sheriff recovering from a shotgun wound, and his recollection of sending a young man to death row. Fate Harkryder was accused of murdering a young couple in such a heinous way that in spite of his claims of innocence, no one believed him in their rush for justice. While Arrowood is recovering, he finds himself intrigued with the case of Frankie Silver, a young mother who was accused of murdering her husband and butchering his body so that there's three grave sites for him. McCrumb writes in great detail of Frankie's trial, observed by the young clerk of court, Burgess Gaither, who tells her tale so vividly that I actually broke down in tears at one point. And Arrowood rushes to find out who really did murder the young college couple that fateful night, twenty years ago, Fate or someone else?
The stories of Fate and Frankie are tied up so beautifully ~~ and of the strength of family ties that bind even in death. This is one of the most provacative novels I have read in a long time ~~ while it addresses the legal system (which is deeply flawed as portrayed in this novel) and the issue of capital punishment. The stories were wrenching as well as thought-provoking ~~ but it didn't feel like you were reading a legal discourse on an argument of capital punishment ~~ till you've turned the last page and realized just how persuasive the argument against capital punishment was. It is definitely a worthwhile read ...
11-28-06
A really great read!.......2006-11-24
I noticed that McCrumb was listed on a website as being a very good mystery writer and I picked up my first book to see for myself. I was not disappointed! Although I am not from the Appalachian area, my family is, so it was fun reading about the flavor of the mountain culture. I have heard a few stories of family members living in their beloved mountains as well.
I really enjoyed the book, especially the old tale of Frankie Silver. The author tied it together with a modern Trail Killing and did a nice job comparing the two. Finding out at the end that Frankie Silver was a real person was sad but interesting. I intend to read more of McCrumb's books.
'Frankie Silver Walks!'.......2006-08-21
Sharyn McCrumb brought this spine chilling, true tale to life in her novel about Frankie Silver. The drama isn't too heavy, nor is the story telling bogged down with too much fact. She was also able to balance the present with the past as Sheriff Arrowood compares the fate of a man condemned to the electric chair with the miserable end of a young woman's life during a time where poverty most certainly contributed to whether or not you went free or hanged. Very haunting story that will leave mystery lovers eager to visit the old cabin site where Charles Silver died.
Chrissy K. McVay
Author of 'Souls of the North Wind'
Sorry, I just don't get it........2006-07-20
I was intrigued by the title and the jacket blurb. I was expecting an eerily suspenseful historical mystery. I found the book to be plodding drudgery. I realized at some point that I didn't care enough about the characters to read through all the melancholy verbiage, and I flipped to the end to find out who had murdered and why. I'm glad I did. There is a fine line between mysterious and depressing and I think the author has worn a path across it.
The author's obsessive absorption in the aging process was also distracting and irritating. Every other page there were observations, such as a description of a formerly pretty cheerleader who was now a blowsy middle-aged woman who had turned into her mother or how the murdered victim would no longer be a a nineteen year old girl, but- twenty years later- just an aging woman. Although, the author conceded that at least she should have been allowed the chance to become something else. Is this author having a midlife crisis or what? I chose this book to be entertained, and I felt a bit ripped off.
Books:
- Year of the Elephant: A Moroccan Woman's Journey Toward Independence (CMES Modern Middle East Literature in Translation)
- Zorro CD: The Legend Begins
- A Blade of Grass: A Novel
- A Summons to Memphis
- Adventures in Wood Finishing: 88 Rue de Charonne (A Fine Woodworking Book)
- Alaska Bear Tales
- All Families are Psychotic: A Novel
- An Inconvenient Woman
- Angel Spotlight
- Anne Tyler: Three Complete Novels: A Patchwork Planet * Ladder of Years * Saint Maybe
Books Index
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