The Madman's Daughter, Megan Shepherd

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Madman's Daughter has an amazing premise--the daughter of Dr. Moreau seeks out her infamous scientist father on a remote island only to discover the truth of his work--but it's the writing that really shines in this story.

As writers, we often wrestle with the concept of theme. How should themes weave through the narrative? How overtly do you build the connections? How much is too much, or not enough? Well, Megan Shepherd is a master of theme, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a flawless example of building thematic connections without overwhelming the reader.

As we follow young Juliet's journey (which is a journey of the heart as much as across the sea), the themes of strangeness and otherness build effortlessly on every page. This story is not just read, but felt, from the scurrying, insect-like movement of the people and animals to the pungency of the salt air and suffocating heat of the jungle. As you read, you begin to feel Juliet's desperate need to escape at the core of your being, clawing away at you, worrying your stomach with the same fear she faces--what if you escape one terrifying existence only to discover you have fallen into another, more horrible reality?

If you aren't familiar with the classic story, The Island of Dr. Moreau, never fear. You don't need to know it to enjoy this story. The Madman's Daughter will sweep you up and take you on a terrifying thrill ride all on its own.

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Addicted: Vikings on History Channel

When I reach a writing milestone (like finishing a draft or rewriting half a book), I like to reward myself with some form of entertainment that is bound to be utterly addictive and soul-consuming. Sometimes, feeding my addiction comes in the form of a fantastic book (or more likely, a whole series of books). But other times, it's good 'ole TV.

This week, as I drew closer to finishing my latest round of revisions, I rewarded myself with VIKINGS, a dark, gritty new series from The History Channel. And oh, my, am I so pleasantly and thoroughly addicted. The production value on this show is so incredibly high that I feel like I'm there. I can almost smell these people, and their food, and I'm utterly fascinated with the strange ways they talk and eat and sleep . . . it's so wonderful to experience this brand new world. If you haven't yet, you should check it out.

And did I mention the FABULOUS HAIR? I mean, just LOOK at that!

A Reliable Wife, Robert Goolrick

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lush, voluptuous read about three entangled lives set in the harshest of places. A Reliable Wife is set in the turn of the 20th century, at a time when automobiles were a brand-new idea and train rides were romantic. A country life could be deadly, and in some ways a city life was even deadlier. The novel's structure is loose, but the characters compel you to follow their journey of love, desire, and betrayal. You can feel the places they inhabit in your bones. Lovely, lovely prose.

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The Paris Wife, Paula McLain

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of Hadley Hemingway, Ernest's first wife. I was thoroughly captivated by this novel. These people, so mythic and influential in the sphere of writing, were at one time just teenagers. They were in love. They were tortured. They ached for each other, for success, for inspiration. This is the first story I've read about Ernest Hemingway, and though I'd like to give him a solid smack in the face, I'm sure I will read more.

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Cutting for Stone, Abraham Verghese

Cutting for Stone is the story of twin boys Marion and Shiva, born of Missing parents into Ethiopia, and their life long journeys towards discovering and accepting who they are. Missing does not just describe the physical state of their parents, it is also the name of the well-loved and hard-used hospital where they are born, live, and grow up.

The word story does not do this novel justice--it is far more a saga than a story, and in the course of reading it you will come to know and love many people who orbit these two fascinating boys. My mouth watered at every meal time passage, and I could feel the dry and wet earthiness of Ethiopia, as well as the foreign taste of New York as seen through an immigrant's eyes. The novel transported me--and not only to new countries, but into the operating room and the experiences of a surgeon. Medicine binds the characters together throughout the story, but at times surgery is also the event that tears them apart.

It takes some dedication to see the story through, as there are many pages between these covers, but the work is well worth it. I'll continue to think about the themes and craft behind Cutting for Stone for some time.

Addicted: Five Favorite BBC Classic Series

Now that I'm whittling away at a historical novel set in Victorian England, I'm revisiting a lot of old British TV favorites. Every time I watch these series, I am reminded of how much I love stories from the past, particularly Victorian ones as told by the BBC. Though these are period pieces, their stories are timeless.

#5--The Forsyte Saga

This is one of the lesser known Masterpiece Theatre series, I think because of the less familiar name. The Forsyte Saga is the story of a family over a generation, and all of the pitfalls and struggles of love with the restrictions of class and money. Gorgeous sets and clothes, with unflinching portrayals of cruelty within a powerful family.

#4--Jane Eyre

The classic story of the young governess Jane Eyre, done by Masterpiece Theatre in sumptuous period setting, with plenty of angst. Casting for this was excellent.

 #3--Pride & Prejudice

Really, do I need to say more than Colin Firth? Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite stories to watch adaptations of on the big screen--I really enjoyed the most recent film, but there's something too awesome about this mini-series. P&P deserves the extra hours to unfold.

#2--Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey isn't quite as early period as the other series I'm spotlighting, but it's undeniably awesome. From the ridiculously detailed sets and costumes to the gorgeous soundtrack, this series is a lush treat that follows the fictional Crawley family, highlighting the changing times and how those events effect both the upstairs and downstairs at an aristocratic estate. Plus, anything created by Julian Fellowes is guaranteed to be off the hook.

 #1--North & South

My novel is also set in the Victorian era, but long before I began writing it, I'd watched this BBC series no fewer than five times. It's crazy--or at least, it drove my husband crazy. But I'm team Thornton all the way! North & South is a four-part retelling of Elizabeth Gaskell's 19th century novel about the unlikely love story between Margaret Hale and John Thornton, in a time when England was in a state of intellectual and scientific revolution unlike any seen before. Yearning, conflict, progress--all wrapped up in a luscious Victorian setting. If you missed it, treat yourself.

The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern

I haven't even finished The Night Circus yet, and I have to go ahead and start my review. I love it that much!

This book is the story of Celia and Marco, and of magical happenings and circus tents. It's magic and mystery through and through--and the words themselves are as captivating as the subject matter. I dream of writing like this one day.

On a more practical note, The Night Circus offers an excellent example of pacing and structure for a novel that spans many years. The ease with which Morgenstern moves through time blows me away. Often, I feel like I am stuck accounting for every minute my characters live when I write. This novel does not do that. It is a crisp, captivating example of how to tell your readers only what they need to know.

I'm so glad my book club selected this novel. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it! And if you haven't checked out Erin's blog and website, her Flax-Golden Tales are not to be missed.

Addicted! PBS's Downton Abbey

Watching Downton Abbey on PBS is like reading a fantastic historical fiction in record time.  The characters are so rich, the settings so fantastic, and the plot lines so dramatic that I'm worn out after an hour of watching.  It's the same feeling I'm left with when I finish tearing through an amazing read - only without the grieving process, at least not until the season finale....and then there's always next season!

If you're not a fan yet, you will be after one episode, and then you can indulge your Downton addiction by taking a quiz to see which character you are!  One of the great things about this series, borne to us from the UK and Julian Fellowes, is that PBS is experiencing a renaissance because of it's popularity and unparalleled success.  I can't wait for tonight's "Christmas Special" episode - don't miss it at 9EST!