The Lost Girls of Paris

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff is historical fiction that tells the little known story of female agents sent into Nazi occupied France from England during WWII. Jenoff's novel follows the women from 1944-1946 as the tale of their training, bravery and often disappearance unfolds.

A fascinating subject, however this book is more fiction than history. I found the ending improbable and disappointing, but overall an interesting read.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Nine Perfect Strangers is the latest by Liane Moriarty. I've read and enjoyed all her books and I think she is a great writer. Although not my favorite of hers, I could not put this book down, nor will I soon forget it.

Nine people book a ten day cleanse at an exclusive health resort in Australia. The owner is a gorgeous, magnetic, if slightly odd woman. At first all is well, but things get stranger as the book goes on. Told from alternating perspectives, Moriarty keeps the reader captivated throughout; however, I felt dissapointed by the end, especially when comparing this book to some of her earlier novels.

Go, Went, Gone

Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck is a novel about African refugees in Germany. Translated from the German by Susan Bernofsky. A retired professor comes across a group of refugees living in tents in Alexanderplatz and becomes interested in learning more about them. He slowly befriends them and hears their stories.

This is both a beautifully written, poetic novel and a truly heartbreaking one, although ultimately hopeful. It couldn't be more timely as we are faced with decisions of how to treat refugees at our borders. These decisions are usually made with little or no understanding of the people whose lives are unimaginable to most Americans and Europeans. A profound and important book, highly recommended.

Burning Bright

Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring is set in late 18th century London, in the neighborhood where poet and artist William Blake lived. It tells the story of a family recently moved there from the countryside and working for the renowned Astley's Circus nearby.

Chevalier's historical fiction is always well written and well researched and takes the reader to another time and place which is what I loved about this book. However, I was hoping to learn more about William Blake and although he was a part of the story he was mostly on the sidelines. An interesting read, but not as good as Girl with a Pearl Earring.

The Lost Art of Gratitude

The Lost Art of Gratitude by Alexander McCall Smith is another book in his Isabel Dalhousie series. McCall Smith's books are always charming and witty and enjoyable while reading, a nice way to pass the time with a good cup of tea. This one was equally charming, but more forgettable than other books I've read of his.

Spark Joy

Spark Joy, an Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo is the companion to her earlier book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up:The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Marie Kondo is everywhere now with her own Netfilx special, so if you're not yet aware of these books, you probably will be soon.

This second book should be read and used only after reading the first book. If you are already on your own personal decluttering and tidying mission, this illustrated guide is wonderful tool for helping you organize everything. Life changing indeed! Highly recommended.

The Perfect Nanny

The baby is dead. This is the opening line of The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani, translated from the French. After having two young children, the mother decides to return to work and looks for a nanny for her kids. After seeing so many candidates that won't do, the seemingly perfect nanny arrives at their doorstep.

However, with an opening like that, the reader knows something terrible is going to happen and it is Slimani's writing and pacing that keeps us in thrall throughout the book. Well written, but also sad and disturbing; a portrait of what can happen when mental illness goes untreated and there is no one there to notice until it's too late. I wouldn't consider this a great novel or a great psychological thriller, it is just ok. However, it is one I won't soon forget.