Saturday, February 26, 2022

Book Review - A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson

 

A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson

Alfred A Knopf Canada - 2021 

Set in 1972 in the small town of Solace in northern Ontario, Canada, A Town Called Solace, was one of those rare books that hit all the right notes with me.


Clara is a young girl (almost 8) who has a lot on her mind. She sits vigil by the front window ever since her 16 year old sister Rose, a somewhat rebellious teen, went missing 12 days earlier after  arguing with her mother.  As she sees her parents sick with worry Clara is lucky to have a bit of a distraction caring for her hospitalized elderly neighbor, Elizabeth Orchard's cat Moses.  One day while looking out of her window Clara notices a young man carrying heavy boxes into Mrs. Orchard's house. We learn that the man is Liam Kane, no relation to Mrs. Orchard, but, he has inherited her house.  


Why has a woman Liam barely remembers gifted him her house? What is the connection here and, can a young man like Liam separated from his wife find a future in small town Solace? What happened to Rose?

        

The story is a character driven novel that is told in (3) distinct voices by Clara, Liam and Elizabeth. The writing is beautiful and easy to follow even if you are feeling a bit distracted. It made me feel like I was there in the town of Solace. The characters felt genuine, they were everyday people that I really grew to care about. I was quickly engaged in the story which had a bit of mystery to it as well.  We learn about the connection between Elizabeth and Liam as she speaks about the past to her late husband from her hospital bed. There were a few somewhat sadder moments but they were very brief and, overall, I found the ending was ultimately hopeful.   A story about love, death, family and community. I loved the small town feel and, for me, this was mostly a real comfort type read and exactly what I needed.  Highly recommended.


Mary Lawson has become one of my favorite authors. This is her fourth book and, IMO, all were a pleasure to read. (I almost missed this one, so grateful I caught JoAnn's review on Gulfside Musing.)


Rating - 5/5 stars

17 comments:

  1. So glad you're finding some good comfort reads. And I love the sound of this one so will keep an eye out for it, maybe see if the library has it.

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  2. I enjoy books that grab the heart like that one.

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  3. Wow, 5 stars! We do all need our comfort reads occasionally and they seem especially appropriate just now.

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    1. Yes, so true. I wish I could find more stories like this right now.

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  4. Great review, you make me want to add this to my list.

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    1. I know you would like this Vicki. I started with the audio but the child's voice wasn't working for me so I waited for the print edition from the library.

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  5. This sounds wonderful. I love stories that too that really evoke that sense of place and make you feel like you're THERE (or would like to be).

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    1. Yes, when that happens I find it weasy to curl up and not want to stop reading until I finish.

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  6. Comfort reads are really good (and important) right now. This one sounds really good.

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    1. I was such a nice story. I expected to like it as I've enjoyed all other books by this author.

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  7. This is now on my top shelf, ready to be read once I finally stop reading my 20+ year old backlist books. Can't wait!

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    1. 20+ year back list? oh my! Well, if you need a nice break be sure to pick this up sooner than later.

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  8. So glad you liked this one. Yea a Canadian story! I liked her debut Crow Lake (though a bit bleak) so I think I will like this novel too. It sounds like a winner.

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  9. Excellent review, Diane. I'm quite sure this will end up on my list of favorites at the end of the year.

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  10. I do love the sound of this and I've seen several really glowing reviews for it. This definitely sounds like one I would enjoy.

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