Saturday, August 13, 2011

Defining What A Novel SHOULD Be: Good Fiction ~ A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner ~ Review


Susan Meissner’s voice in Christian fiction and her authority with words sucks me in with the cadence of her writing in the story she weaves.

There is an incredible amount of subtext in her latest novel “A Sound Among the Trees” and I was excited to pick up a book blending two of my favorite periods: contemporary and historical Civil War. The book didn’t delve into as much of the latter as I would have liked, but was more focused on how the past actions of previous lives rippled down three, four generations.

In one way, I was expecting a “surprise” or “bang” of a literary moment, if you will, and wasn’t surprised with a different twist, but once I closed the book I realized the story really didn’t need one. It’s a story that defies genre and redefines what a novel should be: a really good story – well told.

It’s so hard to write a review for this book, because it doesn’t fit any one mold. I can’t say it had a thrilling romance, or a heartrending tragedy. And for new readers of Susan’s work, I think you have to experience it for yourself.

I can say, Meissner writes with grace and beauty, but with a great authority with the craft. Her dialogue is swift and to the point, her characters three-dimensional. Deep and wide, her stories always leave me craving more. I think you will too.

This review is my honest opinion. My thanks to the Amazon Vine program for my copy to review.

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8 comments:

  1. I admire the transparency of your review. I'm looking forward to reading this one!

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  2. Thanks Joanne! And welcome to Writing for Christ. :)

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  3. Susan M. is one of my favourite authors...looking forward to reading her latest novel.

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  4. I found your review to be very helpful, so I gave it 5 stars. I loved reading Susan's book 'The Shape of Mercy' and this sounds like another great book by her.

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  5. Hi Casey, Your enjoyed your review which was very informative. I also love comp romance with history so I know I will enjoy reading this bool after reading your review. Thanks

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  6. Thanks for the review! I've never heard of Susan Meissner before, and after reading your review - I may just have to add this one to my "to read" list! It's good to know up-front what to expect! :-)

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  7. Thanks for reading and reviewing my book, Casey! I loved your thoughtful comments. And omigoodness your blog is beautiful. Your font is yummy!!
    All the best,
    Susan

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  8. Thank YOU for visiting, Susan! You write some of the most lovely stories and I look forward to reading another in my TBR stack soon.

    Thank you for your kind comments about my blog, I've loved putting everything together!

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