Rutabaga's Reads 2024: Part 10

Here’s the only adult fiction compilation post that I have for this year. Maybe next year, I’ll read enough for two compilation posts!

The Book of Lost Names (July 21, 2020) by Kristin Harmel.

<This is a standalone novel.>

Under dire circumstances, Eva Traube discovers she is skilled at forgery in 1942. She lives with her parents in Paris. While she was born in France and grew up speaking the language, it’s no secret that she and her parents are Jewish; her parents are Polish Jews. Tatuś is taken by French police. Eva and Mamusia flee to Aurignon in southern France, it being part of the Free Zone until it isn’t. Eva and her mom let a room from Madame Barbier. She’s part of an underground network helping people, mainly children, flee to Switzerland. She gets Eva in contact with Père Clément at the Église Saint-Alban, where she meets a handsome forger named Rémy Duchamp. Giving new names to those fleeing may help them survive, but Eva despises the idea that she’s erasing people; hence, The Book of Lost Names. The book itself is lost to the Nazis, and it’s in 2005 when Eva, now Eva Traube Abrams, sees a photograph in a magazine at her local library, where she works as a semi-retired librarian, now well into her 80s. She’ll fly to Berlin to reunite with the book. One thing lost to her is about to be returned, though so much and so many were lost to her during WWII, including Rémy, when the resistance cell they worked for was compromised. Eva’s son knows nothing of this part of her life. Is she ready to share it?

            It’s the title that caught my eye, and the story captured my interest from the first chapter. At turns heartfelt and heart-shattering, tender and devastating, this historical fiction novel is poignant, powerful and purposeful. Despite inhabiting a dark, terrifying time, the characters show bravery, courage and the resilience of the human spirit while walking amongst evil, much like far too many had to do in real life then and, sadly, are doing now. My first story by Harmel, and I was swept up in its emotion and realism. This story is thoughtful and compelling.

Happiness Falls (Aug. 29, 2023) by Angie Kim.

<This is a standalone novel.>

Their father is missing. The father is Adam Parson, and the mom is Dr. Hannah Park. Their biracial children are a mash-up of their names: twins Mia and John Parkson and Eugene Parkson, their 14-year-old brother, who’s six years their junior. Mia is the only one at home when Eugene comes running full speed ahead. He’s alone, disheveled and bloody with blood under his nails. Adam isn’t with him, not that Mia notices straight away, with her eyes shut against the sun. By the time Hannah and John have returned home from their respective workplaces, hours have passed. Eugene cannot tell them what happened to their father, as he’s unable to communicate orally or through writing. Eugene has both autism and the rare genetic condition called Angelman syndrome. When Eugene gets in trouble for accidentally assaulting a police officer, it becomes even more imperative to learn what happened to Adam. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, he’s fortunately able to be under house arrest at home instead of kept overnight in an unfamiliar environment (detention center) with complete strangers. As the rollercoaster search continues, it’s discovered that Adam had secrets of his own. Namely, the HQ (happiness quotient) and something major to do with Eugene. The clock is ticking in this investigation. What did Eugene witness?

            There is so much to this domestic drama that’s also a compassionate mystery containing themes of philosophical inquiry, the power of language and its role in perceived intelligence and human connection filled with emotionally rich storytelling. The story is told from Mia’s perspective. She’s hyper-analytical and very judgmental, and I struggled with her character. I can be as judgmental as the next person, but I was also raised to be compassionate. I can stand up for myself without coming across as disdainful. So, whereas John’s niceness as a narrator might’ve been easier to read, it’s Mia’s impertinent, over-thinking mind that moves the story along. I didn’t love this adult fiction novel, which I did read because of the hype – it’s a GMA Book Club Pick – but I can’t deny that it’s one of the smartest books I’ve read this year. It’s multi-layered and thought-provoking. This is a novel that shines with hope amidst heartache and wrests joy from tragedy.

The Sound of Sleighbells (June 27, 2023) by Janet Dailey.

*This is the sixth novel in a series.*

After divorcing her abusive husband, Ruth McCoy is looking to create happy memories and new holiday traditions for her kids: Skip (15), Janeen (6) and Tammy (4). Money may be tight, but she’s got a stable roof over her family’s heads and food on the table. Branding Iron, Texas, is Ruth’s hometown. It’s also Judd Rankin’s hometown, but she’s avoided him easily enough over the years. Her first love, she knows Judd’s history, of his time in jail, but Judd’s turned his life around. He owns a successful custom saddle-making business and Angus ranch. Skip’s friend, Trevor, convinces him to help him with a project out at Judd’s. Ruth is hesitant, worried that Judd and Skip will notice too much. When a blast from the past comes to Branding Iron, a man called Digger, Ruth fears it’s only a matter of time before her secret isn’t so secret anymore. Judd’s never truly gotten over Ruth, but will Ruth give him another chance?

            My first novel from the late author, I found this sixth in The Christmas Tree Ranch series to be sweet with tones of trepidation. While I read this one in the summertime, it’d be perfect for reading on a cold night, wrapped up in one’s favorite blanket with a generous mug of hot chocolate containing extra marshmallows. It is part romance and part intrigue. It’s a wholesome story for readers who love the magic of Christmastime any time of the year. I’m not big on romance novels, but this one with its multigenerational cast delivers good pacing and appeal for readers looking for chaste romance.