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Brunonia Barry
2006
The Summary
With the sudden disappearance of her grandmother, Towner Whitney is brought back to her hometown in Salem, Massachusetts, in search of answers.
Her journey, however, leads her to not only confront her family's ancient gift - an uncanny ability by the Whitney women to read the future in lace - but her own history as well, including the startling truth behind her twin sister's death.
Her journey, however, leads her to not only confront her family's ancient gift - an uncanny ability by the Whitney women to read the future in lace - but her own history as well, including the startling truth behind her twin sister's death.
The Good
Brunonia Barry's novel is intriguing because it uses a mixture of magic and superstition to present a unique and heart-wrenching story of loss, guilt, and forgiveness. Emotionally charged and startlingly dramatic, The Lace Reader creates a world full of surprising twists and dark turns that will leave you speechless - and, more to the point, keep you riveted as you dig for answers right alongside Towner Whitney.
Although it is occasionally difficult to read Towner's narrative given the tragic nature of her story and the insanity with which she grapples, she is an interesting character and her storytelling is precise, evocative, and, more importantly, candid.
She presents a truly compelling story, one that brings together her life and her history - and her family's mysterious gifts.
She presents a truly compelling story, one that brings together her life and her history - and her family's mysterious gifts.
The Bad
Towner has visions. She can see the future in a piece of lace. She obviously struggles with multiple psychological disorders.
As such, her narrative can veer in new and surprising directions - and, occasionally, that means it can be difficult to differentiate between what Towner sees and perceives and what actually happens in reality.
For Towner, reality isn't set in stone.
Towner has visions. She can see the future in a piece of lace. She obviously struggles with multiple psychological disorders.
As such, her narrative can veer in new and surprising directions - and, occasionally, that means it can be difficult to differentiate between what Towner sees and perceives and what actually happens in reality.
For Towner, reality isn't set in stone.
The Ugly
At the beginning of The Lace Reader, you realize Towner is damaged. Her mind is broken after the death of her sister, after her world came crashing down; however, you do not realize just how broken, until you learn what really happened to her twin sister, Lyndley - and what really happened to Towner herself.
The truth will be shocking.
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