Overall, Chris Bohjalian's tales cover serious ground. His interest in myriad topics, family struggles, and historical events offer plotlines that vary wildly from book to book. What's remained consistent so far is Bohjalian's female lead, his ability to tell most of his tales using a woman's perspective. I'm currently reading Before You Know Kindness, but below are brief synopses of other Bohjalian books I've read.
Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
Gripping tale of modern midwifery gone awry. Despite being one of Oprah's book club picks, it's truly interesting atop the inevitable strife that's a guaranteed pairing with Oprah's approval. Touchstones of family and community keep the book relevent. ****Law of Similars by Chris Bohjalian
A homeopath's client dies and she — alongside her ancient methods — are investigated by a besotted detective. **
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
A social worker obsessively researches the photography left behind when a former patient passes away. Bohjalian interweaves characters from Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" as both stories simultaneously unfold on the north shore of New England. ***
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian
A family of rural Germans rush to escape their country as World War II comes to a violent close, befriending both Jewish and English soldiers on their trek. An insider's perspective about the ludicrisy of the war on Jews from the viewpoint of Germans not ensconced in townships, and also of the Russians' brutality. ****If you like solid, interesting stories loaded with depth and well-defined characters, float a Bohjalian book to the top of your list. I'd suggest starting with Midwives or Skeletons at the Feast, depending on whether you're in a more modern or historical mood.
No comments:
Post a Comment