Sonata for Miriam
Linda Olsson
February 2009
304 pages
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FTC disclosure: This one came from the library. I know! I can hardly believe it myself. But it’s true.
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Remember Astrid and Veronika? I loved that book. This is by the same author. And while it was good, it didn’t make me fall in love with it like A&V did. Still, it was a good read, and I’d recommend it. But if you had to read just one book by Linda Olsson? I’d go with A&V, just because the relationship that grows between the two women is so poignant.
Oh wait, I’m supposed to be talking about Sonata for Miriam.
Adam Anker is struggling with loss. His beloved daughter Miriam died in a tragic accident, Miriam’s mother, Cecilia, hasn’t been in his life for years, although she was his one great love, and after seeing a photograph in a Holocaust museum he begins to search for his lost identity. As Adam deals with all three of these issues, the stories of Adam, Miriam and Cecilia slowly unfold. I know, it sounds like there’s a lot going on, but it’s beautifully done. The main story is Adam’s, with Miriam and Cecilia in the background, although still ever present.
The book is told from Adam’s point of view, except for one part at the end, where it shifts to Cecilia. And I wasn’t quite sold on Cecilia’s tale. Still, this is a wonderfully told story, and as a bonus the reader gets to visit New Zealand and Poland and Sweden.
This sounds really interesting, but I wish authors didn’t switch POVs like that! If it’s an established switch from the beginning, like alternating chapters, then that’s okay, but I don’t like a sudden switch in a random place.
Amanda´s last blog ..Happy Friendship Day!
I don’t mind the shifting point of view aspect, but I’ll keep in mind that Astrid and Veronika is better.
I love Linda’s writing style! I’m hoping there will be a new release by her soon!
Melody´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesdays
Oh wow, I too loved Astrid and Veronika and didn’t realize she’d written another book! I just might check this out!
Amused´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday – Mar. 8 – 13, 2010
Just wanted to congratulate you for using your library! My favorite thing is to get a book from the library and then it turns out I don’t like the book very much. I love that I didn’t buy it! If you know what I mean….
rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..“Fabulous and Forty-Something” – Guest Post by Author Linda Gillard
Well both of Olsson’s books sound good to me, so I placed holds on both and whichever comes in first – that’s the one I will read!
I’m in desperate need of some relaxing comfort reads (I refuse to use the term “women’s fiction”) and you’ve always got the best recommendations!
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Argh!!! WordPress ate my comment.
Basically, I said that I haven’t yet read her books, but I don’t mind a change of POV. Sometimes it’s interesting to get a different take on events.
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