The Queen of Palmyra
Minrose Gwin
April 2010
416 pages
It’s funny how different things stand out to different readers. I interrupted a conversation on Twitter between Bookfool and The Book Lady as they were discussing this book. Bookfool couldn’t finish it, due to the excessive number of cockroaches that appeared in the beginning of the book. And Rebecca was finding it difficult to wade through the similes. Me, I loved it…I barely remember the roaches and I didn’t even notice the similes (actually, I probably wouldn’t recognize a simile if it bit me on the butt).
However, my problem is that the day after I finished this book (which I loved so much I read in one day) I started seeing reviews pop up. Seems the book is on tour with TLC. Which is awesome, seeing as how I want the book to have lots of love, and I happen to really like TLC. Thing is, I’m not part of this tour (yes, FTC, that means I bought the book…well, sort of, I had a gift card from my birthday that I used, so really my boss bought the book for me) and the thought of all the reviews that would soon be forthcoming infected me with BBB (book blogger’s block). Okay, not really, but doesn’t that sound better than “I don’t know what the hell to write?”
So what did stand about this book for me? I honestly can’t pinpoint any one thing, but I can tell you that it grabbed me at the beginning and wouldn’t let me go. I found myself crossing my fingers (and toes) for our young narrator, Florence, as she deals with her neglectful, dysfunctional mother and her abusive, racist father. Sure, there are times when you want to scream at Florence to sit up at take notice (or sit up and scream “no!”), but then you remember that it’s the 1960s and she’s a young girl. This is one of those southern coming-of-age novels that works (well, for me, at least). While the setting may be familiar (racial tension, a hot summer, violence…), Florence is different enough that the story is still unique. I’ve seen it compared to To Kill a Mockingbird and The Help, but I found it to have a completely different feel. This is Florence’s story, and it’s painfully obvious at times that she just has no clue.
And Ti loved this one so much she’s the reason I bought the book. You should go check out her review.
I can’t decide if I want to read this one or not. It sounds interesting, but I think the similes and such would get to me, too.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..The Untelling, by Tayari Jones =-.
I haven’t read much about this book, but I do like the way you were so engrossed with it and that it was such a good read for you. I am going to have to do some more research on this one to see if it’s for me, but thanks for the great review, I appreciated it!
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett – 304 pgs =-.
Jill…..so glad u loved this one as it is on my wish list. I think it sounds great! It is funny how us readers cab=n view books differently though. Ti and I both loved Beatrice and Virgil recently, but Alyce detested it
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Friday Finds =-.
I have a feeling I’ll like this one a lot too!
LMAO! One thing is certain, if I want to laugh reading a review I come and visit your blog! If a review like this doesn’t convince a person to read a book then I don’t know what will.
.-= lilly´s last blog ..Show Me 5 – Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith =-.
So, you wouldn’t recognize a simile if one bit you in the butt … but would you recognize a cockroach?
.-= Dawn – She is Too Fond of Books´s last blog ..Weekend Cooking: *A Tale of Two Marthas* =-.
I eavesdropped a little on Bookfool and BookLady’s conversation about this one. I’ve been considering whether it’s something I would like, tempted, but unsure. I am glad you liked it so much, Jill. Looks like it’s going to end up on my wish list.
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Spotlight Series Review: Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter =-.
Well I hadn’t heard of this book before and your review makes me interested in reading it!
What is this TLC book tour thing? The link didn’t work
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..My Top Ten … Picture Books =-.
So glad you liked it. I can’t wait to hear Minrose Gwin on Blog Talk Radio tomorrow. I have a meeting but I am going to try to squeeze it in.
.-= Ti´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon: Busy, but Fun =-.
I’m not sure if I’ll be in a hurry to read this one, but will certainly pick it up for a look at the bookstore (if I see it there) to decide which camp I think I might fall in.
.-= Valerie´s last blog ..“Government Girl”, a Memoir by Stacy Parker Aab =-.
I’m starting this one tonight–and hope I love it as much as you do since I have to review it yet this week so must read it quickly! Or dislike it as much as Rebecca so I only have to read half of it before I give it up. Either response seems to be possible from the reviews I’ve been reading.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Folly Beach by Karen White =-.
I just won this one in a giveaway and it came in the mail today. once I get a few other half-read ones out of the way I’m going to be diving right in. I tend not to read more than a handful of reviews of any one book, so the TLC thing hasn’t overwhelmed it for me. yet,
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead =-.