The Violets of March
Sarah Jio
April 2011
304 pages
Published by Penguin and purchased by me, at the awesome indie, Vromans
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I knew reading this book would be dangerous, and I was right. That’s because it’s set on Bainbridge Island, which is just off of the coast from Seattle, Washington, and I’ve got this thing for islands. I love them. And I especially love stories where people move to islands to start over.
Okay, so our main character doesn’t really move to Bainbridge…she goes to visit her aunt (who really isn’t an aunt…it took me forever and a day to figure out that she was really an old family friend, and so I was a tad confused by a few things until I puzzled this out) and falls into a mystery.
Which means there are two stories going on. There’s Esther, a mysteriously charismatic woman from the past. And there’s Emily, who arrives in Bainbridge to recover from a divorce, but ends up trying to figure out who Esther was and what happened to her, while simultaneously working to regain her writing mojo, falling in love, and trying to figure out her aunt Bee.
It sounds all complicated, but it’s not. It’s an entertaining story, and a good weekend, summery read. It would’ve been even better had I been on Bainbridge.
I would have enjoyed it more had I been on Bainbridge Island as well. Maybe Sarah can work on that for her next book, The Bungalow. It could come with a trip to an island while you read it.
Nicole´s last [type] ..Cool Down With AC – Agatha Christie’s The Pale Horse Discussion
I’m beginning to think I’m the only one in the universe who hasn’t read this yet!
rhapsodyinbooks´s last [type] ..Review of “Forever” by Maggie Stiefvater (Book Three of the Trilogy “The Wolves of Mercy Falls”)
I really would love to read this and visit an island too…someday!
Veens´s last [type] ..It’s Monday!
I also really like stories where a main character moves to a new locale to try to start over. I think I read a Karen White book that used that strategy last year. Sounds like this one would be perfect for my beach bag. Thanks for letting me know!
zibilee´s last [type] ..Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell — 256 pgs
I did read this one on vacation, but I was in the desert of Scottsdale, AZ instead of the glorious Pacific Northwest. Not that AZ isn’t wonderful, but still…
I vote for Nicole’s idea to get an island trip with THE BUNGELOW!! Looking forward to Sarah’s next book regardless. I loved this one.
Kay´s last [type] ..Mailbox Monday (10) – July 11
I haven’t read this yet either but I have been wanting to. I like the idea of the island trip for the next book… what can we do to make this happen?
Sheila (Bookjourney)´s last [type] ..It’s Monday! What Are You reading?
My son’s girlfriend loved this book. She’s in Seattle for the summer and made a trip to Bainbridge Island after she read it. By the way, calling old family friends “aunt” or “uncle” is very common in the South.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last [type] ..Mailbox Monday
Islands are probably the ultimate mystery setting. It’s difficult to get on or off and you’re limited to a small space with a small number of people. Even better: an island as a horror location!
EL Fay´s last [type] ..Arthur Machen, Monstrous Matrons, and Other Eldritch Things Man Was Not Meant to Know
I grew up near Bainbridge Is so I agree that it would be an awesome setting for a book! I need to get my hands on a copy.
Amused´s last [type] ..Mailbox Monday: July 11th, 2011
I really liked this one. I just read an interview with Sarah Jio where she said she has another book coming out soon, and then another one next year. So I’m excited to read more from her!
Heather @ Book Addiction´s last [type] ..Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan
I like islands. And the idea of vacationing on one with a couple good books certainly sounds appealing. Unfortunately, this summer will consist primarily of work and little play for me. So I guess I’ll have to just stock up on some good reading and use that as my getaway.
After I finished it, I sent it to my friend on Bainbridge. It will be interesting to hear how she likes it, given she lives on the island.
Ti´s last [type] ..Review: Pearl of China
I love islands and the mystery and starting over of this one convinced me I need to read it.
stacybuckeye´s last [type] ..Monday Movie Meme – Bring on the Heat
I have a copy of this book. I need to make an attempt to actually pick it up this summer. I may not live anywhere near an island and have no plans of traveling to one this summer, but I wouldn’t mind imagining.
Literate Housewife´s last [type] ..#342 ~ Snakewoman of Little Egypt
I kept this book down after reading a few pages….!But then I read your review on it and picked it up again.This time was totally captivated by the book.Glad read your blog……