Liars: A Novel – Sarah Manguso

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

 


When Jane met her future husband, John Bridges, she was ecstatic. Since she was a writer, she was attracted to him being an artist and photographer. What she didn’t realize was that the demands of being a wife and mother take its toll, and the responsibilities and career aspirations are not shared equally. Also, neither of them was emotionally equipped to effectively live with these demands.

Liars takes us into the complexities of Jane’s fourteen-year marriage, marked by the strain of unequal burdens and thwarted ambitions. This narrative, presented through Jane’s perspective, reveals the cracks in their union and her contempt for John’s behavior.

As the story progresses, Jane realizes that John’s actions may be more than just the missteps of an artist and businessman struggling to find his place. She perceives a deliberate attempt to undermine her, to keep her dependent on him. She even doubts her own worth. At one point he maintained that he is a great artist, and she a “deranged lunatic”. This leads her to question her own sanity. However, she soon realizes that it was simply an attempt to control her.

She refers to John as feeling “entitled”, but initially I felt that she was also guilty of that. Though I was glued to every page, I thought that she was overly dramatic, and held unrealistic views of marriage and motherhood. However, as the story progressed, I realized that was not the case. I developed compassion for her and found her relatable. I don’t know if the author was intentional in creating that shift, but she succeeded masterfully.

Liars is a gripping read that will resonate with those who appreciate realism over romanticized fiction.

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Rakiya -: Stories of Bulgaria – Ellis Shuman

(Reviewed by Don Jung)

Rakiya is a very interesting collection of eleven short stories that feature various characters in bizarre situations that cover some of the history of Bulgaria. Each story has a protagonist
that struggles to find answers to their circumstances. Each is also well written with some of the characters coming back in later stories to enhance the narrative.

The writer describes the scenery of Bulgaria and pictures the culture and the history of a country with vivid descriptions. Each story has a different setting with some historical commentary of a country long forgotten in the modern world. Some are uplifting while some are heart wrenching.

The highlight for me is the story about “Forgiveness.” It portrays elderly 95-year-old Avraham asking for redemption from his involvement in the Holocaust. His call to the son
of an old friend to see him is filled with regret, guilt, and remorse as he tries to
ask for salvation for his sins. It is vivid, intense and gut wrenching to understand
this catastrophe.

Another story explores why Bulgaria aligned with Adolf Hitler and Germany in World War
II, and why the Army refused to send any of the 46,000 Bulgarian Jews to the concentration camps in Germany and Poland. It was unusual protocol to disobey the Nazi command and yet this story explains how it happened.

Another story is about a Tel Aviv resident working in Bulgaria who had to fly back
to attend the birth of his son. Every obstacle hit him as he tried to get to the airport
as flights got canceled but somehow, he was able to make it.

This is a nice introduction to the people and the history of Bulgaria as it has compelling
stories that will resonate long after you finish the last page.

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Blood and Mascara – Colin Krainin

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

“…all the women he had known and loved, the idea of them was there in front of him…and once he had come to love then, had he not carried them about within him forever after, like open wounds?”

May 1997 -Private investigator Calvin “Bronze” Goldberg is obsessed with women and is always falling in love. Hired by a powerful political consultant to spy on his unfaithful wife, Bronze soon finds himself entangled in a series of perilous events. The discovery of a young congressman’s body sets off a chain reaction, leading to more deaths as well as the realization that Bronze himself could be the next target of a paid assassin.

While the plot is undeniably intriguing, it lacks the distinctiveness to truly set it apart from other works in the genre. The most captivating element is the protagonist’s personality. Bronze’s infatuation and obsession with women are central to his character, yet these aspects are not explored as deeply as they could be. This oversight makes the title feel somewhat misleading and underwhelming.

One of the book’s standout features is its gorgeous prose, which provides a striking contrast to the fast-paced crime narrative. The writing elevates the story, expanding the readers’ experience. The supporting characters also add depth and color, particularly like his landlady Iris, who writes romance novels under a pen name, but who’s true aspiration is to write crime fiction.

Still, Blood and Masara remains a solid read for fans of noir crime fiction. The engaging prose and memorable protagonist and supporting characters make it time well spent.

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The Coin – Yasmin Zaher

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

“…in my family, America was both the key and the curse.”

Our narrator, who is from a wealthy Palestinian family moved to New York after her parents died. She was left with an inheritance of which she could only access a small portion. That is, she is only provided with a nominal, strict allowance.

However, that, along with her teacher’s salary, affords her the ability to buy designer clothes and accessories. She is obsessed with style, along with cleanliness, hygiene and a particular coin. What she cannot attain though, is control over her life. Her job as a middle school teacher in a school for underprivileged boys provides her with a certain amount of power that she craves.

We follow her through her strange and often self-destructive relationships with various people, including a trip to Paris with a homeless man, she refers to as “Trenchcoat”. However, these activities and interactions show something deeper.

I appreciate the narrative style, as the story is written as if the narrator is conversing informally with the reader. This approach allows readers to connect deeply with the narrator’s thoughts and emotions, witnessing her struggles and desires firsthand. As we observe her desire to find order and control her surroundings, we see her helplessness, though she does not see it herself. The reader will be astounded by how the story culminates.

The Coin is a quirky yet moving exploration of a woman’s attempt to navigate the intersections of heritage, order, and human connection. It is a must-read for those who appreciate character-driven stories that are as entertaining as they are enlightening.

Author Yasmin Zaher is a Palestinian journalist and I hope to read more from her.

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The Blind Devotion of Imogene: The Misadventures of Imogene Taylor – David Putnam

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

 

It’s 1973, and seventy-five-year-old Imogene Taylor has just been released from the Chino Institute for Women after serving time for second-degree murder. As she returns to her home in California’s Inland Empire, readers are immediately drawn into a world marked by dark humor, quirky characters, and her constant reminiscing about her life with her late husband.

She needs to work to stay out of jail, so she gets a job at Dentco, a store that sells damaged dry goods. However, this ex-con can’t seem to catch a break.

Her parole officer is constantly on her tail just to lure her into violating her parole in hopes of sending her back to prison. There’s too much going on to keep Imogene on the straight and narrow, though. The story quickly picks up pace as Imogene becomes entangled in a series of bizarre and dangerous events.

For instance, a gangster tries to shake her down for protection money, and she helps a neighbor bury a body of a long-deceased woman. Let’s not forget that she is also in possession of a handgun. As all these events occur, she constantly hears the advice of her former cellmate in her head.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character development and the way it plays with appearances. Imogene’s resilient spirit shines through, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist. Also, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that people and events are not what they seem. The author masterfully weaves these twists into the narrative, yielding surprises throughout the story.

The only problem I had with The Blind Devotion of Imogene was a minor yet noticeable flaw. This occurs with the mention of serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy, who were not known to the public in 1973. While this does not detract significantly from the overall story, it momentarily disrupts the historical authenticity of the narrative.

Despite this minor historical inaccuracy, the novel’s strength lies in its ability to surprise and engage, making it a fun and engaging read.

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Bad Tourists – Caro Carver

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional
In this riveting novel, three friends in their forties—Darcy, Camilla, and Kate—embark on an extravagant trip to the Maldives to celebrate Darcy’s lucrative divorce. Since their backgrounds and personalities are very different, we wonder how and why they became friends. We learn soon enough.

Twenty-two years ago, Kate witnessed the aftermath of a mass murder at a Dover hotel, an event that left her with deep-seated survivor’s guilt. However, she cannot escape this past, even with an idyllic trip to the Maldives. As she and others befriend an abused young bride on her honeymoon, memories return, as well as unsettling occurrences.

The chapters skillfully alternate between the perspectives of the four women, spanning past and present. This narrative structure not only keeps the reader engaged but also adds depth to each character’s backstory. The contrasts between their past experiences and present lives enrich the storyline, creating a suspenseful and emotionally charged read.

The lush setting of the Maldives provides a striking backdrop for the unfolding drama. The juxtaposition of the serene paradise with sinister undertones enhances the tension, making the novel a compelling page-turner.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the book is its unpredictable ending. Just when the reader thinks they have figured it out, the story takes an unexpected twist, delivering a conclusion that is both shocking and satisfying. Also, after finishing Bad Tourists, I appreciate the satirical title of the book. It is quite appropriate.

Bad Tourists is a masterful blend of psychological suspense and character-driven drama, set against the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives. If you enjoy stories that keep you guessing until the very last page, this book is for you.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America – Jeffrey Rosen

(reviewed by JD Jung)

The Pursuit of Happiness

“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. But what did the “pursuit of Happiness” mean to the founding fathers? American legal scholar, Jeffrey Rosen uncovers what the “pursuit of Happiness” truly meant to them and others, offering a compelling exploration into their philosophical influences and personal struggles in his book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.

Many followed the Stoic philosophers. For most, it included constantly learning and practicing daily habits that lead to character improvement and growth. This included frugality, moderation, justice, keeping one’s emotions in check, and many other traits that were thought to be that of one with “good character”. Rosen delves in depth on the teachings on writers and philosophers, such as Cicero, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Plutarch (just to name a few).

What I particularly found fascinating was what certain founding fathers had to struggle with. For instance, John Adams realized that he had to work on vanity and controlling his emotions. Frugality was one that many had problems with. That included Thomas Jefferson, who seemed to lack self-awareness. Additionally. Jefferson not only refused to free his sales even after his death, but also berated the talents of Black poet Phillis Wheatley, whereas Franklin and Washington held her in high esteem. “Jefferson’s racism was jarring even by the standards of his time.”

Rosen not only profiles founding fathers, but others such as Wheatley, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass and what the pursuit of happiness meant in their lives.

Rosen teases us briefly with conjecture on what the founding fathers might have thought of today’s populism, threats of mob rule, an extremely divided electorate, polarization in Congress, and pandering politicians. I would have liked to read more on this, but that’s a topic for another book.

The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America ” will resonate with a niche audience interested in American history, philosophy, and political theory. Rosen’s meticulous research make it a valuable addition to any enthusiast’s library, offering profound insights into the foundational principles that continue to shape the American experience. As a member of this niche audience, I eagerly anticipate further explorations from Jeffrey Rosen.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop’s Battle for America’s Soul – Michael Fanone and John Shiffman

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

“What sort of American tries to overthrow democracy? What kind of man becomes so consumed by a false belief that he drives across the country, storms the Capitol, and assaults police officers?”

Those are pressing questions from Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) Officer Michael Fanone, who was almost killed by rioters as he was guarding the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. In fact, he suffered a traumatic brain injury, a heart attack and was diagnosed with PTSD. As a street cop for close to twenty years, he thought that he had experienced all “cruel indifference to human life”, but nothing compared to the hatred he saw from the rioters on that day.

This lifelong Republican describes how he was betrayed by Congress (and he reveals names), The MPD, city administration and worse, the police union. Also, fellow officers turned against him. He also feels that the media was complicit. Journalists twisted his words to fit their narrative and Fox News refused to let him speak on their network.

Michael Fanone’s memoir Hold the Line isn’t just about the January 6 insurrection, but what brought him to serve in law enforcement. He speaks of the unlikely alliances he developed while working undercover vice, like his friendship with a Black transgender sex worker. He also gives his opinions on crime, policing, and training.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading Hold the Line. Most memoirs that I have read tend to be filled with insignificant detail, and the authors tend to lack the ability of self-reflection. This is not the case with this one. I found each element interesting and integral to his life story. This book was difficult to put down.

Though he takes us through his life, he never forgets his mission: to bring “respect for officers who responded to defend the Capitol on January 6, and accountability for those responsible for all those involved in the insurrection.”

A “must-read”.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You – Keir Giles

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional
When I started reading Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You, I thought “I know all of this.”, as I considered myself relatively informed on the subject. However, I am so glad that I continued to read this fascinating, but troubling book. There is so much I was totally unaware of!

British author Keir Giles explains how Russia uses its military, espionage, media, cyber, organized crime, and other methods to accomplish their objectives. In addition to extensive research, he interviewed nearly forty people throughout the world. Among them were professors, diplomats, military officers and soldiers, and cybersecurity experts. They relate their accounts of Russia’s campaign against the West.

In addition to well-publicized attacks, he has included those relatively unknown to Americans, as they have occurred in numerous countries, such as the UK, Sweden, Finland, Australia, and Estonia. He has provided specific examples of electronic warfare, murder, sabotage, intimidation, identity theft, and disinformation. He explains Russia’s role in Brexit and how Russia exploits weaknesses and vulnerabilities in Western countries. Their attacks extend further than traditional targets.

Giles teaches us the history of the government mindset, which traces back to the Russian Empire. Will Russia’s actions change after Putin?

There is a lot of detail in this book, but it is necessary to educate us on the dangers, as well as to convince the naysayers. Which countries have fared better in protecting themselves against Russian influence? How do they continue to accomplish that?

So, what can we and our governments do to protect us against Russian influence? How can we contain Russia within its own borders?

So, if the Russian threat is not on your radar, it should be. If you are not even concerned, after reading Russia’s War on Everybody: And What it Means for You, you will be!

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One of our best revisited:The Riddle of the Sphinx – Alexandre Montagu

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

 

Eric (Keyvan) fled Iran as a child during the Islamic revolution and grew up in Paris. He later studied Comparative Literature at Princeton. That is one scenario. What would have happened if he was forced to stay in Iran? So much of one’s life (or death) is determined by a single decision or act made by either the individual or at the hands of someone else.

As a young boy he questioned his sexuality, but at Princeton he knew what he wanted…Mark. He was so obsessed with him that he couldn’t see any of the warning signs or even the bigger picture.

“…á lifetime wasted in pursuit of meaningless love affairs and enslaved by jealousy; a brilliant but equally unfulfilling social life; and that unflappable monster time, obscure, yet deadly and inexorable, triturating the lives of the characters in the novel”.

“He recalled flashes of an insane and unspeakable love affair that had almost destroyed him and yet felt a yearning for the selfsame feelings of abandonment —the love or the madness that had led him to the edge of doom.”

Whether it was an analysis of Proust’s La Recherche, or Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, Eric could discern the flaws of the characters and the reasons for their ultimate downfall, but he was unable to see this in his own life.

Now as a high-priced New York attorney in a loveless marriage, at age forty-four he is reevaluating his life and the decisions he has made. That is another scenario.

The Riddle of the Sphinx provides several possible outcomes and we keep asking ourselves, “What if…?” Though author Alexandre Montagu does get philosophical, he doesn’t belabor the points. That is, you can enjoy the story simply on its own.

Montagu provides an intelligent storyline without compromising the human or emotion. At all times he is completely aware of the unawareness of his characters. Each one is deftly portrayed, and the images are vivid.

We learn of the history of twentieth-century Iran and how it contributed to Eric’s identity.  Events are described in detail, but they’re never mundane, whether from a personal or historical perspective.

There are so many layers to The Riddle of the Sphinx that it would be a perfect book club read. I am not exaggerating when I say that this one of the best books I have read in a long time.

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