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Madame Sorel's Lodger
Finalist for The Bridge Book Award 2026Before the legend, there was a village that loved him.
A tormented artist arrives in a village in southern France to begin painting again. He stands before a house with blue shutters, hoping the change of scenery and brilliant colors of the countryside will calm the buzzing in his mind.
Madame Sorel, a formidable widow, runs a respectable and orderly boarding house. She finds this artist puzzling. Weighed down with canvas, easel, and a sailcloth bag filled with brushes and paints, he hurries out in his shabby clothing each morning, leaving a trace of footprints on the dusty street. His presence stirs something in her, something held back for many years.
Others in the village befriend the artist, including Gretchen, the young housekeeper guided by her tender feelings for the painter, and Luc, the salt-of-the-earth farmer who hides his demons behind amiability and hard work. No one understands the artist—what he sees, how he paints, or why he stays—and their confusion increases as he becomes increasingly erratic, plagued by forces growing out of his control. As his time in the village hurtles toward a stunning, fateful end, all those touched by his visions are altered forever.
A bold exploration of the encompassing drive of creativity, the power of art, and the bonds of community and friendship, MADAME SOREL’S LODGER explores what it means to follow or hide your heart and how these choices, in the end, are what make us human.
"One of the truest representations of the true Artist that we have."—Gary, Goodreads reviewer
A tormented artist arrives in a village in southern France to begin painting again. He stands before a house with blue shutters, hoping the change of scenery and brilliant colors of the countryside will calm the buzzing in his mind.
Madame Sorel, a formidable widow, runs a respectable and orderly boarding house. She finds this artist puzzling. Weighed down with canvas, easel, and a sailcloth bag filled with brushes and paints, he hurries out in his shabby clothing each morning, leaving a trace of footprints on the dusty street. His presence stirs something in her, something held back for many years.
Others in the village befriend the artist, including Gretchen, the young housekeeper guided by her tender feelings for the painter, and Luc, the salt-of-the-earth farmer who hides his demons behind amiability and hard work. No one understands the artist—what he sees, how he paints, or why he stays—and their confusion increases as he becomes increasingly erratic, plagued by forces growing out of his control. As his time in the village hurtles toward a stunning, fateful end, all those touched by his visions are altered forever.
A bold exploration of the encompassing drive of creativity, the power of art, and the bonds of community and friendship, MADAME SOREL’S LODGER explores what it means to follow or hide your heart and how these choices, in the end, are what make us human.
"One of the truest representations of the true Artist that we have."—Gary, Goodreads reviewer
- GenresHistorical Fiction
165 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 15, 2025
“The ordinary, the everyday, contains so much life and where there is life, there is energy and art. The simplest object is filled with a myriad of colors and movement. Nothing is still. No, everything vibrates. That is what life is, Madame. That is what it means to be alive.”
This quote by the “Artist” in Tracy Wise’s superb novel is a fine example of what Wise has done here with the written word. She’s created the kind of atmosphere that makes the ordinary seem extraordinary, like the way the shadows dance along the stone walls of an old church, or how the wind carries the scent of honeysuckle, reminding you of a summer love from your youth.
Wise’s novel is rich, lush, and never quite still. It’s a place where the air vibrates with life, where every object, no matter how mundane, pulses with energy and art. The simple things become kaleidoscopes of color, movement, and sound. You can’t stop watching and listening because it’s impossible not to feel it in your bones. And it’s all thanks to Wise’s masterful touch. The words here don’t stumble. They move like a slow river, winding around sharp bends, gliding over smooth stones, never rushing but always sure of their path. It’s the kind of writing that’s so smooth it almost feels effortless, like the narrator’s voice has been soaked in the hours of a thousand sunsets. There’s not a misstep, not a wrong turn. It’s clear Wise put in the work. It’s the kind of book you feel in your chest, the kind of book that reminds you what it means to be alive.
Then there’s the story, and I tell you--there are some stories you can’t help but get lost in, and this one swallows you whole. There’s a haunting familiarity to the Artist who walks through these pages, a man who never speaks his name but whose presence hangs over everything like a clouded sky. If you’ve ever stood before a Van Gogh and felt the ache of color in your gut, if you’ve ever wondered about the man behind the paint, then this book is for you. It’s fiction, yes, but it feels real--too real. And that’s what makes it sing.
Wise takes us into Vincent’s final days, and though the man’s name never slips through the words, you can see him in every stroke of description, every sigh of the world around him. The Artist is Van Gogh, though Wise makes him her own--tender, broken, and maddeningly beautiful. And like the best kind of art, you can feel the pulse of the man in every scene. I could almost hear the brushstrokes against the canvas, and see the pain and joy interwoven in every creation. It’s as though the artist himself is standing there, just out of reach, his eyes bright with fevered genius. She weaves his paintings into the fabric of the novel, making them living, breathing things that bleed into the world around them. Descriptions are so vivid you don’t just read them, you see them. There’s the swaying yellow of the sunflowers, the wild wind of the wheat fields, the twisting, tortured sky that hums with a strange energy.
But what struck me most, what kept me reading past my bedtime, was how Wise handles the end. She doesn’t give us the legend, the tired myth that’s been told a thousand times. Instead, she offers us something more: a version of Vincent’s final days rooted in new discoveries, new understandings of his life and death. Undoubtedly she believes the new findings that biographers Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith included in their book, “Van Gogh: The Life”. It is a much better and more logical story than the legend, and I was very pleased to see a version of it in this outstanding novel. I believe Wise has written one of the truest representations of the true Artist that we have.
This quote by the “Artist” in Tracy Wise’s superb novel is a fine example of what Wise has done here with the written word. She’s created the kind of atmosphere that makes the ordinary seem extraordinary, like the way the shadows dance along the stone walls of an old church, or how the wind carries the scent of honeysuckle, reminding you of a summer love from your youth.
Wise’s novel is rich, lush, and never quite still. It’s a place where the air vibrates with life, where every object, no matter how mundane, pulses with energy and art. The simple things become kaleidoscopes of color, movement, and sound. You can’t stop watching and listening because it’s impossible not to feel it in your bones. And it’s all thanks to Wise’s masterful touch. The words here don’t stumble. They move like a slow river, winding around sharp bends, gliding over smooth stones, never rushing but always sure of their path. It’s the kind of writing that’s so smooth it almost feels effortless, like the narrator’s voice has been soaked in the hours of a thousand sunsets. There’s not a misstep, not a wrong turn. It’s clear Wise put in the work. It’s the kind of book you feel in your chest, the kind of book that reminds you what it means to be alive.
Then there’s the story, and I tell you--there are some stories you can’t help but get lost in, and this one swallows you whole. There’s a haunting familiarity to the Artist who walks through these pages, a man who never speaks his name but whose presence hangs over everything like a clouded sky. If you’ve ever stood before a Van Gogh and felt the ache of color in your gut, if you’ve ever wondered about the man behind the paint, then this book is for you. It’s fiction, yes, but it feels real--too real. And that’s what makes it sing.
Wise takes us into Vincent’s final days, and though the man’s name never slips through the words, you can see him in every stroke of description, every sigh of the world around him. The Artist is Van Gogh, though Wise makes him her own--tender, broken, and maddeningly beautiful. And like the best kind of art, you can feel the pulse of the man in every scene. I could almost hear the brushstrokes against the canvas, and see the pain and joy interwoven in every creation. It’s as though the artist himself is standing there, just out of reach, his eyes bright with fevered genius. She weaves his paintings into the fabric of the novel, making them living, breathing things that bleed into the world around them. Descriptions are so vivid you don’t just read them, you see them. There’s the swaying yellow of the sunflowers, the wild wind of the wheat fields, the twisting, tortured sky that hums with a strange energy.
But what struck me most, what kept me reading past my bedtime, was how Wise handles the end. She doesn’t give us the legend, the tired myth that’s been told a thousand times. Instead, she offers us something more: a version of Vincent’s final days rooted in new discoveries, new understandings of his life and death. Undoubtedly she believes the new findings that biographers Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith included in their book, “Van Gogh: The Life”. It is a much better and more logical story than the legend, and I was very pleased to see a version of it in this outstanding novel. I believe Wise has written one of the truest representations of the true Artist that we have.
January 10, 2025
A quietly emotional book. Although the Artist is never mentioned by name, it becomes very clear as the book progresses that we are following the life of Vincent Van Gogh. I have been a fan of his art for as long as I can remember and seeing his artwork always invokes an emotional response. I adored how Wise gave voice to some of his most famous pieces, I’ll never look at Café Terrace at Night in the same light again.
I knew the whole time where this book would end, Van Gogh’s life is one of infamy and sadness. However, this book does not focus on that. Instead of his troubles, he is painted as a man of talent, with a love for the outdoors and a want to fit in and find his place. Along the same vein as Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, Wise has created something beautiful here. Instead of being a book about Vincent Van Gogh, this is a book about art and life and friendship. I’m very grateful to have stumbled across this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #MadameSorelsLodger #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I knew the whole time where this book would end, Van Gogh’s life is one of infamy and sadness. However, this book does not focus on that. Instead of his troubles, he is painted as a man of talent, with a love for the outdoors and a want to fit in and find his place. Along the same vein as Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, Wise has created something beautiful here. Instead of being a book about Vincent Van Gogh, this is a book about art and life and friendship. I’m very grateful to have stumbled across this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #MadameSorelsLodger #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2025
"Madame Sorel's Lodger" by Tracy Wise is one of those rare literary gems that feels like a delightful surprise. If I’d had the time, I would have devoured it in a day—but I’m glad I didn’t. Reading it slowly over a few days let me savor its beauty. The storytelling is elegant, with each word carefully chosen. There are no overly elaborate passages trying to impress—just simple, poetic, and genuine prose. This book brought me moments of joy and a few of sadness, and while I’m not sure exactly who to recommend it to, I know it’s absolutely worth reading.
February 22, 2025
Highest recommendation, *especially* if you're fascinated by this period in the life and art of the post-Impressionist artist on whom it's based, which it brings to life vividly and thoughtfully. This short novel is haunting and atmospheric, with deeply felt characters. Even though we all know the inevitable "real life" outcome, and even though the book doesn't pretend to be anything like a biography, there are remarkable insights that ring true - for example, about the destabilizing friendship with a certain very dislikeable other artist who comes to town for a visit. These insights and perspectives on known biographical details added an extra zing of surprise and enjoyment to the reader. In short, if you are fascinated by Van Gogh's life and/or paintings, absolutely read this book. And even if not, this is a book to be appreciated for its precise language, tone, characters, and overall form. A wonderful discovery.
February 5, 2025
First of all, thank you LibraryThing, Type Eighteen Books, and Tracy Wise for an arc of this truly amazing story! I read a lot of books. In fact, last year I reached the top 10% of readers in Goodreads, for a total of 101 books read. With that being said, "Madame Sorel's Lodger, by Tracy Wise is one of the best books that I have ever read. The storyline is imaginative, the characters are so well-written, that the reader fully understands their thoughts, actions, and behavior. It was such an enjoyable read, that I had it read in less than a day. I wish Ms. Wise great success with this novel, and I look forward to reading additional stories by this outstanding author!
January 18, 2026
"The Artist arrived on the early morning train from Paris and decided to make his way on foot to the town of A–. It was a glorious day, the morning still in full bloom, the temperature not too hot with the right touch of breeze. A day to walk."
This is a vivid and powerful story based on events in the life of Van Gogh, although he is never named but remains the Artist throughout. The Artist travels from Paris into the French countryside and forms intense connections with the inhabitants of the village where he stays.
I loved this one far more than I expected to. The writing captures how the Artist sees the world differently to other people: when we are closely following his perspective his surroundings shimmer with an intensity that is missing in the chapters following the other characters.
If you are familiar with Van Gogh's style and some of his famous paintings you will catch the inspiration for them, but I think the book benefits by never naming him. Just calling him the Artist draws attention to the way painting consumes him and makes certain events that he is famous for fade into the background.
One thing that made me chuckle was when his paintings were referred to as modern art. Many of the villagers see his style as outlandish and not 'proper art' - this made me want to look again at what we today call modern art and try to understand it more.
The Artist has an intense effect on the people around him, and I felt that effect as the reader too. I quickly formed an emotional attachment to him and felt protective towards him.
This is a very short book but it has so much colour and life that it feels longer. It's Wise's first book, which I find impressive, and I hope she will write something else. I'm definitely here for that. In case you couldn't tell, I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance copy so thank you to the publishers and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a vivid and powerful story based on events in the life of Van Gogh, although he is never named but remains the Artist throughout. The Artist travels from Paris into the French countryside and forms intense connections with the inhabitants of the village where he stays.
I loved this one far more than I expected to. The writing captures how the Artist sees the world differently to other people: when we are closely following his perspective his surroundings shimmer with an intensity that is missing in the chapters following the other characters.
If you are familiar with Van Gogh's style and some of his famous paintings you will catch the inspiration for them, but I think the book benefits by never naming him. Just calling him the Artist draws attention to the way painting consumes him and makes certain events that he is famous for fade into the background.
One thing that made me chuckle was when his paintings were referred to as modern art. Many of the villagers see his style as outlandish and not 'proper art' - this made me want to look again at what we today call modern art and try to understand it more.
The Artist has an intense effect on the people around him, and I felt that effect as the reader too. I quickly formed an emotional attachment to him and felt protective towards him.
This is a very short book but it has so much colour and life that it feels longer. It's Wise's first book, which I find impressive, and I hope she will write something else. I'm definitely here for that. In case you couldn't tell, I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance copy so thank you to the publishers and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
I almost DNF-ed this at about 40% of the way in because I did find myself growing bored. However, I stuck with it and at the 50% mark, I found it became much more interesting. Immediately, I found Tracy Wise's writing captivating (even while finding myself bored with the story) and I think that was the one thing that made it so I continued reading.
After the midpoint in the book, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how invested I became in the Artiste's journey and well-being. There were some things in the mid to later half in the book that I felt were left a little unclear in regards to the relationship the Artiste had with someone in the book (trying to avoid spoilers). I have an idea of what was actually going on, but again, I'm not certain. I don't know if this was the author's intention.
Other than that, I found myself disliking Madame Sorel but understanding her position, particularly during this period in time.
One thing I wish the author did was acknowledge the fact that they took inspiration from Van Gogh's life. I understand this is a work of fiction but as a Van Gogh fan myself (and one who has studied his life and his work), I knew right away this was about his life and I knew the town referenced as A-. Though fiction, I did find a lot of it was in line with his actual life. Enough that I feel he should've been acknowledged.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
I almost DNF-ed this at about 40% of the way in because I did find myself growing bored. However, I stuck with it and at the 50% mark, I found it became much more interesting. Immediately, I found Tracy Wise's writing captivating (even while finding myself bored with the story) and I think that was the one thing that made it so I continued reading.
After the midpoint in the book, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how invested I became in the Artiste's journey and well-being. There were some things in the mid to later half in the book that I felt were left a little unclear in regards to the relationship the Artiste had with someone in the book (trying to avoid spoilers). I have an idea of what was actually going on, but again, I'm not certain. I don't know if this was the author's intention.
Other than that, I found myself disliking Madame Sorel but understanding her position, particularly during this period in time.
One thing I wish the author did was acknowledge the fact that they took inspiration from Van Gogh's life. I understand this is a work of fiction but as a Van Gogh fan myself (and one who has studied his life and his work), I knew right away this was about his life and I knew the town referenced as A-. Though fiction, I did find a lot of it was in line with his actual life. Enough that I feel he should've been acknowledged.
May 19, 2025
This beautifully written, immersive novel would be enthralling even if you didn't know the identity of the "The Artist" (Van Gogh, but we're never told this directly). Wise evokes the setting of small French village and invites the reader into the daily life of the reclusive painter who has arrived and whose presence will, as they say, change everything. The familiar signposts of the Van Gogh's story are perfectly integrated into the narrative but yield unexpected new insights and some "aha"s. Wise's cast is very intentional--each character comes vividly to life. The brilliant ending is so perfectly sewn into the seams of the plot that you want to immediately go back and read it all again! (In my case, I also listened to the audiobook, which the author reads, which gave me an even better understanding of the nuances.) This is a book you want on your shelf to dip into again and again. She takes a story about life we thought we knew and turns it into something deeply personal...which is also something universal. I can't wait for her next book.
January 23, 2025
I enjoyed reading about the Artist who stays in a little French village called A-, at Madame Sorel's lodgings, gets up to paint all day in the fields overlooking a farm, and drinks at the nearby inn. The Artist is short of money, relies on his brother in Paris to send him funds. The Artist, who is subject to strange buzzings in his head that sends him almost mad, cuts off his own ear in one of his frenzies, and later returned from the hospital.
Sounds like the Artist might be modeled after the life of Van Gogh. I am disappointed, though, that there was no mention of the famous artist anywhere in the book, in the prologue, afterword, or acknowledgements.
Sounds like the Artist might be modeled after the life of Van Gogh. I am disappointed, though, that there was no mention of the famous artist anywhere in the book, in the prologue, afterword, or acknowledgements.
November 18, 2025
The Artist arrives in an unnamed village to recuperate. He's out every day painting and makes friends with many of the villagers. Then he runs out of money so he must sell the paintings he has done or get a commission. There is a short period when his paintings are superior but the locals have little use for them. Then the buzzing starts again and he spirals.
A short story but there is a lot in it. I enjoyed it. The description of the countryside is beautiful and I could almost feel the hot sun and breeze. Hopefully this is not the last we will hear from this author.
Trigger , deals with mental health and murder.
Thank you to Lovereading for a free copy to review.
A short story but there is a lot in it. I enjoyed it. The description of the countryside is beautiful and I could almost feel the hot sun and breeze. Hopefully this is not the last we will hear from this author.
Trigger , deals with mental health and murder.
Thank you to Lovereading for a free copy to review.
January 8, 2026
Madame Sorel’s Lodger is a truly beautiful and inspiring novel. From the first page, I was completely drawn into its rich atmosphere and emotional depth. The writing is lyrical, the characters feel alive, and the exploration of creativity and human connection is both powerful and uplifting. This book gently reminds you of the courage it takes to follow your heart and honor your inner voice. I finished it feeling moved, inspired, and grateful for the experience. A heartfelt, unforgettable read that I happily and enthusiastically recommend to everyone who loves meaningful, beautifully told stories.
March 4, 2026
With Madame Sorel’s Lodger, Tracy Wise has created a striking and heartfelt novel that celebrates art, resilience, and the courage to follow one’s heart. The prose is polished and expressive, painting vivid images of both the landscape and the inner lives of the characters.
The dynamic between the enigmatic artist and Madame Sorel is handled with care and emotional authenticity. Every supporting character enriches the story, making the village feel vibrant and real. This is a beautifully composed novel that leaves readers thoughtful, inspired, and uplifted. I warmly recommend it to lovers of literary fiction.
The dynamic between the enigmatic artist and Madame Sorel is handled with care and emotional authenticity. Every supporting character enriches the story, making the village feel vibrant and real. This is a beautifully composed novel that leaves readers thoughtful, inspired, and uplifted. I warmly recommend it to lovers of literary fiction.
March 8, 2025
I got this book from Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program for an honest review. And wow, I was kind of blown away. This is a character study of an artist somewhere in France. It doesn’t say what his malady is, but it seems like maybe bipolar disorder? He sees everything in technicolor but is also plagued by “buzzing” that is only made better by alcohol, not a great combination. It’s a story of overcoming, topped off by a final tragic act in which the artist does one final, selfless act of giving. So good, I hope this is widely read.
March 4, 2026
Madame Sorel’s Lodger by Tracy Wise is a captivating exploration of passion, vulnerability, and the power of community. The storytelling is graceful and evocative, drawing readers into a small village where every character carries hidden depths.
Tracy Wise writes with remarkable sensitivity, portraying the complexities of the creative mind with compassion and insight. The emotional arc is beautifully handled, culminating in an unforgettable conclusion. This is a sophisticated and uplifting literary work that I confidently recommend to anyone seeking a meaningful and rewarding read.
Tracy Wise writes with remarkable sensitivity, portraying the complexities of the creative mind with compassion and insight. The emotional arc is beautifully handled, culminating in an unforgettable conclusion. This is a sophisticated and uplifting literary work that I confidently recommend to anyone seeking a meaningful and rewarding read.
January 18, 2025
Sadly I found this book way to easy to put down! I loved the premise of the story, and it started well. I loved Artiste, always ready to start the day to go out and find a story to paint. For me it didn't last long and I just became bored with it, It took me over a week to read 173 pages!!!
Madame Sorel was rude and controlling, especially of Gretchen, who btw, was a very sweet character. This town is a small and a peaceful one, so they say...
Thank you NetGalley and Type Eighteen Books for the opportunity to read the book.
Madame Sorel was rude and controlling, especially of Gretchen, who btw, was a very sweet character. This town is a small and a peaceful one, so they say...
Thank you NetGalley and Type Eighteen Books for the opportunity to read the book.
April 25, 2025
Words used like brush strokes describe a haunted life of the artist even as mental illness takes over. We feel him view the house with shutters, the fields, and the sunflowers, vibrating with color. Wise doesn't attempt to explain the illness but to let us catch a glimpse of how he may have felt as he livid it; and conversely, how the people around the artist felt about him as he shows them a world they did not know existed.
August 16, 2025
I actually finished this lovely book months ago and neglected to post my finishing date, or a review.
This is a deeply emotional novella about a character very much like Vincent van Gogh, a re-imagined version of the artist's last weeks of life in a village in the south of France. It attuned me to the fine details of van Gogh's expressive paintings and drawings. After reading "Madame Sorel's Lodger," I feel I know the artist in a way I did not before.
This is a deeply emotional novella about a character very much like Vincent van Gogh, a re-imagined version of the artist's last weeks of life in a village in the south of France. It attuned me to the fine details of van Gogh's expressive paintings and drawings. After reading "Madame Sorel's Lodger," I feel I know the artist in a way I did not before.
March 1, 2025
At first the wasn’t sure about this book, then I was slowly captured and transported to southern France. I honestly didn’t know where it was going and was delighted when I figured it out. I enjoyed the audio production and feel that Tracey’s passion truly poured out of her during her recording.
April 8, 2025
This novella was a perfect weekend read. It transported me to the French countryside and told an intriguing story. I'm glad I started this book with no exposure to the story or reviews, and slowly realized that it was inspired by a legendary figure. I highly recommend this book.
March 17, 2026
Madame Sorel's Lodger by Tracy Wise completely pulled me in! The atmosphere is rich, the mystery is subtle but gripping, and the characters feel incredibly real. It’s one of those stories that stays on your mind even after you finish. Truly a captivating read!
February 26, 2025
The audacity to end it like that, the AUDACITY!
May 8, 2025
Fascinating from start to finish. Exquisite language and great story. A real page turner.
December 29, 2025
This book surprised me. Incredible for a debut! The doctor’s kind words and the artist’s re-welcome to the community made me tear up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
Although the main character, "the artist", is never named in this book, it is evident that the author is writing about Vincent van Gogh. I enjoyed this lovely little book. It evoked the ambiance of a small English village of the late 19th century. In fact, the first few pages reminded me of Hardy's novels. This is a sad story that describes the last year or so of van Gogh's life away from Paris, the friendships he forged and his death. The author offers an alternate version of his death that releases van Gogh of any responsibility for his own demise. I don't know enough to know how historically accurate it is, given that all that I've read regarding his death states that the gun shot was self-inflicted. Whatever the cause, the world lost an artistic genius. I highly recommend this book if you like quiet, slow-moving stories that are character-driven.
January 13, 2025
Madame Sorel’s Lodger follows a struggling artist as he moves to a small French town looking for painting inspiration, and sales, so that he can support himself and his art. There, he becomes a part of the close-knit town, finds the inspiration he sought, and works hard to make a go of his painting career. However, his mental state begins to deteriorate, jeopardizing his career and his future as Madame Sorel’s lodger.
Wise’s book is a descriptive slow burn that never sugarcoats its subject matter and also doesn’t glorify its darker themes and moments. Its characters are richly drawn, its development is hopeful yet uncertain, and it begins to transform from a simple fictional tale to something much more real and familiar as it goes on.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/madam...
Wise’s book is a descriptive slow burn that never sugarcoats its subject matter and also doesn’t glorify its darker themes and moments. Its characters are richly drawn, its development is hopeful yet uncertain, and it begins to transform from a simple fictional tale to something much more real and familiar as it goes on.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/madam...
March 15, 2025
What an adorable short story time travel! It described the context well as if I were one of the lodgers too. A fun read!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews