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A Whisper of Smoke
When family secrets emerge that could destroy her and the boy she loves goes to war, will Susanna find the strength to protect her heart and redeem them all? Four-time award winner A WHISPER OF SMOKE delivers a coming-of-age love story that is rich and deeply sensitive, and "reminds us how exciting, beautiful and painful growing up really is."
In 1960's Kentucky, Susanna is the responsible one in the family, always looking out for everyone else. But when secrets emerge that threaten to tear her family apart, Susanna's had enough and all she wants is to escape. She retreats to the sanctuary of the farm next door and her friendship with Calvin who, in her mind, represents everything she believes her family isn't -- true, honorable, good -- and she can't help but fall for him. But then Calvin deploys to Vietnam, in love with someone else and even more out of reach than ever.
In the meantime, things at home go from bad to worse, just as Susanna's sense of honor, and fault, are challenged by Calvin's experiences in war. Now, even as her love for Calvin threatens to destroy her, she finds herself at a crossroads - continue running away or face the awful truth, and it all boils down to a choice between fear and hope.
Appealing to a wide range of fans, from those who love books by Sue Monk Kidd and Wally Lamb to Kristin Hannah and Nicholas Sparks, A WHISPER OF SMOKE will grab your heart and leave you breathless. Winner of the 2015 National Indie Excellence Book Award for Women's Fiction, the 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Women's Fiction, the 2014 Maggie Award for Excellence and the 2014 Heart of Denver Aspen Gold Award, and Finalist for the 2015 International Book Award, A WHISPER OF SMOKE is a "beautiful, heart-wrenching story." - K. Westrope, Author
TRIGGER WARNING: Mild depiction of childhood sexual abuse.
In 1960's Kentucky, Susanna is the responsible one in the family, always looking out for everyone else. But when secrets emerge that threaten to tear her family apart, Susanna's had enough and all she wants is to escape. She retreats to the sanctuary of the farm next door and her friendship with Calvin who, in her mind, represents everything she believes her family isn't -- true, honorable, good -- and she can't help but fall for him. But then Calvin deploys to Vietnam, in love with someone else and even more out of reach than ever.
In the meantime, things at home go from bad to worse, just as Susanna's sense of honor, and fault, are challenged by Calvin's experiences in war. Now, even as her love for Calvin threatens to destroy her, she finds herself at a crossroads - continue running away or face the awful truth, and it all boils down to a choice between fear and hope.
Appealing to a wide range of fans, from those who love books by Sue Monk Kidd and Wally Lamb to Kristin Hannah and Nicholas Sparks, A WHISPER OF SMOKE will grab your heart and leave you breathless. Winner of the 2015 National Indie Excellence Book Award for Women's Fiction, the 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Women's Fiction, the 2014 Maggie Award for Excellence and the 2014 Heart of Denver Aspen Gold Award, and Finalist for the 2015 International Book Award, A WHISPER OF SMOKE is a "beautiful, heart-wrenching story." - K. Westrope, Author
TRIGGER WARNING: Mild depiction of childhood sexual abuse.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
117 people are currently reading
1740 people want to read
About the author
Angela Hoke
3 books66 followersAngela is the author of upmarket (i.e., book club) women’s/contemporary fiction. Her award-winning novels explore coming of age, generational secrets, and redefining self as well as unrequited love, dysfunctional families, and living with mental illness (among other themes), but always with an empathy that respects the complexity of the human experience and a huge helping of heart. While she spent many years working her way up the corporate ranks in accounting and finance, writing has been her passion ever since she wrote, edited and distributed a neighborhood newspaper at the age of eight (which, incidentally, was a big success until an exposé written based on sketchy facts shut her down for good). A Whisper of Smoke was her debut novel, and winner of the 2015 National Indie Excellence Book Award for Women's Fiction, the 2014 GRW Maggie Award for Excellence (women's fiction with strong romantic elements), the 2014 Heart of Denver Aspen Gold Award (women's fiction with strong romantic elements) and the 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Women's Fiction. It was also a finalist in the 2015 International Book Awards for Women's Fiction. A Painted Lily was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2017 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Angela's most recent women's fiction novel, Missing Pictures (released in 2021), is "a raw, emotional foray into the harrowing and yet hilarious capriciousness of mental illness... a novel that can meet you at your darkest moment and give you the power to decide to save your own life." She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her family, a neurotic but sweet Yorkie, and a Black Lab rescue who slobbers and hogs the bed. To learn more about Angela and her books, visit angelahokeauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 2, 2014
I did not expect much from this book at all. Before this, I was going through quite a few books that couldn't really hold my interest. This one held my interest and then some. I was thoroughly engrossed from the very first page.
Angela Hoke's writing allowed me to delve deep into each scene and feel every single emotion Susanna felt. All the characters in this book felt real and every scene felt raw, and none of them dominated over the other for my attention. I felt like each individual piece of this beautiful story was equally important. There wasn't a single page I wanted to skim over (and for someone who has a short attention span, I always get the urge to skim). This book is a bit longer than the average book I usually read, but I wanted to (and did) greedily devour each word and treasured every page.
Calvin pretty much summed up my reaction during the last few chapters:
"Should I admit to you that I'm blubbering at this point? Not so anyone can hear, but I find myself weeping that painful silent weeping, shedding streams of tears..."
I genuinely loved everything about this book. The characters were well-developed and the plot was well-thought-out. 10 years in the making? It shows!
Thank you, Angela Hoke, for sharing your story. I am so incredibly lucky to have gotten to read this book and own my own copy. It's—without a doubt—something I would recommend to others.
March 1, 2014
This is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story of young Susanna, coming of age in the 60s. It deals with love and loss, friendships (fleeting and lasting), family relationships, loss of innocence, and oh, so much more. Every character is well-written, and the situations portrayed are very realistic. It explores some deep issues, handling them with great finesse and care. I couldn't put it down. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think about my own life - my own family and losses. And in the end, it provides hope that one can overcome the tragedies that life throws at us. I'd barely finished reading it and I've already recommended it to two people. Now I am recommending it to you.
March 11, 2014
Exceptionally well-written and constructed, characters are well-developed and there are plenty of curveballs that prevent it from becoming a predictable "genre" novel. Will definitely read this author again!
May 9, 2016
First off, I want to say that I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for a totally honest review. Thank you Goodreads and Angela Hoke!
If there was ever a book that was more my cup of tea to win in a giveaway, I'd die of shock. I loved many of the small details scattered throughout the story that contribute to the story. The portrayal of a real dysfunctional and yet loving Catholic was probably the most accurate I've ever seen in any media. I am Catholic, and so this tiny detail excited me. Ms. Hoke made a part of the story without heavy religious debate or analyze between characters. I also enjoyed the setting of the novel, which was around the time of the Vietnam War. It isn't a time period that is written about much so I enjoyed another perspective on history.
When it comes to characters, I have to give Ms. Hoke a huge round of applause. I loved Susanna. I loved her wit, her insecurities, and the steady head she seemed to have on her shoulders. I loved how she matured and grew but still retained the essential thing that makes her her. Susanna was so real that I had flashbacks to the beginning of high school, to those awkward moments with the boy I liked. Her experiences with boys rang very true, and though I wouldn't market this as a young adult novel, Ms. Hoke clearly understands what being a young person is like and how they react to certain events. Hank and Annabel were adorable, and even though Lorelai drove me crazy at times, I understood her frustrations. Shelly served as excellent comedic relief when needed and held her own as an excellent best friend to Susanna. The parents in particular were very interesting complicated characters.
When I got further into the novel and discovered the letters, I groaned. I remember complaining to my friend, "I hate when writers do this!" What an idiot I am. The letters were possibly my favorite part of the novel. They were beautiful, eloquent, and made me want to write someone a love letter. They were not your standard "letter to *insert cheesy romance here*". There was tension and flirting and so much emotion going on in them that I blushed a bit.
Of course, Susanna has not one but three love interests in the novel. The first one you'll cheer to see gone (heaven knows I did), and so I won't spend much time on him. The other two however... Susanna has been in love with Calvin for years, but he has a girlfriend. Things start to heat up between them through their letters, and some boundaries are blurred. Then you have Daniel. I adore Daniel. I want a Daniel. He is a musician who absolutely adores Susanna, who doesn't mind when she mourns another man, who doesn't mind any of the stuff she has done or her messed up family. The minute Daniel came on the scene, I had little patience for Calvin. Still, he held a place in my heart because he held a place in Susanna's.
I had a few minor problems with A Whisper of Smoke. I felt like there were too many subplots going on . Another minor thing was the flow of the novel. The timeline was occasionally confusing, and sometimes certain chapters felt stilted. I also feel like the epilogue was a bit too much though cute. I would've liked to see more development in Daniel and Susanna's relationship because obviously it was a good one, but most of the time is spent on her and Calvin.
A lovely debut novel and especially so for a self-published author! With a little bit of polishing, I can see this being a bestseller!
P.S. Angela Hoke, I really appreciate the thank you card and signing my book. I've scrapbooked the card!
If there was ever a book that was more my cup of tea to win in a giveaway, I'd die of shock. I loved many of the small details scattered throughout the story that contribute to the story. The portrayal of a real dysfunctional and yet loving Catholic was probably the most accurate I've ever seen in any media. I am Catholic, and so this tiny detail excited me. Ms. Hoke made a part of the story without heavy religious debate or analyze between characters. I also enjoyed the setting of the novel, which was around the time of the Vietnam War. It isn't a time period that is written about much so I enjoyed another perspective on history.
When it comes to characters, I have to give Ms. Hoke a huge round of applause. I loved Susanna. I loved her wit, her insecurities, and the steady head she seemed to have on her shoulders. I loved how she matured and grew but still retained the essential thing that makes her her. Susanna was so real that I had flashbacks to the beginning of high school, to those awkward moments with the boy I liked. Her experiences with boys rang very true, and though I wouldn't market this as a young adult novel, Ms. Hoke clearly understands what being a young person is like and how they react to certain events. Hank and Annabel were adorable, and even though Lorelai drove me crazy at times, I understood her frustrations. Shelly served as excellent comedic relief when needed and held her own as an excellent best friend to Susanna. The parents in particular were very interesting complicated characters.
When I got further into the novel and discovered the letters, I groaned. I remember complaining to my friend, "I hate when writers do this!" What an idiot I am. The letters were possibly my favorite part of the novel. They were beautiful, eloquent, and made me want to write someone a love letter. They were not your standard "letter to *insert cheesy romance here*". There was tension and flirting and so much emotion going on in them that I blushed a bit.
Of course, Susanna has not one but three love interests in the novel. The first one you'll cheer to see gone (heaven knows I did), and so I won't spend much time on him. The other two however... Susanna has been in love with Calvin for years, but he has a girlfriend. Things start to heat up between them through their letters, and some boundaries are blurred. Then you have Daniel. I adore Daniel. I want a Daniel. He is a musician who absolutely adores Susanna, who doesn't mind when she mourns another man, who doesn't mind any of the stuff she has done or her messed up family. The minute Daniel came on the scene, I had little patience for Calvin. Still, he held a place in my heart because he held a place in Susanna's.
I had a few minor problems with A Whisper of Smoke. I felt like there were too many subplots going on . Another minor thing was the flow of the novel. The timeline was occasionally confusing, and sometimes certain chapters felt stilted. I also feel like the epilogue was a bit too much though cute. I would've liked to see more development in Daniel and Susanna's relationship because obviously it was a good one, but most of the time is spent on her and Calvin.
A lovely debut novel and especially so for a self-published author! With a little bit of polishing, I can see this being a bestseller!
P.S. Angela Hoke, I really appreciate the thank you card and signing my book. I've scrapbooked the card!
January 25, 2014
Angela Hoke skillfully handles some very sensitive issues and wraps them in a story filled with tender emotion, painful secrets and events so relatable you are drawn into the characters as though you were there. A story of identity, dysfunction, and surviving love; it touches on themes authentically captured from growing up in the 60's and the Vietnam era. "A Whisper of Smoke" held me captive right from the beginning through to the surprising finish. The author asks some tough questions of her readers at the end of the book, questions her readers will want to ask themselves.(less)
March 2, 2014
What can I say, but this book grabbed me from the first and kept me enthralled until the last sentence. Although this book deals with sensitive issues and coming of age, it is very thought provoking. I loved it. This is my first read by Angela Hoke, but hope to read more. I was blessed to win this book on Goodreads from the author. Thank you, I wasn't disappointed.
October 27, 2014
How to review this book... I'm seriously struggling with it! I've even waited a few days to write my review because my emotions are still all over the place when thinking about Calvin and Susanna's story. They very well may be like this forever due to the angst Ms. Hoke has caused in my heart. So I'll just list my thoughts, rambling as they may be, and you can make of it what you will.
First of all, it was a really well written book. The characters were believable and there was enough background to help the reader understand the motivations. The plot moved at a perfect pace and though it was odd that Calvin and Susanna's story started at such a young age, it helped to establish how well they knew each other. The closeness that comes with growing up next to someone basically your whole life. I'm not very familiar with the Vietnam War but I assume Calvin's letters were pretty par for an honest recounting to someone he trusted. The "life lesson" is even one worth noting and carrying with you despite finishing the book. All in all, it would totally warrant a 5 star rating.
That being said, I just couldn't do it. And for purely selfish reasons. It didn't end the way I wanted. That's all there is to it. It didn't have a bad ending, just not the one I had my heart set on coming to fruition. I suppose it hit a little too close to home... Boy from Kentucky, joins military, long time best friend with hidden romantic feelings, ships passing in the night... But damn it! I wanted MY happily ever after! Oh well. That's the only reason I marked it as 4 stars. Like I said, make of it what you will.
If you're looking for a Sparks-esque type storyline, look no further. Just be sure to have tissues handy. I cried, laughed, got pissed, and smiled all in the same hour. It's definitely an emotional roller coaster of a book but the love story and friendship make it totally worth it.
First of all, it was a really well written book. The characters were believable and there was enough background to help the reader understand the motivations. The plot moved at a perfect pace and though it was odd that Calvin and Susanna's story started at such a young age, it helped to establish how well they knew each other. The closeness that comes with growing up next to someone basically your whole life. I'm not very familiar with the Vietnam War but I assume Calvin's letters were pretty par for an honest recounting to someone he trusted. The "life lesson" is even one worth noting and carrying with you despite finishing the book. All in all, it would totally warrant a 5 star rating.
That being said, I just couldn't do it. And for purely selfish reasons. It didn't end the way I wanted. That's all there is to it. It didn't have a bad ending, just not the one I had my heart set on coming to fruition. I suppose it hit a little too close to home... Boy from Kentucky, joins military, long time best friend with hidden romantic feelings, ships passing in the night... But damn it! I wanted MY happily ever after! Oh well. That's the only reason I marked it as 4 stars. Like I said, make of it what you will.
If you're looking for a Sparks-esque type storyline, look no further. Just be sure to have tissues handy. I cried, laughed, got pissed, and smiled all in the same hour. It's definitely an emotional roller coaster of a book but the love story and friendship make it totally worth it.
April 10, 2015
I always wonder if I've done the right thing in giving a 5 star rating....what if a truly sensational, life changing book comes along? Can't give it a 5 and a half, after all. However, I hate living always hedging my bets that something better will come along, plus I think it's a set-up for disappointment, soooooooo....5 stars it is for Whisper of Smoke.
It's the story of Susanna and her dysfunctional (not in a "good" way) family. It's not a light read with predictable challenges and a fluffy, happy ending. Those books have their place, but this book doesn't go there. It's an emotional book, full of the turmoil, passion and righteous indignation of adolescence and a crash-course into adulthood. It's about the fact that happiness is more of a choice than a state that just appears, settling lightly around you and making everything grand. It is about the hard work that a choice to be happy is. It's also a book about selfless love for someone with very real human weaknesses and the ways that it will challenge you again and again. The way that love is also....wait for it....a hard won choice.
It's a story I'm really glad I read. It made me feel. Pick it up and give it a chance :)
It's the story of Susanna and her dysfunctional (not in a "good" way) family. It's not a light read with predictable challenges and a fluffy, happy ending. Those books have their place, but this book doesn't go there. It's an emotional book, full of the turmoil, passion and righteous indignation of adolescence and a crash-course into adulthood. It's about the fact that happiness is more of a choice than a state that just appears, settling lightly around you and making everything grand. It is about the hard work that a choice to be happy is. It's also a book about selfless love for someone with very real human weaknesses and the ways that it will challenge you again and again. The way that love is also....wait for it....a hard won choice.
It's a story I'm really glad I read. It made me feel. Pick it up and give it a chance :)
April 22, 2015
First of all I have to say that I almost deleted this book from my Kindle when I read the reviews from the others... But some inner voice was telling me to give it a try. So why not? And as I was finishing the book, I told myself that it is one of the best I have ever read. Seriously, it had a great impact on me, on my soul. I was crying all the morning (it started from around 80% of the book) and it was even more than when I was reading the Sophie´s Choice written by William Styron. I especially love the main protagonist Susanna, her thinking and I was feeling very sympathetic to her suffering. I did not have easy adolescence as many of us, but we should realize that we have to move on and forget everyone... I think that this is also the main goal of this story.
I am really happy it is possible to get so good inspiring books for free (I bought it for free in Sep 2014). I highly recommend it to everyone, even to men.
Thank You, Angela Hoke! I am looking forward to reading Your next books.
I am really happy it is possible to get so good inspiring books for free (I bought it for free in Sep 2014). I highly recommend it to everyone, even to men.
Thank You, Angela Hoke! I am looking forward to reading Your next books.
March 14, 2014
No other book has ever hit as close to home as this book. The dysfunctional family. The inappropriateness. The passion. The friendships. The turmoil.
My friend Irene recommended this to me. She promised angst and angst I got. And I'd stopped reading for a while. I'm so glad that I bought this book.
I loved the witty comments that Susanna had. Her matureness, even at such a young age. The relationship with Calvin. Oh my sweet and tender Calvin. And Shelly! That perfect best friend a girl can have. She's someone you look up to. Somebody far away and at a grasp as well. I loved Shelly even if she didn't appear as much in the story.
Even magical, enigmatic mama. This was such a magical read. Important topics are raised. Even church. I didn't know people prayed that much. I can keep going on and on. GO READ THIS BOOK. EVERYONE. A+ writing by Hoke.
My friend Irene recommended this to me. She promised angst and angst I got. And I'd stopped reading for a while. I'm so glad that I bought this book.
I loved the witty comments that Susanna had. Her matureness, even at such a young age. The relationship with Calvin. Oh my sweet and tender Calvin. And Shelly! That perfect best friend a girl can have. She's someone you look up to. Somebody far away and at a grasp as well. I loved Shelly even if she didn't appear as much in the story.
Even magical, enigmatic mama. This was such a magical read. Important topics are raised. Even church. I didn't know people prayed that much. I can keep going on and on. GO READ THIS BOOK. EVERYONE. A+ writing by Hoke.
July 15, 2015
I really, really enjoyed this book. It's a coming of age story about Susanna who is beautiful and spunky. She has an odd mother and a devoted father. She is the second of four children, the youngest she practically raised herself. The bulk of the story takes place during the Vietnam War. Her beloved Calvin goes off to war right after she has declared her complete and undying love for him which is unrequited. She commits to being at least his friend while he is fighting and writes him faithfully. Her letters are fantastic. (I wish she were real so I could know her. ) she learns some giant life lessons through love and loss. She learns to forgive after truly seeing herself in her mother. She helps begin to heal family wounds. She is the person everyone looks up to. Loved the story and characters and I want more. I didn't want it to end!!
March 4, 2014
I just finished A Whisper of Smoke and I really enjoyed this story! It was a well written story that drew me in with it's character development and the repectful way it dealt with a very uncomfortable topic. There were several situations going on in the book, yet nothing felt rushed or forced and the story lines were easy to follow. I will read from this author again!
December 23, 2014
whisper of Smoke
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this great book. It tells of a family challenges dealing with family betrayal and grief and their abilities to face challenges and loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this great book. It tells of a family challenges dealing with family betrayal and grief and their abilities to face challenges and loss.
December 22, 2014
What a wonderful book! It was heart wrenching in its honesty and sometimes brutal in its realness (is that even a word?). I loved every second of it even when it made me cry!
May 5, 2018
A Whisper of Smoke, what to say?
Well at first I thought it was going to be a run of the mill coming of age love story,with our protagonist Susanna falling in love at the tender age of thirteen with the boy next door. It then follows the formula when it appears Calvin, the object of her affection, does not reciprocate in quite the same way. We accompany Susanna through her adolescence with the pain of unrequited love, trying to bury her feelings whilst discovering her burgeoning sexuality with other boys her age, and then a family event throws a more sinister light upon Susanna's home life.
It's complicated to say the least, and when this event, which I won't reveal the nature of, seems to blow over and be forgotten by most of the characters I was left wondering why that element had been introduced in the first place....just to throw the reader off course? To add a bit of spice to the mix? No. You discover that at this particular point in Susanna's life, her complicated relationship with Calvin is paramount, as no doubt we can all remember from our awkward adolescence.
This 'event' does however feature later on which adds a level of complexity to Susanna's journey into adulthood and that is what pushed the novel up into the above average category for me. I have read some novels where tantalising tit bits are left like a trail of breadcrumbs only to lead nowhere. A Whisper of Smoke doesn't do this. Every aspect of the story is eventually addressed properly and it all comes together as we follow Susanna into adulthood. This is one of those books that sounds pretty average when you read the premise (which is why I sometimes choose not to do this) however it blossoms and comes into it's own the deeper you get into the story. It's definitely worth the read. 4 stars.
Well at first I thought it was going to be a run of the mill coming of age love story,with our protagonist Susanna falling in love at the tender age of thirteen with the boy next door. It then follows the formula when it appears Calvin, the object of her affection, does not reciprocate in quite the same way. We accompany Susanna through her adolescence with the pain of unrequited love, trying to bury her feelings whilst discovering her burgeoning sexuality with other boys her age, and then a family event throws a more sinister light upon Susanna's home life.
It's complicated to say the least, and when this event, which I won't reveal the nature of, seems to blow over and be forgotten by most of the characters I was left wondering why that element had been introduced in the first place....just to throw the reader off course? To add a bit of spice to the mix? No. You discover that at this particular point in Susanna's life, her complicated relationship with Calvin is paramount, as no doubt we can all remember from our awkward adolescence.
This 'event' does however feature later on which adds a level of complexity to Susanna's journey into adulthood and that is what pushed the novel up into the above average category for me. I have read some novels where tantalising tit bits are left like a trail of breadcrumbs only to lead nowhere. A Whisper of Smoke doesn't do this. Every aspect of the story is eventually addressed properly and it all comes together as we follow Susanna into adulthood. This is one of those books that sounds pretty average when you read the premise (which is why I sometimes choose not to do this) however it blossoms and comes into it's own the deeper you get into the story. It's definitely worth the read. 4 stars.
November 9, 2022
A whisper of smoke by Angela Hoke is a beautifully written coming of age love story that is set in 1960's Kentucky.
A family has painful secrets that remain unspoken and the novel tells us how exciting but painful growing up in a disfunctional family really is.
The story was well written and the characters were believable.
Angela is a beautiful writer and I truly recommend a whisper of smoke to other readers. I look forward to reading more by Angela.
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
A family has painful secrets that remain unspoken and the novel tells us how exciting but painful growing up in a disfunctional family really is.
The story was well written and the characters were believable.
Angela is a beautiful writer and I truly recommend a whisper of smoke to other readers. I look forward to reading more by Angela.
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
April 9, 2019
Touching
This book is about love and loss. Ideals and dreams. Hopes and disillusionment.It's not a light read but so worth it.
This book is about love and loss. Ideals and dreams. Hopes and disillusionment.It's not a light read but so worth it.
March 9, 2019
A thought-provoking story about love, war, family, abuse. I like the author's writing style.
January 30, 2014
Review by BookReview.com:
"A Whisper of Smoke" by Angela Hoke is ... an A. If you've already read far too many dysfunctional family [novels], do yourself a favor and read just one more. First person narrations are difficult to pull off; just how much time do you want to spend in someone's head? But Hoke is a terrific writer. Here she sets the scene where [16] year-old Susanna's dearest friend and greatest love, Calvin, arrives at a party with "his (gag) girlfriend."
" When I first saw her, the girl had been holding Calvin's hand in both of hers (an awkward grasp given that she was standing just behind him to one side), but Calvin had needed his hand to describe whatever it was he was talking about. When he let her hand go, it was clearly unconscious, but it eft her looking lost. Like a pathetic little puppet, her head imperceptibly bobbed as she seemed transfixed on the position of his hands. And her hand twitched as though it wanted to snatch his flying one out of the air and calm it back down into submission."
Susanna's friend Shelly catches her eye, smiling widely. "I rolled my eyes and then rubbed my nose with my middle finger, clandestinely flipping her the bird."
That's the Susanna we love, because (here it comes, the age-old cliché but it's true) Hoke shows us what's going on and we're right there with her. And what a delightful, foolish, funny, believable girl Susanna is. Her mother is "capricious" to say the least, her father the "one constant," her steady boyfriend's only redeeming characteristic is his less than faithful affection for her, she writes poetry and steadfastly fails algebra, and there is a bad uncle. And there is Viet Nam back in the days before the "volunteer army" so if you can't get a deferment you might as well sign up before they draft you.
This is in many ways a sad story... After a particularly heinous experience, Susanna hardens to her parents who have, although not forgiven, still continued to accept the perpetrator as a member of the family. Hoke wants us to know how Susanna learns to live with all these things, honorably, honestly, kindly, but here the author loses her crisp sense of scene and character and too often tells instead of shows. It takes a comparable experience with someone whom Susanna loves dearly and could never give up, to make her realize the paradoxes in family love. Standing in the kitchen doorway, watching her mother and younger sister baking, Suzanna clears her throat:
" 'Mama,' I said, and she turned to me in surprise. 'Can I help?' I asked, my voice tentative.
And it was a beginning."
Bookreview.com also finds it the perfect ending, but you may not. By all means read "A Whisper of Smoke" and decide for yourself.
"A Whisper of Smoke" by Angela Hoke is ... an A. If you've already read far too many dysfunctional family [novels], do yourself a favor and read just one more. First person narrations are difficult to pull off; just how much time do you want to spend in someone's head? But Hoke is a terrific writer. Here she sets the scene where [16] year-old Susanna's dearest friend and greatest love, Calvin, arrives at a party with "his (gag) girlfriend."
" When I first saw her, the girl had been holding Calvin's hand in both of hers (an awkward grasp given that she was standing just behind him to one side), but Calvin had needed his hand to describe whatever it was he was talking about. When he let her hand go, it was clearly unconscious, but it eft her looking lost. Like a pathetic little puppet, her head imperceptibly bobbed as she seemed transfixed on the position of his hands. And her hand twitched as though it wanted to snatch his flying one out of the air and calm it back down into submission."
Susanna's friend Shelly catches her eye, smiling widely. "I rolled my eyes and then rubbed my nose with my middle finger, clandestinely flipping her the bird."
That's the Susanna we love, because (here it comes, the age-old cliché but it's true) Hoke shows us what's going on and we're right there with her. And what a delightful, foolish, funny, believable girl Susanna is. Her mother is "capricious" to say the least, her father the "one constant," her steady boyfriend's only redeeming characteristic is his less than faithful affection for her, she writes poetry and steadfastly fails algebra, and there is a bad uncle. And there is Viet Nam back in the days before the "volunteer army" so if you can't get a deferment you might as well sign up before they draft you.
This is in many ways a sad story... After a particularly heinous experience, Susanna hardens to her parents who have, although not forgiven, still continued to accept the perpetrator as a member of the family. Hoke wants us to know how Susanna learns to live with all these things, honorably, honestly, kindly, but here the author loses her crisp sense of scene and character and too often tells instead of shows. It takes a comparable experience with someone whom Susanna loves dearly and could never give up, to make her realize the paradoxes in family love. Standing in the kitchen doorway, watching her mother and younger sister baking, Suzanna clears her throat:
" 'Mama,' I said, and she turned to me in surprise. 'Can I help?' I asked, my voice tentative.
And it was a beginning."
Bookreview.com also finds it the perfect ending, but you may not. By all means read "A Whisper of Smoke" and decide for yourself.
March 20, 2014
Let me first say that I have read many coming of age novels over the years. None have hit me quite like this one. There were so many elements of this book that I could personally relate to on some level. Maybe not the exact same situations but similarities. Susanna was such a wonderful character and I loved her from the start of the book. I actually really loved all the characters in the book.....except Chip, I didn't care much for him. The relationship between Susanna and Calvin was one of the most heartfelt, beautiful, heartbreaking ones I have read in a long time. They just seemed so real. Their letters back and forth had me laughing, thinking and down right sobbing at the end. I don't want to get to into the book itself because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone else. This is a definite must read. I put this book on the same shelf as some by my favorite authors (Wally Lamb, Jodi Picoult and John Steinbeck). Bravo Angela Hoke on this amazing book. Calling it a great book actually doesn't do it justice. This is a complete work of Art!
October 1, 2014
Angela Hoke paints beautiful pictures with words- pictures that transport you to where the characters are, and you can see what they see, feel what they feel. This beautifully written coming of age book caught me up and did not let me go. The characters are well developed, with a vast array of personalities, some that you'll love and others that you'll despise. At the center of the book is Susanna. We get to follow her as she grows up from a young girl to a young woman. We learn of her joys and her sorrows, but more than anything we learn of her capacity to love. This is a book I will read again, and I recommend it highly.
March 17, 2014
I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Whisper of Smoke was very enjoyable. I was so into this book that I found it hard to put it down even when I was falling asleep involuntarily from being up all night! I love books like that….the ones that you know you need to sleep but don’t want to leave the world you are in. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone and I will be reading more of Angela Hoke’s books in the future! You should really check this book out!
A Whisper of Smoke was very enjoyable. I was so into this book that I found it hard to put it down even when I was falling asleep involuntarily from being up all night! I love books like that….the ones that you know you need to sleep but don’t want to leave the world you are in. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone and I will be reading more of Angela Hoke’s books in the future! You should really check this book out!
July 24, 2015
Wow! What a great book! This book is really well written and totally took me by surprise. I loved all the characters and thought they were well developed. There is clarity in the way the author captures the true dysfunction of this family but also of most families, to varying degrees. Calvin's family has its wrinkles too and they are woven into the story seamlessly.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
June 3, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Angela Hoke even though it definitely falls outside my normal area of interest. I was pleasantly surprised at just how engaging the story was and the entire novel was extremely well-crafted. Angela's attention to detail and brilliant characterization gave the novel a really authentic feel without going overboard on the cultural references.
November 8, 2014
I found myself not wanting to put this novel down, A Whisper Of Smoke is a well written book that is well worth your time to sit back and ride through the emotions Angela Hoke will bring out in you.
A coming of age tale set during the Vietnam war era, that touches on many hardships and joys that go along with the struggles of growing up.
I look forward to more from this author.
A coming of age tale set during the Vietnam war era, that touches on many hardships and joys that go along with the struggles of growing up.
I look forward to more from this author.
October 1, 2014
Experience is a wonderful teacher
this is a book about understanding, how family and life can cause you happiness and pain and chew you up and spit you out lost and confused or stronger for it. As Susanna grows from childhood to motherhood her experiences shape her into a whole woman,the kind of wife and mother anyone would be proud of.
this is a book about understanding, how family and life can cause you happiness and pain and chew you up and spit you out lost and confused or stronger for it. As Susanna grows from childhood to motherhood her experiences shape her into a whole woman,the kind of wife and mother anyone would be proud of.
October 1, 2014
I started reading "A Whisper of Smoke" as a break from my usual reading genre and I soon found myself reverting back to theses times in my own childhood in the 60s and 70s. Angela Hoke has given us a well written story of growing up, finding love, embracing friendship, coming to terms with death and family secrets. Be warned, tissues should be at the ready. I enjoyed this book VERY much.
April 23, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads. This is my honest review.
I had really high hopes for this book. The story outline interested me, but I felt that the story didn't flow well. I was disappointed with the lack of detail in some parts of the story. Overall, it felt vague.
I had really high hopes for this book. The story outline interested me, but I felt that the story didn't flow well. I was disappointed with the lack of detail in some parts of the story. Overall, it felt vague.
May 5, 2014
Heartbreaking, honest, and captivating.
This book caught me off guard. It's a great story. I was so immersed in their lives while I read, I missed them when the book ended. Life is life. Enjoy!
This book caught me off guard. It's a great story. I was so immersed in their lives while I read, I missed them when the book ended. Life is life. Enjoy!
October 7, 2014
Interesting. Toward the end it seemed a bit rushed and I didn't care for it as much as the rest of the book. Liked the letters and Susanna being such an 'old soul'. Glad I read it and would recommend it!
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