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The Lace Reader (Salem, #1)

Brunonia Barry

Discussion: November/December 2008

Discussion leader: LynnB

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November/December 2008

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
By Jenn · 44 posts · 74 views

last updated Jun 20, 2010 10:53AM

The Lace Reader, by Brunonia Barry
By LynnB · 7 posts · 25 views

last updated Jun 12, 2010 10:32PM

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What Members Thought

Sep 14, 2009 Wallace rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

Let me start by saying that although this book is a New York Times bestseller, there have been mixed reviews from people who have read it. You must remember that bestseller lists portray how many people are buying it, but does not take into account how much people like it once they've read it. It's true, bestsellers are helped by word of mouth, but many are made by publicity and having the right reviewer (or celebrity) endorse the title. On GoodReads, The Lace Reader has received less than stell Let me start by saying that although this book is a New York Times bestseller, there have been mixed reviews from people who have read it. You must remember that bestseller lists portray how many people are buying it, but does not take into account how much people like it once they've read it. It's true, bestsellers are helped by word of mouth, but many are made by publicity and having the right reviewer (or celebrity) endorse the title. On GoodReads, The Lace Reader has received less than stellar reviews. The Washington Post review, however, tells us that this is the first in what will be a three part series. Knowing this, going in, helps the reader to understand that not all of our questions will be answered and neatly wrapped up by the last page of this first novel.

That being said, I loved it. Perhaps it was because I have just fallen into major crush-mode over Salem, Massachusetts. The book is somewhat a tribute to the town and, having just been there, reading the prose extended my visit. Though the town is what drew me into the story, the characters and plot held me there. Combine magic, generations of women, and a mystery that I have to figure out and I'm pretty much hooked. This book is darker than many would imagine by hearing the title, so please don't open it thinking you are going to hear about frilly lace and girly sagas. The narrator, Towner, is a woman with a disturbed past, and a highly influenced present because of it. Many reviewers tell you to take her at her word from the beginning of the novel when she states that she is a liar and can't be trusted, but that won't help you figure out the ending. The truth is Towner is trying to survive a heartbreaking foundation without having all the pieces to make her well. It isn't until the end of the book that she, and the reader, begin to figure out what exactly happened to her. So rather than think of her as a liar, think of her as a confused person telling you a story to the best degree that her befuddled memory can portray. Yes, there are parts of this book that are not clear (and, as I mentioned, the ending does not answer every question), but that is because the narrator is not clear about her life. She is as much in the dark about the big picture as we are. Hopefully that, and knowing that there is more to come in the story (by way of the next two novels), will help you appreciate the ebb and flow in this web of a story instead of becoming frustrated by trying to be Sherlock Holmes.

My advice to you; read it. But sit back, relax, and don't work too hard. Let the story wash over you and remember that there is more to come. There will be enough answers to satisfy your biggest queries, even if you are left wondering about some of the details. ...more

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Dec 16, 2009 Cherylann rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-club-choices, feminist-themes, magical-realism, mystery-thriller

Because Sophya/Towner tells the reader that she can't be trusted because she lies all the time in the opening pages of the book, I found myself taking a doubting/questioning stance throughout my reading of the book. I was never sure whether I was getting the whole story or some shade of the story. I also found myself wondering how the past, present, (and future) were going to blend together in this novel. Barry's combination of foreshadowing and flashback helped me start to piece together what I ...more

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May 17, 2011 Landis rated it it was amazing

mental illness, family secrets, twin death, psychology, the role certain places have in our collective unconscious. interesting book that puts you inside the questions but doesn't give you answers. it was so much more than I was expecting. ...more

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Dec 05, 2009 Lisa Hickman rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery-thrillers, bookmarks-2008, busy-as-a-bee-books

This story really grabbed me at the start and teased me with the unreliable character of Towner. I thought the mystery surrounding her past was well-done, but I had a problem with some of the present day situations, mainly the description and actions of the Calvinists. I thought some of it was too far-fetched, otherwise I liked it very much.

Bookmarks Issue: 37-Nov-Dec-2008

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