The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
paperback 386 pages
published by Flap Jacket Press in 2007 (originally published 2006)
ISBN-13: 9780979159305
Type: {Weekend Read: a book to curl up on the couch with.}
Rating: {I’m Lovin’ It: Very entertaining!}
Why You’re Reading It:
- You love anything magical or witchy
- Stories about New England are your bag
- You’ve been to or want to go to Salem, Massachusetts
- You’re a fan of Brunonia Barry
What I Thought:
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.
By the way, all three novels’ movie rights have been purchased already, and The Lace Reader movie is already listed as in production.
(this review was originally written November 25, 2009 and posted on my old blog, Coconut Library).
I really liked this one too, mostly because of Towner’s unreliability as a narrator. She up an admits it right away! I didn’t know this was the first in a trilogy, or that it would be a movie. Do we know if anyone has been cast yet?
If you liked this, you’d probably really enjoy Katherine Howe’s The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. The same setting, and also having to do with the witch trials. Plus some magic.
I LOVED the Physick Book of Deliverance Dane!
I liked the feeling of this one, but parts of it seemed a bit dramatic to me (overly so). I remember rolling my eyes a few times. I agree with what you said though, if you just let stuff go and let it wash over you it’s an enjoyable read. I was just unable to do that
Hahaha… that’s okay. I know that feeling too. The friend I was reading it with really didn’t care for it, but I liked it. I was in Salem, Mass at the time of reading it, so I think that added a lot. It felt like I was in the story.
I have this one on the shelves and I am ecstatic to hear that it is not light and fluffy. I am not a huge fan of light and fluffy.
No, neither of Barry’s books are light and fluffy. They have easy-to-read elements, so they can be finished quickly without too much brain power, but they are certainly not light themed.
I’ve had this book for a while and have kind of put it on the back burner because of the mixed reviews. I’m glad to see you liked it so much.
Your opening paragraph explains so well why, just because a book is a bestseller, it doesn’t mean a person is guaranteed to love it! However, I do love to read books that are made into movies and this one sounds pretty darn good
I just looked it up again on IMDB and they have taken it down. Wonder if that means no more movie?
Your comments were so right on, corny as that may sound. I was expecting the story to be about lace making. I was disappointed but LOVED the book anyway. I also liked The Map of True Places but not as much as The Lace Reader. I am very happy to hear there is a third book! Movies too, you made my day!!
I was one of those people that didn’t love this book. There was a lot of interesting stuff going on but I really thought that there was actually too much going on. I wondered if Barry had all of these ideas and was just unwilling to hold any of them back. But I wasn’t aware that there were to be other books so maybe she actually did. The ending was definitely a grabber.
I enjoyed this book with the twists, turns and surprises in the story and the setting in Salem and the island where they summered. How neat to read it while you were on the spot! I didn’t realize it was a series, and will have to check out the next book–want to know what happens to those characters. I was a little offput by the “lace reading” which the author apparently completely made up (although the part about lace making is true) but I can still imagine myself in the shop/cafe where it took place…
I’ve picked this one up a few times simply bc of the setting being in Salem and its tie to the witch trials…but I was unsure from the book synopsis as to whether is was going to be “light and fluffy”…I’m not a fan of that either…you’ve convinced me to give it a shot
I really like the idea of a book set in Salem. I’m really interested in Salem but I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that took place there. From the comments it looks like a lot of people enjoyed this book!
I didn’t like this book at all. I found it to be too predictable and I didn’t care for Towner at all. It just seemed like Barry lost her way with the story at some point and so she just finished it. I don’t really get what all the fuss over it was about. I figure, different strokes and all that, right?
I also love books set in Salem, and I have this book on my nightstand. I need to read this one soon. I really enjoyed The Heretic’s Daughter as well, which is very different than it seems that The Lace Reader is, but I adore these sorts of books. Will read soon…!