Review: The Snow Hare

The Snow Hare by Paula Lichtarowicz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a magnificent story.

Generally, I shy away from stories about people during war, especially if it seems there may be character death. I’m easily triggered by famine, torture, and painful things involving children, so I was a bit anxious from other descriptions and reviews, and as I read, there were hints that these things might be ahead.

The writing was so beautiful I could not stop, however. Lena is a rational, intelligent woman who grew up quickly under circumstances not of her own making. She shakes her fist at a world that continues to deal her shock and disappointment, and endures buffeting by winds of a changing world. But she is rarely afraid, and stands up for herself, choosing her own path when she can - rightly or wrongly. She finds joy and sorrow, love and laughter, and even in her regrets she is still true to her own way of looking at life.

The characters are endearing, even when they’re mildly frustrating. You can clearly see the life they live.

I do not want to spoil and it’s difficult to write about this story without doing so. Do yourself a favor and dive in. Like Lena, Grigori, and the ones they love, you will learn that the secret to life is to fully live in the present moment. To capture the sight of a bird soaring up to the clouds, to savor the taste of delicious food on your tongue, to wrap yourself in the warmth of your loved one. The author delivers these heady experiences and more, and you will not regret living in their world for the time you spend there.

Five glorious stars. This is how literary fiction is done.

***Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Co. for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***

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Book review: Funeral Songs for Dying Girls

I absolutely loved this book. It was written with a clarity and authenticity that is simply too rare these days.

Winifred Bright lives with her father in the cemetery where he works, among quiet tree-lined paths, headstones, and ghosts - real and perceived. When her 16th birthday plans don't quite go over as planned, she encounters an actual spirit in the cemetery, who leads her on an inner journey to self discovery and the opportunity to find closure over her mother's death.

A coming of age story, beautifully crafted, with unique plot twists and finely drawn characters. I was absolutely enchanted with this book and will definitely be looking for more by this author.

***Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for the Advance Reader Copy***