Helpful Score: 3
The story is complex. As the reader you are not quite sure of understanding everything that is happening (and this is done on purpose - you will understand in the end). I would say it would appeal more to women then to men.
There is a manuscript that was written by Aunt Eva, and parts from that manuscript are read at the beginning of some of the chapters. The manuscript talks about the Lace Reading - so the 'readings' are mentioned but they are not the main focus of the story.
The author describes modern day Salem and how the witch theme has taken over much of the atmosphere of Salem, MA -- even though being a witch in the 1800s lead to the death of many people, tourists flock to Salem to 'celebrate' this tragic event. That is not the main theme of this book but it does wind around in the plot.
I liked the story.
Since I listened to the story from the audiobook, I would like to comment on the narrator. As anyone who has listened to a number of 'books on tape', you know that some of the narrators are better than others. I thought that Alyssa Bresnahan did a very good job and I would definitely listen to other books that she has read.
There is a manuscript that was written by Aunt Eva, and parts from that manuscript are read at the beginning of some of the chapters. The manuscript talks about the Lace Reading - so the 'readings' are mentioned but they are not the main focus of the story.
The author describes modern day Salem and how the witch theme has taken over much of the atmosphere of Salem, MA -- even though being a witch in the 1800s lead to the death of many people, tourists flock to Salem to 'celebrate' this tragic event. That is not the main theme of this book but it does wind around in the plot.
I liked the story.
Since I listened to the story from the audiobook, I would like to comment on the narrator. As anyone who has listened to a number of 'books on tape', you know that some of the narrators are better than others. I thought that Alyssa Bresnahan did a very good job and I would definitely listen to other books that she has read.
Helpful Score: 1
A compelling read about a family of strong and troubled women who live in and near Salem, MA. I wish I had read this instead of listening to it. The reader did a fine job, but I think I missed some things. I will definitely be thinking about this one for a while. There are dark themes and issues along with wonderful imagery and writing.
I enjoyed this tell of a family of women who could read futures in lace. It has a bit of a mystery to it. A bit predictable, but enjoyable.
I really liked this book. I grew up in a town bordering Salem so the vivid descriptions of the area held my interest on their own. Unlike other reviews I've read here and on Amazon I did catch all the clues and figured out the ending about half way through. Perhaps it was because I was listening to the audio version and was truly engaged by the reader or just because I like this genre. I actually think this made it more enjoyable to me. With each clue I was more and more satisfied that I knew the twist coming at the end.
