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February 24, 2005
The Wild Swans by Peg Kerr
If you like fairy tale retellings, then this story of the Wild Swans (originally by Hans Christain Andersen) is definitely a must read. It is the story of Eliza, an English country lass and her travails as she goes from the England to the New World to break the spell placed on her brothers. It is also the story of Elias, a young man trying to make a living in New York City after his family disowns him.
The book is well written and characterized, but the best thing is the transitions. Each chapter deals with either Eliza or Elias, and they alternate, making this a good book to read while commuting. Peg Kerr works hard to make the transition from one chapter to the other seamless, so that the switch between characters and time periods is not jarring.
Just a warning though. I have cried my way through the last couple of chapters and the author's afterward every time I have read this book. It is incredibly touching without being overly sappy and romantic.
Posted by Seanna Lea at February 24, 2005 08:54 AM