Abacus 2002
246 pages

In 1873, on a small bleak island off the rich fishing coast of New Hampshire, two Norwegian women are murdered in a fit of brutal passion. A third, Maren Hontvedt, escapes to witness a local man's execution for the crime.

More than a century later, Jean, a Boston photojournalist, travels to the island on a research assignment to investigate the murder legend. She stumbles upon Maren's translated memoirs, carefully preserved among the faded photographs, mildewed letters and yellowing guidebooks of the Isle of Shoals archives. As she immerses herself in Maren's poignant tale of love and loss, Jean senses haunting echos of her own fading passion and behaviour...

moving the book to my shelf

Teddyke managed to read the book, but wasn't that exicted about it to keep it at home, so it can continue to travel.

HEP-kirja
Going by mail to Turku.
Hope it will arrive safely and fast!

Have fun reading!

Book arrived safe and sound, thank you Hippolein!

This was a challenging read - I loved that it was based on historical events, but I hated the over-the-top-exaggerated story of Jean's family. Though I can understand the pain and misery in Maren's story, Jean's marital problems were just too much and I lost all interest in her role in the story. Maren's letter, memoir, what ever you call it, would have been enough on itself with Jean's observations on the island today, its' isolated feeling, size and barrenness. Shreve seemed to go into great lenghts while describing everything in details, especially in Maren's childhood. Of course it gave the characters depth, but it also made the story a bit dull - less is more for me. Maybe I've just read too many detective novels, but it was clear to me from the beginning where Maren's recollection was leading to. I hated, absolutely hated the ending! How could anyone destroy something of such historical value?! No matter how symbolic, liberating or completing the act, it was stupid, infuriating and absolutely criminal!

Looking for a new reader at the local meetup!

The name of this book sounded familiar so I took it from the meeting. Thank you Pippis!