More summer reading

The Angels of Morgan Hill is a novel from the New York Times Bestselling Author Donna VanLierre

1940’s.  Coloured individuals begin to integrate into a small town ‘white’ Christian community.  Some are welcoming, some are not.

‘Angels’ is a satisfactory read.  Although the story, setting and characters are appealing at first glance, the author chose to highlight one of the only climactic moments about 50 pages into the book.  From that moment on, the story seems to slither and dodge past potentially wonderful gems of possibilities which never occur.  It was clear that the author chose to keep the story ‘safe’ by allowing the predictable.  The courageous choices made by certain characters saved the storyline and assisted in making the novel readable.  But, the reality of those times was lost by merely skimming the surface with intent to wrap up and create a tight and pretty ‘package’.

The majority of characters are well-developed; however, there was a total lack written about the one and only antagonist that we the reader ever found out about.  This character could have been much more entwined in the story - why was this person causing trouble?  What was the history behind chosen actions?  Where did they come from?  Why did they hate so badly?  Major hole.

Perhaps the 228 pages was a factor in the author’s absence of literary development?  

Thankfully, one of a few redeeming qualities of the novel rests with the protagonist Jane and her spit-fire and feisty personality.  The majority of the novel is from her perspective but occasionally and jarringly the author switches to a third person narrative.  This allows the reader to understand scenarios of the story that Jane has not seen or experienced, but makes for a fairly bumpy path while reading.  

I should mention for anyone who comes across this post, this ‘review’ is simply my thoughts and not derived out of malice towards the author.  I should also note, I am NOT a professional reviewer.  Please don't forget to hashtag or comment on your favourite summer reads below!  I'd LOVE to see what you're reading and really need to get some 'greats' under my belt.

Kate

xoxo