Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye. Not sure why I have any of these!
The Burning Girl by Claire Messud
Summary: Julia and Cassie have been friends since nursery school and shared everything. But as the girls enter adolescence, their paths diverge and Cassie sets out on a journey that will put her life in danger and shatter her oldest friendship.
I’m thinking: Maybe (beach read?).
Ties by Domenico Starnone
Summary: The rupture in Vanda and Aldo’s marriage lies years in the past, but if one looks closely enough, the fault lines are evident. It may shatter at the slightest touch – or perhaps it has already, and nobody is willing to acknowledge the fact.
I’m thinking: Not sure (one of those samples which only has an introduction).
Chasing the King of Hearts by Hanna Krall
Summary: After the deportation of her husband to Auschwitz, Izolda Regenberg has only one aim: to free her husband. Her race to beat fate might appear absurd to others, but not to her, and she trusts only herself.
I’m thinking: Yes (I usually avoid Holocaust fiction but this is based on a true story and by all reports, is meticulously researched and faithfully written).
I tend to avoid Holocaust fiction too, but Peirene are usually a sound choice, I’ve never had a bad read from them.
Chasing the king of Hearts is an amazing read. At the time I read it, I hadn’t clocked it was based on a true story. That makes it even more amazing!
I enjoyed Ties which begins with a brilliant, explosively angry letter from the wife. I reviewed it if that might help make up your mind.
I’m not a fan of Holocaust fiction but its Peirene so maybe? I do like Clare Messud’s writing so that would be a yes from me.