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Woman in Red

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We’re seeing red here at 5 Minutes for Books. This is review one of two by Jennifer Donovan. You can find the review of The Little Red Book of Wisdom and the prize winners from last week’s reviews here.

Most of my reading of late has been non-fiction, so it was with a sweet anticipation that I cracked open Woman in Red by Eileen Goudge. It did not disappoint. I was immediately transported into Alice’s world as she leaves prison after serving a nine year sentence for the violent act she perpetrated against the man who killed her son in a car accident, after he got off scot-free. She has become estranged from her son, now a teenager, but she returns to the island to salvage the relationship in spite of knowing that she will be on the receiving end of small-town gossip and raised eyebrows. When he is falsely accused of rape, they rally together.

Alice’s ability to navigate the waters of creating a new life for herself while trying to come to grips with the life that her choices created for her makes a great story. Another interesting feature in this book is the flashbacks looking at her grandmother’s life in the 1940’s. She is the Woman in Red who was once the subject of an artist’s best and least-displayed work. Mystery surrounds both the painter and the painting. Who was this woman? What was their relationship? As the story unravels, many of the novel’s characters are eventually tied together in a series of surprising twists. I have to say that I wish the cover were different. I’m not sure that it would cause me to pick up this novel. The cover art isn’t as I imagine the painting to be, and doesn’t convey the subject as she’s depicted in the novel. Fortunately, I did not judge this book by its cover.

I had never read one of Eileen Goudge’s novels, but this was a keeper. The characters are original yet believable. There are authors whom I know will delight me again and again, but there is always something slightly predictable about the author’s style. Finding a new author is even more of a treat than just reading a new good novel, because in addition to enjoying the story, I’m discovering a new voice. I will now look forward to figuring out the pattern of her style as I read more of her novels. I would rate this PG overall, but there’s one intimate scene that is probably PG-13 (see ratings info here).

The publisher has donated TEN copies of this hardcover book so that some lucky readers can discover Woman in Red for themselves. Please leave a comment if you are interested. The winners must provide a shipping address in Canada or the United States.

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86 Comments

  3. Hi!
    Not sure if this contest is still open but I haven’t seen the winners posted and I just found your fun site.

    Reply

  5. I would love to win this contest! Thanks for the review in any case. It’s good to know of a few good novels when I have a chance to read a book just for pleasure!

    Reply

  7. This book sounds awesome. I love reading and it’s even better when you find a new author! Please sign me up!!

    Reply

  11. I love to read!! This sounds like a great book. I always need a good book to read while I am nursing my little one:)

    Reply

  23. Just finished Ghost by Danielle Steele this morning & would love to read Woman in Red next:) Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply

  49. Sounds like an interesting novel! I don’t do enough “fun” reading! Sign me up to win a copy! 🙂 Thank you, I’m starting a new list… thanks to this regular column here – “Books To Read”

    Reply

  50. I’ve never read any of her work, but this sounds like a good one. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks!!

    Reply

  62. That sounds like a great book! I’m always looking for “new” (to me) authors. Hope to win!

    Reply

  65. I absolutely LOVE to read, and it’s always neat to hear of new good books from someone who cares enough to read and share their honest opinion. Thanks for this! The drawing is a great idea – thanks! ~Jodie

    Reply

  73. I would love to read this book. It sounds great. Thank you for all the info you make available here at 5 Minutes for Mom.

    Reply

  78. This sounds like an interesting read. I was just looking at my bookshelves last night, a little dismayed to not find anything that spoke to me. A new addition would be welcome.

    Reply

  79. This sounds like a great read. I’m sure I can find room for one more book on my shelf somewhere. I would love to be entered.

    Reply

  81. Sounds like a good book for a long winter! Just beginning to read fiction again from time to time, so it’s great to hear about new authors!

    Reply

  82. Sounds like a good book for a long winter! Just beginning to read non-fiction again from time to time, so it’s great to hear about new authors!

    Reply

  83. Sounds like an interesting read. I looking for some good books to read while I recover from my upcoming c-section.

    Reply

  84. This sounds like a good read! Right now I am knee-high in to _Skin_ by Ted Dekker. I will be ready for another book tomorrow!! Thanks for the tip! (I’d love to win one, too, btw!) Have a great Monday!!

    Reply