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As I became pulled into the world of Leah Hager Cohen’s newest novel, No Book but the World, I quickly discovered the type of character development that appeals to me the most– emotionally revealing, honest depictions of characters with layers to be peeled away as the pages progress. Soon, I discovered that the primary setting, that of the childhood home of the protagonist and other important characters, could almost be viewed as a character itself, for the important role that it plays both in the development of plot and the understanding of the other characters.
Raised by an idiosyncratic father and a subdued mother, Ava and her brother Fred didn’t experience a typical childhood. Living on the grounds of the defunct school run by her father, their early education consisted of being sent out of their house and into the woods to seek out their own experiences. For years, Ava struggled with the feeling of being an outsider– among the larger world outside her community, as well as within her own family unit. Fred, though never diagnosed with a specific condition, has obvious developmental differences as he goes through childhood, and his differentness is absorbed by Ava as well, as both a physical and emotional responsibility that she must assume. She must be watchful for his physical safety, but she feels her duty truly lies in protecting him from a deeper emotional harm.
In adulthood, Ava finds some success integrating into the “regular” world that she longed for as a child. She marries, she works with young children as a music teacher, and she develops her own life outside of her parents’ realm. But when she finds out that her brother has been arrested and charged with a harrowing crime, her life is put on hold. Ava longs to find the truth, but it is elusive, as is much of Fred’s recent history since the death of their parents. In her heart, she wants to believe that her brother would never be capable of doing what he is accused of doing, but she doesn’t know how to explain Fred to the people who need to know.
I was undeniably taken by this novel, and I know I’ll want to reread it at some point. Emotional connections and disconnections are at the heart of this story, and they aren’t as simple as black or white, present or nonexistent. There are gradations to the ways in which characters formed bonds with other people in the family and in the community surrounding them that made deep and long-lasting impressions in them past their childhoods. There is so much to analyze in this narrative– unique and multifaceted characters, nontraditional educational and parenting methods, and interactions that alternately shock and intrigue. I highly recommend this, though it is not a reading experience to be taken lightly.
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We have one copy of this intense and gripping novel to give away to a lucky reader. Please enter using the widget below. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents.
JAMES LYNAM says
I just love the way the interesting characters are developed.
Mihaela Day says
I love that it touches the relationship between siblings 🙂
Charlotte Padgett says
This author is new to me, but she sounds wonderful. And I was really attracted to the cover.
Deborah Wellenstein says
I have not read this author, and the description of the book makes me want to dig right in!
maya hu says
i have never trie this author and i love to read, o i want to try her out! 🙂
Buddy Garrett says
I would enjoy reading this very interesting book. Thanks.
Donna Hunt says
This sounds like the type of story I usually pick up and can’t put down until it’s finished. Please add me and thank you for the contest!
susan smoaks says
i like that this sounds like a good family novel.
Jonathan Brigden says
I love novels that have to do with families, very appealing to me.
Jacqueline Weiskopff says
The love of a brother and sister is appealing to me.
Danielle hall says
the relationship between siblings seems interesting
Nancy says
I have not read any of this author’s books and I love discovering “new to me” authors. Her characters seem in-depth and interesting.
janelle says
I love reading different books, have never read one of her books and I would love to explore different authors
Anita Yancey says
It sounds very interesting. I like the lenghts that Ava will go to helping her brother. I’d also like to find out if Fred is guilty or not. Thanks for having the giveaway.
Linda Kish says
I understand Fred since I raised a son much like him. I feel for him and would love to read the story.
heta s says
I haven’t read her books so looking forward to this first one.
Heather! says
This just sounds like the kind of story I could be really sucked in to and would have trouble putting the book down. I love an addicting read like that!
JJT says
Siblings are so interesting
Rhonda says
Fascinated by the sibling relationship.
Rhonda says
The sibling relationship fascinates me.
Christine L. says
I myself grapple with feeling like an outsider among my colleagues and acquaintances. I would love to see how Ava dealt with this issue.
Jenna Evans says
I think that the sibling relationship sounds especially compelling to me. Looks like a great read!
anne says
This novel would be unforgettable. I have read this author’s work and enjoyed her books greatly.
Margaret Schultz says
I love the writing of Leah Hagar Cohen so I cannot wait to read this new book. Her writing is magical to me, I love the characters and the feel of the story….
Michelle Boone says
I would enjoy reading about the theme of “other” that is explored in this book. I also know from reading Cohen’s The Grief of Others that she has a writing style which I respect and respond to. She is expert at developing full-bodied characters and I am interested in finding out how unusual childhood upbringing can affect one’s personality and maturity.