Tara’s Favourite Books of 2021

The Handmaid’s Tale – by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to, and going beyond, the repressive intolerance of the original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men in its population.

The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment’s calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusions. The Handmaid’s Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and a tour de force. It is Margaret Atwood at her best.

MY REVIEW:

I listened to the audiobook for this book and was blown away at how well Elizabeth Moss brings this story to life. I have seen the mini-series, which prompted me to go back and read this classic. It still scares the crap out of me how this could (and still may) happen in today’s society. Would I have found this book as compelling without Elizabeth’s voice? Maybe not. But I loved this ‘thriller’ all the same.

The Seven Husband of Evelyn Hugo – by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

MY REVIEW:

I was a bit reluctant to read this book. So many people on the Facebook forum for the challenged hailed it as a must read and there were a few others they were hailing that I just didn’t agree with. Did I swim against the current? I decided I’d see what it was about and I’m really glad I did. I couldn’t put this one down. I loved the way it was written. It was a story within a story and it drew you in, made you question what was next. But best of all, it took you back to a time when Hollywood was fabulous.

The Island of Sea Women – by Lisa See

Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends who come from very different backgrounds. When they are old enough, they begin working in the sea with their village’s all-female diving collective, led by Young-sook’s mother. As the girls take up their positions as baby divers, they know they are beginning a life of excitement and responsibility—but also danger.

Despite their love for each other, Mi-ja and Young-sook find it impossible to ignore their differences. The Island of Sea Women takes place over many decades, beginning during a period of Japanese colonialism in the 1930s and 1940s, followed by World War II, the Korean War, through the era of cell phones and wet suits for the women divers. Throughout this time, the residents of Jeju find themselves caught between warring empires. Mi-ja is the daughter of a Japanese collaborator. Young-sook was born into a long line of haenyeo and will inherit her mother’s position leading the divers in their village. Little do the two friends know that forces outside their control will push their friendship to the breaking point.

MY REVIEW:

I love books that take you into the lesser known history of Asian countries (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, also a Lisa See novel, is such a book and one I still think about). This book is heartbreaking. You can imagine the struggles, the love, the poverty, and the connections in every page. Oh, but the strength of these women! It’s incredible. This book is based on real stories and it makes me want to know more about that era. Get out the tissues with this one.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.

MY REVIEW:

I love books about women with gumption and this novel is no exception. You can feel every part in this book.Her struggles. Her ingenuity. Her strength. But it was the vibrancy of the setting that captured me. This book is so rich in colour, sounds, and smells. It brought India to life for me.

Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb

The body was left in a dumpster like so much trash, the victim a woman of no fixed address, known for offering paper flowers in return for spare change—and for keeping the cops informed of any infractions she witnessed on the street. But the notebook where she scribbled her intel on litterers and other such offenders is nowhere to be found.

Then Eve is summoned away to a nearby building site to view more remains—in this case decades old, adorned with gold jewelry and fine clothing—unearthed by recent construction work. She isn’t happy when she realizes that the scene of the crime belongs to her husband, Roarke—not that it should surprise her, since the Irish billionaire owns a good chunk of New York. Now Eve must enter a complex world of real estate development, family history, shady deals, and shocking secrets to find justice for two women whose lives were thrown away…

MY REVIEW:

If you’ve been following me a while, you’ll know I’m a HUGE J.D.Robb fan. This is #53 in the Eve Dallas series. And even though I know the structure of the story, it’s the characters that draw me back in. I want to know what happens in their lives next… Eve and Roarke are a strong duo and they have a dynamic that works. But it’s the rest of the characters I love just as much… I mean, Peabody and I would be besties in real life. I know that. I’ll keep reading these as long as Nora Roberts keeps writing them (Her writing as J.D. Robb is completely different than her usual books.) Now, time to pre-order #54.