Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - A Town Called Solace

Title: A Town Called Solace
Author: Mary Lawson
Genre: Literary Fiction
Rating: 4.5
Pub Date: January 1, 2021

T H R E E • W O R D S

Wise • Human • Absorbing

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Sixteen-year-old Rose has gone missing and her seven-year-old sister Clara is distraught. Clara's only comfort is Moses, the cat she is caring for next door and belonging to elderly Mrs. Orchard who left for the hospital weeks ago, and still hasn't returned. When Liam Kane, a newly divorced man in his mid-thirties moves into Mrs. Orchard's house, Clara cannot figure out why he is there. Nearing the end of her life, Mrs. Orchard wants to make amends for something the occurred thirty years ago.

💭 T H O U G H T S

This was the quiet, character-driven novel I desperately needed. With three distinct and interconnected voices, it's a solid depiction of small town Canada. With beautiful and emotional writing, Mary Lawson creates mystery in this wise, absorbing, and deeply human story.

I'll admit I felt completely invested in the narrative and the lives of each of the three main characters. The characters are the star of the show, with the plot seemingly taking a back seat most of the way. Lawson captures the different stages of life flawlessly in each of the protagonists voices. And of course, I couldn't help but love the addition of Moses the cat.

Overall, I a quietly reflective and compassionate read focusing on grief, remorse, and, of course, love. I was just so touched by this novel in a way I wasn't anticipating and will be looking forward to exploring Mary Lawson's backlist.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone who likes a well-written character-driven novel
• readers in need of a 'quiet' read•

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"Maybe it's a matter of tenses. Of grammar. Our love existed, it does exist, it will exist. On the great continuum of time perhaps it is the tenses that will cease to be."

Content Warnings

wilma_arnesen's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

mzry's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I wish I could give this book a higher rating. I was drawn to it when I saw it on the shelves and ended up devouring it, forcing myself to slow down so I could stay in Solace a little longer.

I loved the perspectives of the characters, how different they can be. Lawson does a very good job fleshing out the characters, making them feel real and relatable, even though they vary greatly. I found myself relating to a 7 year old, an elderly woman, and a middle aged divorced man three chapters in.

You don't have to be related to be family. Family are those you trust, and those who value you.

Here's to Clara, Elizabeth, and Liam Kane,

Keeper of the Fucking Cat

Content Warnings

jrkinyak's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really loved this book. My husband and 8-year-old listened to the end with me and were rapt. It’s lyrical and lovely and has true emotions and describes little moments so particularly and perfectly, and it’s uplifting without being pat or superficial. The worst thing about it, for me, was the fatphobia and body-shaming. I guess Lawson didn’t think fat people would read this and see themselves in her descriptions. It really takes me out of a book when an author treats fat people the way Lawson did.

Content Warnings