A review by katietotallybooked
A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson

challenging emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Mary Lawson is such a wonderful author. I love how her writing is both simple and succinct, while also being stylistically complex and rich. There are parts that really hit me emotionally, even though they were phrased so simply. This book pulled on my heart strings. I deeply cared for Elizabeth and Clara's characters and I empathized with each of them as they navigated their challenges. It is a unique and delightful experience to read a book set in a small Northern Ontario town as a Ontarian. I don't often get that kind of a reading experience. I am happy that I can introduce the Beacock Book Club to Mary Lawson. I remember when I first read Crow Lake in high school. It is a novel that has stuck with me for 18+ years. I don't know if A Town Called Solace will do the same, but I really enjoyed it.   

From Novelist: 
Genre: Relationship fiction; Historical fiction; Canadian fiction
Themes: Chosen family; Life in small towns
Storyline: Multiple perspectives
Characterization: Authentic
Mood: Reflective; Bittersweet
Style: Stylistically complex; Character-driven 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings