Long Story Short: lots of echoes, very little books.

Finally, a fiction book that breaches the topic of antisemitism in the 1940s USA – a great way to foster its discussion.

I really liked the idea behind book empathy – some people are sensitive enough to touch an object and feel emotions from its past. Granted, the book part earned most of my interest in this case. Sadly, it was more of an initial plot device to be used only as the plot demands than an actual integral part of the story. By the end of the 430 pages, it makes a feeble reappearance to remind readers that it has been there all along when the protagonist is sharing her ability with her love interest.

It has “books” in the title, the main character recovers and sells old books, and the only physical plot device is indeed a book. But on the topic of books, that’s pretty much it. The focus shifts completely to the story behind the book that Ashlyn, the protagonist, is reading and where her quest to find out more leads her. Romance, mystery, social critique – everything feels but halfway done. An exception is due when it comes down to Ashlyn’s traumatic experiences, as the author clearly couldn’t decide between an abusive marriage, a traumatic divorce, or witnessing the death of a soon-to-be ex-husband. So, she chose all the above. It would have been more passable if these instances had been better explored, rather than merely used as – again – a plot device for an extra layer in romance building. It became increasingly frustrating and boring, especially because every issue got solved so easily. Their point besides plot reasons is beyond my comprehension. The literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter did not help at all; they quickly became an insistent reminder that this was supposed to be a book about books, and it became a doomed romance.

Content Warnings

A review by dany_casimiro The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

Long Story Short: lots of echoes, very little books.

A review by dany_casimiro
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis