Rate this book

Flying Shoes: A Novel (2014)

by Lisa Howorth(Favorite Author)

2.77 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1620403013 (ISBN13: 9781620403013)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Bloomsbury USA

review 1: Better in parts than as a whole. There are quirky, original characters; flashes of great prose; interesting premise; humor - but the book really lacks focus. The style is easily conversational in a way that would be interesting and charming over a drink, but quickly becomes rambly and disorganized in a 300 page novel. There are many unresolved subplots at the end of the book. Further compounding the sense of "lost plot", the book blurbs on the jacket or reviews describe a murder mystery/cold case book, when it is more of a series of character sketches and a monologue on the randomness of life (and death). A reader expecting a plot-driven murder mystery (like I was), will be surprised by the meandering. That said, I would be interested if this author writes something ... moreelse. There is potential for something great. The author just needs to develop plot and theme as well as she develops characters. Bonus points for the homeless character, Teever, and his friendship with Mary Byrd. That part was surprisingly believable and interesting to me. It's rare to read a homeless character who is complex.
review 2: I loved this book, potentially because I felt as if I "knew" many of the characters in it. As a southerner and a Mississippian, the characters were "pitch perfect" to me. The ending I felt was a bit premature. I wanted to see how Evagreen and Mary Byrd's relationship would evolve after both of their tragedies, and how Evagreen's daughter faired the trial. The unsolved murder plot was fascinating, but again I would have enjoyed a little more resolution there too. Overall, an easy read, great characters and a sense of "place" that was captured from start to finish. less

Download links for: Flying Shoes: A Novel

Advertising