Play Book Tag discussion

What a stunning beautiful thought provoking book! Alice Hoffman is my favorite go to author and she writes beautifully. This one is written more like a dream. One has to not ask very many logical questions, you sort of have to float through it, and wait for it to tie and weave together.

Alice Hoffman knows about a number of things that powerfully show up in her book. She knows about writers, curses, true and those we give the power to. She knows about the power of books and words. She knows about women, those who are trapped in time, and the confines of time, and those who can create possibilities. And she knows about the immense power of mothers and their children, particularly mothers and daughters.

This one was different than the others. I like that Alice Hoffman writes in a range of genres and for a range of authors and always tries new things. Some readers get upset when a writer changes their formula or style. Others get upset when your books become formulaic. Alice seems to find a way simply to write and let a new kind of story flow and emerge, each different and yet authentically hers. This one is different, and yet it feels seamlessly a part of her cannon. Spiritual, and powerful, and heart rendering, and quietly magical all at once. Bravo, once again. I can't wait to see what comes next. Still keeping my eyes open for you at the Waban Starbucks. All of your coffee is on me.

I’m looking forward to it,

I have it ready to read. Hoffman reminds me of Chris Bojalian who also writes in varying genres.

Agreed. They guest hosted a book talk together about a year ago. Alice Hoffman lives in my town (as do so many of our venerated authors) and I see presenting at all kinds of Independent Bookstores somewhat nearby. Have never been able to go. But there was one with the duo that I found a compelling interest. I really love them both as authors.

I can't believe I didn't have this on my TBR. I have corrected that mistake, thanks for the review!

I can't wait to read it!

I like Hoffman's less magical books and I like time travel but I think maybe I know too much about Hawthorne.

Years ago, I read a dense and long, but very good book called The Peabody Sisters: Three Women Who Ignited American Romanticism. The sisters were neighbors of Hawthorne and helped his career (as well as the careers of multiple other men) and he married the youngest one, Sophia, who was a successful artist in her own right. He was very introverted, maybe not neurotypical, and I'm not sure if Hoffman changed this for her story. I guess I'll have to read it and find out.