The Indomitable Florence Finch: The Untold Story of a War Widow Turned Resistance Fighter and Savior of American POWs by Robert J. Mrazek. I have not scheduled my review, but I'm still in awe of background of the War in the Pacific and the courage of Florence Finch. An absolutely engrossing story that reveals the failure of MacArthur in defending the Philippines (and his monumental ego), Florence Finch and her determination to risk her life despite the consequences, and many other real people who defied the odds against them.
A wealth of primary sources, books, and other material enabled Mrazek to reveal both personal and historical elements of the War in the Pacific--the battles, loss of lives, and conditions of the Philippines including the last ditch effort on Corregidor, the Battaan Death March, and the occupation of Manila. I've just started a review, but it will be scheduled for closer to the book's June 16th publication date. Nonfiction. Highly Recommended!
Why Writing Matters by Nicholas Delbanco. Another one that I read this month, but publication will be in March, so I'll schedule the review closer to publication. Nonfiction.
A copse of trees, so dense and entangled that getting in is almost impossible, hides a derelict cottage from the early 1900's. Richard Howard wants to clear the copse and plant local trees--leading to the discovery of the ramshackle cottage and evidence that someone has been squatting there. They find a tent and a satchel with photos of a girl who went missing 15 years ago. And eventually, a body.
At the same time, Richard's mother has been receiving some disturbing messages, including an athame, a witch's knife.
Nikki's team is working two cases and there is a staff shortage that is keeping everyone busy. Ellis always writes excellent police procedurals, and this time, she had a number of surprises to keep me off balance as to the identity of the villain.
I love the characters and the complex, skillfully woven narratives in this series. I was also intrigued by a couple of mentions of Nikki's mother and friend Wendy undertaking some historical research in Scotland in an attempt to find out more about an artist mentioned in the last book. The references to this research indicate more of Eve and Wendy in the next book. :)
NetGalley/Joffe Books
Police Procedural. Feb. 14, 2020. Print length: 302 pages.
A good month that ended on a high note!
I've added both The Widows and The Hollows to my TBR list. They both sound wonderful and may be good possibilities for my book group. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteFour favorites in one month is unusual, but each one was excellent in its own right!
DeleteThat is a good month of reading! Lots of books to add to my TBR list. *she sighs* :D
ReplyDeleteThis time of year, so many new books are making their way toward publication. This is one of those time when I have a surfeit of interesting books on my TBR list and feel as if I'll be lucky to get through them all!
DeleteI know exactly how you feel!
DeleteThe book on Florence Finch sounds fascinating. Maybe I will line it up for Non-Fiction November...I always want to participate but rarely manage it. But I love these kind of underdog/against the odds real-life stories. I look forward to your review! :D
ReplyDeleteFlorence was certainly indomitable! The book was interesting in so many ways--her friend Carl Englehart a POW provides much of the story as well, as he kept a notebook during captivity.
DeleteNice month! Hidden on the Fens sounds rather good.
ReplyDeleteI read all of her books as soon as possible. :) This one was a favorite in a series I love.
DeleteSounds like a great reading month. I've only read one Joy Ellis book but loved the characters and have got to get back to the series. She's got quite a few right? Here's to a great February!
ReplyDeleteThe Nikki Galena/Joseph Easter and Jackman/Evans are my favorites series by Joy Ellis. There is another one featuring Matt Ballard, but I've only read one of those. And yes, here's to a great February!
DeleteI love all the good reading you did this month. There are some new to me titles that sound very engrossing. Hope your February is as good or even better.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good month, and I only had a little trouble choosing favorites. :)
DeleteThe book about Florence Finch sounds right up my alley, so I'll be looking for it... and I have to get back to Joy Ellis' series. I read the first book and really enjoyed it. Ack! Need. More. Time.
ReplyDeleteThe Indomitable Florence Finch was so good. I've read more about the War in Europe than in the Pacific, but this one is as interesting as Boys in the Boat and Dick Cole's War. All three of them are fascinating reading and so informative.
DeleteAnd I've read more about WWII in the Pacific, since my grandfather served in the Navy there during the war. Also, a man from my little hometown (population 1700) survived Corregidor in the Philippines. It was a rather well-known secret that MacArthur had to have bodyguards when he went out and about amongst the troops. He was hated, and it wouldn't've surprised anyone if someone had taken a potshot at him.
DeleteI have The Boys in the Boat-- yet another book I have to make time to read!
I'm glad you'd a great reading month, Jenclair! And not to mention a lot will be added onto my wishlist, too! :)
ReplyDeleteThere is a surplus of good reading right now. I have quite a few books that I'm eager to get to!
DeleteGreat start to the new year, Jenclair. I'm particularly curious about Why Writing Matters and will look forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteI've already pre-ordered Why Writing Matters so I can compare it to the uncorrected proof. And I don't mind reading again!
DeleteThat's a huge endorsement of the book. I'll have to take a look.
DeleteYou definitely had an excellent month reading!
ReplyDeleteI did!
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