Swallowing the Muskellunge

Swallowing the Muskellunge by Lawrence P. OBrien

Reviewed by Rahul Gaur

Most of us take our freedom for granted, but we forget that at some point in time, the price for the freedom was so hefty that entire generations worked their whole lives and still couldn’t pay it off. Forget about freedom; your chances of surviving were extremely low. Survival depended on staying awake—awake to the cold, to memory, to illness, and to the truth people would rather ignore. And, this way, the novel opens a new world with its first chapter, where danger doesn’t announce itself with claws or fangs. It arrives quietly, offering fake promises, faith, authority, and safety.  Purchase Here.

The book is divided into 4 parts, which resemble the cycles found in nature. For example, four seasons, four directions, or four stages of life. Each part shows the progression of the protagonists (Oxfords). London Oxford is not introduced as a hero but as a man trying to keep his family safe in a world that keeps changing the rules. He is free, but that freedom depends on white landowners, the Wright family. Jane Oxford, wife of London, does not trust these arrangements. She senses that promises can be broken. Whereas London always feels that it is legally free, yet economically and socially dependent. Thus, the first part is about history, family, memory, and promise.

The second part is where the book takes an interesting turn. It shows how grief, racism, fear, and lies shape the lives of London, Jane, Abner, and others around them. There is a chasing scene where the antagonist follows Jane Oxford before killing her, and it is written exceptionally well. It will definitely give you goosebumps. After the death of Jane, desperation takes over London, not hope. London drinks to numb his pain. Abner is forced to grow up fast. He must care for his sisters even though he is still a child. He knows the girls were his responsibility. The book does not soften this burden. It shows how trauma passes from parent to child. In the third part, the story becomes darker and more urgent. When bodies start piling up suspiciously, everyone is freaked out. Whom to trust and whom not. Here, the author has done full justice with the portrayal of the antagonist. He is charming, authoritative, and clever, and he uses politeness to mask the brutality. Though he is not loud and scary, to get his things done, he can be anything. One powerful insight in this part is the role of women. The women join together to protect their children. They stand up when the men hesitate. Their unity becomes a quiet form of power. Fourth part beautifully concludes the novel’s central concern and reaches its darkest and most meaningful point: that even when evil is defeated, suffering does not end. Freedom is not a single event but a constant struggle. The book also refuses simple moral clarity. Survival sometimes requires brutality, and justice is imperfect.

O’Brien has beautifully shown that living as a Black family in the 18th century was not at all easy. Their daily struggles and fear of getting into any trouble without their fault are horrific. What makes the book work is how it balances character and plot. The research done to weave real history with chilling Indigenous folklore is commendable. The author’s writing is simple, and the prose often uses short, direct sentences that mirror exhaustion, fear, and urgency. However, the lack of illustrations leaves some weakness in the narration. Regarding the pacing, it is dynamic but plays an important role in the book. For example, the middle of the book slowed down quite a bit as the settlers dealt with the logistics of camp life. However, these moments added to the “stuck” feeling of the blizzard. Similarly, in the final chapters, it spikes when there is a desperate chase through the deep snow to save young Annie. By the end of the book, the reader will definitely ask, what is the real price of freedom? And can we ever truly reach a place of peace, or is it an endless pursuit?

Since this is the first novel in the Mischief Makers series, I am sensing that all the books in the series will connect to a central story related to Wìsakedjàk. So, pretty excited for the upcoming books.

Bad Americans

Bad Americans: Part I by Tejas Desai

Reviewed by Christine Kinori

Bad Americans by Tejas Desai is an immersive emotional roller coaster that tells the human tragedy of the pandemic era like never before. The book is set in the summer of 2020 in New York, where 12 strangers from diverse backgrounds find themselves living in a mansion in the Hamptons to find love. As they mingle, they share their life experiences, which elicit some heated debates, with each narrative depicting the complexity of modern America.  Purchase Here.

Tejas Desai is a literary master, as he brings to life the deep-seated political, social, and economic divisions in each character’s narrative. From the story of a nurse recovering from the horrors of the pandemic to a queer Black man trying to find his identity and others from various walks of life, this gripping and haunting tale of survival manages to inspire a sense of humanity.

In this book, Desai uses the frame narrative to paint an illuminating picture of the struggles of modern Americans hoping to find their identity and make sense of the confusing times they are living in.

The book gains momentum as the multifaceted experiences of the 12 strangers highlight the conflicting perspectives entrenched in modern society. Tejas effectively conveys social inequality, political division, and the repercussions of the tragic pandemic in a manner that easily resonates with the reader.

The book’s striking juxtapositions are both enlightening and reflective. It speaks to Desai’s powerful mastery of storytelling.  The refreshing combination of dark humor and the raw emotional tones of the characters gives the story a lot of depth. In its unique way, the plot is a compelling summary of what America has turned into over the years. It will be fair to say that the book is a social and political work of fiction inspired by the realities faced by Americans.

However, Bad Americans offers no quick resolution; instead, it inspires the reader to critically analyze human behavior. By presenting the diverse viewpoints about the current social and political polarization, the book challenges readers to confront the hard truths, which are often uncomfortable.

One of the main themes in this classic work of art is the exploration of morality versus human nature. Through the characters’ narrative, Desai perfectly encapsulates the intertwined complexity of this theme and exposes the flaws in society. However, the book also manages to capture the essence of humanity through shared experiences, such as the pandemic.

The timing of this book couldn’t have been more perfect. It not only highlights the horrific pandemic experience but also the American division. The nuanced exploration delves into some of the current deeply divisive issues, such as immigration, healthcare, race, identity, and class. By doing this, it provides a chance for a much-needed social commentary on modern America.

Bad Americans will pull you in with its realistic portrayal of contemporary society. It will have you contemplating your stance on many issues and how they all fit together in the grand scheme of things. The book is bold and impactful, skilfully narrating the complexity of our times, making it a timeless masterpiece. It is a thought-provoking piece of literature, as it serves as society’s mirror. Once again, Desai establishes himself as a novelist who is worthy of recognition.

 

 

First Place: The Untimate Guide to Divorcing a Narcississt by Riley Ellis

The Ultimate Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist by Riley Ellis

Reviewed byTimea Barabas

The most valuable self-help books are those grounded in lived experience and written with a genuine commitment to helping others. This book exemplifies both qualities. Riley Ellis draws on her personal experience of divorcing a narcissistic partner to thoughtfully guide readers through the process with care. The Ultimate Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist is an accessible read, offering actionable advice and structured exercises to support readers.  Purchase Here.

What distinguishes a divorce from a narcissistic partner is the complexity of the emotional, psychological, and practical dynamics involved. Riley Ellis examines the intricate web that develops over years of marriage to a narcissist, helping readers understand why the process can be particularly challenging.

One of the most difficult steps is acknowledging that you deserve a healthier, more fulfilling life. Once the decision to file for divorce is made, Ellis emphasizes the importance of remaining resolute and taking deliberate steps to protect yourself (and your children, if applicable) throughout the process.

Narcissistic individuals are highly manipulative, capable of presenting themselves as the ideal spouse or, conversely, as the victim. They also tend to shift blame onto their partner for any problems within the family. Although this façade can be convincing, it is not sustainable. Over time, or under prolonged stress and scrutiny, inconsistencies begin to show.

One factor that reliably dismantles this illusion is factual evidence. The author strongly recommends gathering and preserving objective documentation, including medical records, written communications, and detailed notes of significant events and your emotional responses to them. Whenever possible, maintain communication in written or electronic form, as it allows for accurate documentation.

The book consolidates essential guidance on divorcing a narcissistic partner into a comprehensive resource. It addresses how to build an effective support team, establish and maintain firm boundaries, safeguard your well-being, and prepare strategically for mediation and trial. The guide also includes practical financial considerations.

For parents, Riley Ellis provides focused advice on protecting children’s best interests, communicating with them in an age-appropriate manner, and understanding the range of legal parenting arrangements available once the divorce is finalized.

Rooted in the author’s personal experience, the book serves as a practical self-help guide for navigating a divorce from a narcissistic spouse. The language is candid and includes profanity, making it clearly intended for an adult audience. Through her openness and willingness to share her own experiences, Riley Ellis reassures readers that they are not alone. She offers guidance to help them move forward toward a safer and more stable future.

Murder Your Darlings

Murder Your Darlings: A Novel by Jenna Blum

Reviewed by Ephantus  Gold

“Murder Your Darlings: A Novel” by Jenna Blum follows Sam Vetiver, a novelist with twenty-five years’ experience and New York best seller who is grappling with loneliness after fifteen years of marriage. She is drawn into the world of captivating charm and intellectual seduction, often failing to see the manipulation lurking behind the disguise. Inspired by her dad who was a writer, Vetiver’s career sprouted early at the age of four. All she would think about or spend time doing was writing mystery and magic. In present day, she is waiting to write her fifth book, “The Gold Digger’s Mistress” but is worried that she won’t hit a home run as the date to its delivery draws closer. We meet her on her final “Sodbuster” book tour, whose culmination sees her tired and lonely, and as usual, with no one to celebrate or commiserate with.  Purchase Here.

But much to her shock, she receives an email from a familiar author turned “admirer” who she deems “ridiculously successful” and “a bad boy of literature,” with whom she shares a publisher. In the message he appreciates one of her books which he claims “changed him forever in some invisible but indelible way.” Curious as to why he, “the real deal” reached out, Sam sets on a journey to find out. Little does she know that her arrival at the venue where he is hosting one of his book reading, sends chilling waves down the spine of a stalker who has been trailing him for the longest time, threatening to pull Sam into an obsession where she is not just an “intrusion” but a “betrayal” that demand immediate response.

This book pulls the reader into a high-stakes psychological labyrinth where literary ambition collides with dangerous obsession. You are plunged into tense moments, where every one of them threaten to twist in a potentially dangerous game, making you loudly wonder who the true architect of the story is, and which character seems destined for a tragic end. It masterfully weaves a dual narrative plunging the reader into the chilling, fractured mind of an antagonist, which it does with the same intimacy and passion that it grants its weary protagonist. I love how this novel transcends its thriller framework to deliver a profoundly humanly relatable story where it explores the need to cure loneliness, and how that can lead to trusting the wrong people. I believe that its raw power lies in how it connects the dots between traumatic pasts, the many times dangerous commodification of people, and the desperate, flawed choices we all make when we fail to see our own worth. “Murder Your Darlings: A Novel” by Jenna Blum is that one book that holds a dark mirror to the soul of anyone who has ever longed for a connection. It will seduce you with its prose, haunt you with its insights, and leave you breathless with its twists.

The House Guests

The House Guests by Amber and Danielle Brown

Reviewed by Ephantus  Gold

“The House Guests: A Novel” by Amber and Danielle Brown was a book that did not ease me in gently but grabbed me by the collar right from the first page. It began with Iris as she remembered the most haunting thing in her life, being forced to watch her own mother take her life in front of her. The gun had been bought from a pawn shop with money her mother had stolen from the most unlikely person where she worked. That opening was shocking and honestly disturbing and it set the tone for what turned out to be a raw and unsettling journey.  Purchase Here.

Iris had already been scarred by years of neglect and abuse from her mother, and those wounds never healed. She kept having nightmares, she could not sleep without chemicals in her system, and the chaos in her head never seemed to stop. Even with all that, she still tried to hide her desperation from her boyfriend Eli, holding on quietly to the hope that he would not leave her. When I found them, they were on their way to a lonely lake, Eli’s idea of the cure for her constant torment, and maybe a way out of the heavy block of stone she had been buried under for over a year.

At the lake, Iris came across something that rattled me as much as it did her. A strange man was bent over the dirt, digging frantically like he wanted to hide something or someone. The image burned into her, and when Eli’s friends later joined her, she tried to tell them but none of them believed her. They mocked her, saying it was her bad eyesight, and when she mistook a doll for a severed arm, she was ridiculed even more. Eli himself did not defend her when he joined them but only grew colder, turning his attention toward another woman. The doubt took over, and I kept asking myself the same thing Iris did – Was she truly losing her mind, or was she the only one who saw the truth nobody else dared to face? That scene pushed the story into deeper dread and put doubts in me about who to trust.

The structure of the story felt like a slow spiral where every step down brought more uncertainty, moving from strange sightings, like when one of the friends claimed to see a skull, to Iris’ sleepless nights, trapped in her own fear. That layering of dread made the book heavy and claustrophobic. The prose itself worked like a trap, sharp and unsettling, even in quiet moments. All of it carried menace. So when betrayal came, it hit harder, especially because Eli never stood by her.

The characters were painfully real in how frustrating they were. Iris clung to Eli and his love, but he mocked her fragility and eventually discarded her like she was nothing. In the worst turn, he even handed her over to a friend, like she was a thing to be passed to the highest bidder. That made him more terrifying than any ghostly shadow or imagined figure in the story. Her friends were no better, brushing off her fears, mocking her mistakes, leaving her completely alone.

Trust, betrayal, and gaslighting ran through every page. I kept asking if Iris was imagining everything or if she was the only one who refused to be silenced. “The House Guests: A Novel” kept that question alive, not only about Iris but about the people around her. That was what made it devastating, and yet I could not look away.

The Murder at the World's End

The Murder at the World’s End by Ross Montgomery

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“The Murder at World’s End” by Ross Montgomery is a thrilling mystery that will leave the reader staring into the middle distance, replaying the clues in their mind, not with frustration but with a sense of awe at the author’s craftsmanship. It follows Stephen Pike, a young man overwhelmed with immense joy after arriving at his new job at Tithe Hall, where the Viscount of World’s End, Lord Stockingham, resides. This is his only chance at redemption following a successful rehabilitation after serving time, due to a situation in which he claims to have made an “unpardonable error of judgment.” At Tithe Hall, he learns that his job includes a special instruction from the Viscount’s cousin to Mr Stokes, the head butler at Tithe Hall for twenty years, that as a footman, he should be brought on with utmost discretion.  Purchase Here.

Pike comes in at a crucial historical moment, according to the Viscount, when all signs point to an inevitable apocalypse. He claims to have credible information regarding a comet that will pass very close to Earth, leaving behind fatal, poisonous cyanogen gases that will kill every living creature therein. Over the next few hours, the staff ensures every room is airtight, in a desperate bid to survive the annihilation. Pike’s duty, however, also involves “babysitting” a woman whom people speak about in the way dragons are described in fairy tales. However, his encounter with her leaves him speechless by the sheer knowledge and intelligence she exhibits, especially when she reveals her findings about the comet, and right after, she tells him why she hates Stockingham. The next day sets in motion an event that catapults the story into a relentlessly tense dive. The viscount is dead right in his sealed study, and suddenly all eyes are on the one person with a criminal record. His possible alibi? The woman he stayed with through the night – the same woman who had threatened to kill the Viscount.

This tale sets in motion an odd pairing of protagonists who are forced to look beyond their age difference (which is actually quite large) in a bold endeavor to investigate a crime in which they are key suspects. They bring to life an unlikely alliance between a disgraced young man and a sharp-tongued woman who has been written off by her society. Their story is built on a foundation of rich interconnected themes that elevate it from a simple mystery to a complex social and psychological thriller, one that explores the corruption of the upper class and the illusion of authority, holding a mirror to society’s twisted perception of persons that are too intelligent to be controlled or too flawed to be granted a second chance. Here, one gets the sense that the mere weight of human greed is way more dangerous than a “comet’s gases.” As I read, I found myself forced to weigh every character’s motive, not as a detached observer but as if I were in the room with each of them. The stakes remain perfectly pitched all through the read, and every new chapter exhibits tension that tightens like a vise around a circle of trust that is forced to shrink with every revelation.

“The Murder at World’s End” by Ross Montgomery stands out for its ability to hold the revelation of the culprit until the final, breathtaking pages. I, however, believe that its true genius lies not in the delay but in the flawless execution of its narrative architecture and character-driven misdirection. If you need a book that is a master class in suspense, and one in which the end of the world is the backdrop of an even more gripping crime scene, then this book is your perfect next read.

 

Tokyo Juku

Tokyo Juku by Michael Pronko

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

A teacher’s murder changes a young student’s life forever and threatens to rip through the social fabric of Japan. At first glance, Michael Pronko’s Tokyo Juku appears to be a suspenseful modern detective novel. However, it quickly becomes clear that the story offers much more. Beneath the tightly woven murder mystery lies a sharp critique of a uniquely demanding education system and its many ramifications, both on an individual and societal scale.  Purchase Here.

What truly brings the novel to life, though, are the characters; each vividly portrayed as their lives unfold between the lines. Michael Pronko’s characters simply exist, without ever needing to persuade. Their actions, interactions, words, and thoughts are so organic that they naturally inhabit the space within Tokyo Juku.

After failing her exams the previous year, Mana is enrolled in the juku system to train mind and spirit in preparation for another attempt at gaining admission to a top university. She is determined to turn failure into conquest, akin to a ronin. What was meant to be another sleepless night of intense study takes a dark turn when the deep stillness is shattered by unexpected noises. Hesitant, Mana goes to investigate, only to discover her mentor, the school’s most prominent professor, had been stabbed.

Detective Hiroshi Shimizu is assigned to lead the murder investigation. Stepping outside his usual comfort zone, forensic accounting, Hiroshi brings a unique perspective to this complex case. As he follows multiple leads, he uncovers the murdered professor’s polarizing presence in both professional and personal spheres.

Just as he begins to get a firm grip on a thread that could reveal the motive and the perpetrator, a new dimension to the case emerges. The numerous conflicting leads threaten to overwhelm the investigation (and the narrative itself), but Hiroshi, guided by Michael Pronko’s precise penmanship, expertly maintains control and delivers a neatly packaged resolution.

What gives this work of fiction its strong sense of authenticity is, in large part, the infusion of the author’s own experiences. Michael Pronko, an American-born literature professor who has been living in Japan for more than two decades, pulls back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of the Japanese education system.

In my view, the most distinctive quality of Tokyo Juku lies in its sense of in-betweenness. The author passionately explores the spaces in between identities, cultures, and states of being. His characters embody this tension: some come from multiethnic backgrounds, while others travel and immerse themselves in new cultures. While a few seamlessly integrate multitudes, others can’t seem to settle on stable ground. Yet the most striking liminal space is the period of preparation before the exams; a suspended moment for students who have previously failed, caught between past disappointment and future possibility.

While Tokyo Juku is the seventh book from The Detective Hiroshi Series, it also stands firm as an independent book. Michael Pronko’s welcoming narrative voice makes any reader feel at ease, no matter when they arrive.

Imperfect Happiness

Imperfect Happiness: A Journey of Perfect Twists- Thirty-Day Devotional to Living Life Well by Terry C. Fleitz

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

“Imperfect Happiness: A Journey of Perfect Twists – Thirty-Day Devotional to Living Life Well” by Terry C. Fleitz is an inspiring Christian devotional that aims to inform and help readers navigate various challenges and thus be able to live in the best way possible, with a strong sense of purpose, wisdom, positivity, and faith.  Purchase Here.

Fleitz begins with a childhood memory. He remembers his sixth-grade teacher, Sister Magdalene, explaining what would, in years to come, become a strong basis for his understanding of integrity. She was the first person from outside the home to challenge him to think seriously about right and wrong, and also to see moral choices as deliberate acts rather than automatic responses. His parents were, of course, the first ones to instill in him a sense of honesty, hard work, and compassion. This they did, not through stern lectures but through deliberate behavior and choices. Over time, he would come to discover several life-changing truths. They include: living the best life is directly connected to building a closer relationship with God, that true success cannot be measured by material gain or social status, and that the depth of one’s faith and the sincerity of their relationships is directly tied to a lasting sense of joy, peace, and fulfilment.

As you read through this book, you can’t fail to notice Fleitz’s use of metaphors and imagery to communicate certain truths in more depth. They include “From the Ocean to the Mountain,” a real transition that he uses to describe two contrasting stages in his life’s journey, “The Organization” which apart from being a physical place, dramatizes general worldly success and moral compromise, “The Desert,” which represents a state of burnout and spiritual emptiness that follows overwork and misplaced ambition, and “The Room of Shame,” a metaphor that illustrates the inner chamber of conscience, that is, the place within oneself that holds guilt and regret. These, among others, beautifully and profoundly create a literary structure that mirrors his message, each marking a stage in the reader’s heart as they learn to live well.

This book is rich with scriptural references, especially verses from the Book of Psalms. This rich incorporation makes it feel meditative and authentic, with a sense of spiritual intimacy that draws the reader inward. It has the advantage of combining a devotional sense with memoir, in that the author can merge experience with reflection, grounding his words in a realism readers can relate to and, maybe, learn from.  Talking of structure, this book is complex, but in a good way. Every chapter has a “Pause and Reflect” section that feels intentionally placed to interrupt the narrative flow and shift the reader’s attention to self-examination. Additionally, the structure shifts between narrative, to prayer and song, in a multi-layered design that is a show of clever craftsmanship and a form of artistic control. Readers will agree that this style of writing is unique and helps prevent the text from becoming monotonous.

“Imperfect Happiness: A Journey of Perfect Twists – Thirty-Day Devotional to Living Life Well” by Terry C. Fleitz is a book that needs to be studied with a pen and a notebook, owing to its depth, density, and reflective nature. This study’s approach is also likely to move the reader from passive observation to active participation. Readers seeking meaning beyond material success, as well as those who have spent years chasing achievement, will deeply identify more with Fleitz’s experiences and discoveries. Additionally, those who have faced illness or loss will find genuine comfort in his honest retellings, which do not sensationalize suffering but rather treat it as a teacher that often helps draw meaning from even the darkest experiences. This is an essential read that intelligently reveals just how adversity can be redemptive and how faith can transform pain into purpose, despair into growth, and hardship into spiritual renewal. Excellent work, Terry Fleitz!

The Day I Lost You

The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“The Day I Lost You,” by Ruth Mancini opens in Lauren’s house in Mantilla de Mar, Spain, where she is being accused by the police of abducting a two-years five-months English boy who bears a similar name like her son. She informs them that the child in question is her biological son, and that she has all the necessary documents to prove it. Immediately after the police leave, Lauren’s decides she is not safe, which leads her to pack and leave with the help of her newly found friend, Gabe, who she has long suspected to have feelings for her that run deeper than friendship. They move to a remote, rustic cabin in the Pyrenees mountains that belonged to Gabe’s grandparents. While hiding, she makes contact with Anna, her best friend, who connects her with a criminal defense lawyer who advises her that the only way she can avoid a protracted extradition battle and potential months in a Spanish prison, with Sam going to foster care, is for her to return to the UK voluntarily. But what she doesn’t know is that the truth of what happened in the hospital where Sam was born will be even more shocking than anyone has dared to imagine and turning herself in will only force it into the light, destroying every version of her story.  Purchase Here.

This story is constructed from a series of tragic twists that force the reader to closely evaluate the previous chapters as well as any hidden motives in what the characters say. These twists mirror the reality and sometimes messy nature of life, where villains turn out to be the same people who portray themselves as saviors and safe havens. In this story, the twists create a persistent state of unease, giving a sense of a destabilization that can occur any time. This is sure to offer the reader a richer, more demanding and more memorable reading experience.

The characters in this novel are hewn from their respective traumas. Each one of them has had devastating events in life that become the raw material that shape their moves and decisions. The beauty of this is in how these trauma-defined edges clash and grate against each other and how this friction becomes the very engine of the plot. Another thing that makes this story unforgettable is the choice to incorporate a young child as the central character in the story. It is a brilliant choice that weaponizes emotions and beautifully transforms the novel into a gripping emotional ordeal.

“The Day I Lost You,” carries unsettling truths that will leave the reader actively haunted after the final choice is made, as well as forced into a deeply personal reckoning with the very definition of true love. It will also leave them with a sense of the catastrophes that can arise when we keep telling ourselves potentially dangerous lies, especially where survival is involved. This is one of the books out there with deeply flawed characters, which means that readers looking to follow a clear, morally righteous hero may find it easily frustrating. However, those who enjoy being their own detective, sifting through conflicting testimonies and timelines will love every bit of the plot.

 

Long Lost Midwife

Long Lost Midwife by Skye Smith

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Skye Smith’s Long Lost Midwife offers a captivating exploration of life’s winding path. Set in the 1930s, the novel blends a journey of self-discovery with sharp societal critique. While it may be tempting to interpret the story through a modern perspective, it’s important to approach it within the context of its own time.  Purchase Here.

We first meet Franklin and Pamela Dorset just after their wedding, when they are settling into their much-admired home and enviable lifestyle. As they embark on their honeymoon across Europe, however, cracks begin to show in their new marriage. Both are learning who the other truly is, pushing against each other’s comfort zones in the process.

Their travels are shadowed not only by the strains of their relationship but also by the growing political unrest in Europe, a subject that weighs heavily on Franklin. He eagerly seeks conversation about world affairs, yet finds little engagement from his new wife, who is reluctant to enter such debates. Pamela also shows hesitation when it comes to physical intimacy, further testing the foundation of their young union.

After their return, Franklin and Pamela continue working on their relationship, which eventually bears fruit when Pamela becomes pregnant. While the entire family urges her to deliver in a hospital under the care of trained medical professionals, Pamela is haunted by a distant memory.

She recalls Miss Minnie, the woman who not only brought her and her sister into the world but also cared for them as small children. Instead of the cold, sterile atmosphere of a hospital, Pamela longs to give birth as she was born: at home, surrounded by warmth and compassion.

While Long Lost Midwife begins as a story about navigating the challenges of early married life (set against the backdrop of looming global political unrest), it quickly shifts its focus to a deeper, more complex exploration of racial segregation and evolving societal norms.

Pamela’s husband and family are firmly opposed to the idea of a home birth, especially one attended by a woman of color. Despite her wishes, Pamela finds she has little say in the decision. To her relatives, allowing two Black women to help with household duties is already considered an eccentric indulgence.

Yet Pamela cannot escape the tender pull of her memories with Miss Minnie. Compelled by a force she can hardly name, she makes repeated attempts to reach out to her. Once their paths finally cross, Pamela begins to unravel the deep ties binding their lives and the lasting consequences they carry.

As she learns more about this complex, enigmatic woman, long-buried family secrets come to light, secrets that will forever alter her understanding of herself and her world. Then, in an unexpected turn, the novel shifts into a gripping murder mystery.

Because of its mature themes, Long Lost Midwife is best suited for adult readers. It sparks meaningful conversations on a wide range of issues and, though set in the 1930s, its themes remain strikingly relevant today. Covering subjects such as sexuality, gender roles, racial dynamics, and societal taboos, the story offers something that will resonate with a broad and diverse audience.

View the Trailer for Long Lost Midwife