“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt

This book was longer than I expected, and too long in parts, but I enjoyed it very much. Tartt’s beautiful and immersive writing makes Theo’s wild and bizarre journey totally believable.

I particularly like the book for reminding me that there are so many different ways of living. And I also, of course, enjoyed Boris, who added a strong Polish/Russian element.

“The Imposter Bride” by Nancy Richler

I enjoyed this book very much because so many of its characters were motivated by kindness and ordinary human spirit. There was no ugly, artificial edginess to it. Instead, it was an interesting and realistic look into post World War 2 Jewish family life in Montreal. And as is often the case with this subject matter, it gave me more insight into my own family when I was growing up.
But the ending disappointed me. The fact of Ruth’s mother, and then Ruth’s half brother, not wanting to link with Ruth’s life was a bit too cold for my taste. Family is family and as is stated in the book, this was a waste of blood ties.