Sister

Many older sisters take their "job" seriously, and in Rosamund Lupton's Sister, Beatrice is no exception. Despite moving from London to New York, she stays close to her sister Tess, speaking and emailing frequently.  When Bee's mother calls to let her know Tess has been missing for several days, Bee gets the first flight home, planning to locate, and lecture, her sister.  However, she never sees her sister alive again.  Tess's body is discovered in an abandoned park restroom, and the police rule the death a suicide.  Bee knows her sister would never take her own life, but can't convince anyone else of the fact, so she takes the investigation into her own hands. Is Tess's murderer her married school tutor with whom she had an affair resulting in pregnancy? Tess's classmate and stalker? The more Bee investigates, the more possible suspects she encounters. If she can't find someone to believe her, Bee's life might also be in danger.  

Written as a letter from Bee to Tess explaining what had happened, this was a quick read that I didn't want to put down. The twist at the end was surprising and unexpected, but I felt a bit unsatisfied. 

The Flight of Gemma Hardy

The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey is a re-telling of Jane Eyre set in 1950s Scotland. Gemma was born in Iceland right after World War II. When she is orphaned at a very young age she is sent to live with her Uncle and his family in Scotland. When the book opens, Gemma is nine years old. Her beloved Uncle, the only one who cared for her, has recently died. Her Aunt, who hates the child for reasons that become apparent much later, is determined to get Gemma out of her house. Gemma is accepted at Claypoole boarding school. She loves schoolwork and is bright, but soon discovers she is a “working pupil,” treated as a servant. Gemma makes one friend, Miriam who becomes ill and dies.

Right before Gemma is due to graduate at age 17, the school closes due to attendance being low. She is able to find a job as an au pair for a young girl at a large, secluded farm. Gemma will be the caretaker of Nell, the orphaned niece of Hugh Sinclair, a wealthy businessman living in London. While teaching Nell, Gemma starts to build a relationship with Hugh. The fall in love and, despite their difference in age, decide to marry. However when Hugh tells Gemma a secret from his past she becomes frightened and runs away from him. She decides to find her father’s family in Iceland.

Your heart will ache for Gemma through her adventures traveling and meeting people, searching for her true home.

Clara’s War: One Girl’s Story of Survival by Clara Kramer

Clara Schwarz was a quiet, shy 14-year-old living with her parents and lively younger sister in a Polish town during WWII. Jews like Clara and Christians had lived there side-by-side for three centuries. Then the Nazis came. Clara’s father owned a small factory. The only people Clara’s father can find to hide the family are their housekeeper and her husband. Julia is a kind woman. However, her husband, Valentin Beck, is a heavy- drinking womanizer with a bad temper. Clara’s father feels his family has no choice. They must hide or be taken into a concentration camp. The Schwarzes and fourteen other Jews dig a shallow bunker beneath the Becks’ house. German soldiers move into the room above them. For eighteen months Clara lived in the bunker and survived. This book is compelling, with no idealization of the Jews or their rescuers. If you read this memoir you’ll never forget Clara Schwarz Kramer.

Mystery Book Club

 The library's Mystery Book Club will discuss mysteries by Peter James Thursday, March 8 at 6:45 p.m.  Author James writes the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series set in England. Dead Simple is the first in the series. Copies are on display in the library.