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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated What Could Be Saved in Books

Jun 3, 2021  
What Could Be Saved
What Could Be Saved
Liese O'Halloran Schwarz | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A lyrical and fascinating look at the pull of family
This is the twenty-third book in my #atozchallenge! I'm challenging myself to read a book from my shelves that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Let's clear those shelves and delve into that backlist!

Much of Laura Preston's life has been defined by the disappearance of her brother, Philip, when they were children. The family lived in Bangkok in the 1970s for her father's work. While there, Philip went to judo class--and never returned. His loss tore their family apart. When a stranger contacts Laura, claiming to have information about Philip, she defies her older sister's wishes and flies to Thailand to see if this is indeed true. Laura knows that this is what their mom, Genevieve, now suffering from dementia, would want.

This was a fascinating, atmospheric book that pulled me in immediately. It's beautifully, lyrically written. The story is told in the present day, with Laura's perspective as a somewhat struggling painter in Washington, DC and then flashing back to Bangkok in the 1970s, with Genevieve's story and even Philip's. It's utterly compelling, weaving both a mystery yet also a character-driven tale.

Schwarz offers such unique and well-done characters. Not just the Preston family, but also their servants in Bangkok, including Noi, who accompanies the family back to America. There's Robert Preston, the family patriarch, who has a mysterious career, and his boss, who pulls Genevieve into his orbit. There's Genevieve, who tries to mimic the life her children might have in the United States--and then basically abandons the role of mother once Philip disappears. Bea, who tries to be a strong big sister for Laura. And Laura, who struggles as the youngest and sometimes forgotten child in the wake of her brother's disappearance.

Each Preston--and those in their orbit--is well-written and flawed. They seem real and true. Schwarz's writing is thoughtful and excellent and everyone comes to life as you read. Her descriptions of Bangkok and Thailand are excellent as well.

I was totally immersed in this tale, wondering what had happened to Philip; in many ways, this is a heartbreaking tale. It's a beautiful look at family and what it means. Schwarz's story makes you think and allows you insight into the Preston family's world. It's illuminating and lovely. Certainly worth the read. 4.5 stars.
  
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Dean (6927 KP) rated The Brave (1997) in Movies

Jul 21, 2018  
TB
The Brave (1997)
1997 | Drama
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
An early film starring and directed by Johnny Depp. It's a rather slow tale about the length someone is prepared to go to give their family a better life. Starring Marlon Brando as well briefly it's an interesting tale but the film is too long. There aren't many scenes that stand out either and it kinda feels like a made for TV film. For Johnny's die hard fans only really.
  
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Stephanie Neve (104 KP) rated My Thoughts Exactly in Books

Jul 18, 2019  
My Thoughts Exactly
My Thoughts Exactly
Lily Allen | 2018
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The raw honesty with which she talks about living after a miscarriage, being stalked and other sexual assault (0 more)
I feel a lack of depth when she talks about her family life. She talks about not being upper class, yet she went to private boarding school, has famous parents and hung out on movie sets as a teen... (0 more)
Lily Allen is raw and down to earth in this autobiography
  
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