The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende

I hate to read a book it bits and pieces which is what happened with this one. I'd read a few chapters, put it down, then start again... over and over. But this one kept me coming back. It's a beautifully written book with very memorable characters. Interesting that an uber conservative friend recommended it and this novel is highly critical of the current US administration and it's policies. 

The book dives into the topic of immigration. An elderly man reveals his story of being sent away from his home and Jewish family in Europe during the war. He was only a child but he was lucky, and he lived with a wonderful couple who raised him. Eventually he married and continued his life as a musician. The other story is about a young girl from El Salvador who comes to the US with her mother, is separated from her, and is now living in facilities and foster care. Her social worker finds a lawyer who will take her case and they both try to locate the mother. It all comes full circle when all these characters come together.

Great story. Wonderful characters. Highly recommend it. - June

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Strout. Olive Kitterege is one of my favorite characters, and she appears in several of Elizabeth Strout's books in the Agwash, Illinois, series. This novel is also in that series but just doesn't compare to the others, in my opinion. Maybe Olive should have made an appearance.

Most of the novel takes place during the time that Lucy Barton is hospitalized, and her estranged mother comes to sit by her bed. Their conversation reveals a history of poverty and abuse, and clearly their relationship is awkward and strained. Lucy's mother rambles on about people they knew mostly recounting stories of failed marriages. And some of the stories are just random and have no real message in them.

I won't give up on Elizabeth  Strout. She has a new book out that is not part of this series, and I'm anxious to read it. But this one I wouldn't recommend. - June

P.S. I listened to this novel, and the narrator was not the best which definitely makes a difference.