A Good Review. . . For the Record
Just after I began reading For The Record, a family member had a medical emergency. So, I tucked the book into my bag on the way to the hospital and brought it with me. Sixteen hours later, I was so glad that it was an enjoyable read! In fact, it was one that I actually would be willing to read again.
Jennings' story centers on the relationship between an aspiring local writer and a deputy stranger with a hidden past. There were several things I liked about this tale. First, there were layers of mysteries going on at the same time, but it didn't feel muddy or confusing to the main plot. Since a journalist and a lawman are both the types of people expected to encounter and help mend unusual situations, it was fitting that they were in the middle of several things at once. The story moved along well and was actually quite funny in places.
I also enjoyed the way Jennings' use of language seemed true to the historical era. Among her characters, one "smelled like a vat of pickles," one "picked his teeth with a knitting needle," and one's "legs were as stable as soaked white oak splits on basket-making day." From washing out crockery to using shaving soap, from washing in the creek to the obvious separations between men and women or locals and out-of-towners, her descriptions seemed authentic and not forced. The slang and nicknames seemed appropriate to the time period and not corny. I liked that.
I look forward to reading another novel by this author!
I was grateful to receive a free copy of For the Record from Bethany House in exchange for an unbiased review of it.
Jennings' story centers on the relationship between an aspiring local writer and a deputy stranger with a hidden past. There were several things I liked about this tale. First, there were layers of mysteries going on at the same time, but it didn't feel muddy or confusing to the main plot. Since a journalist and a lawman are both the types of people expected to encounter and help mend unusual situations, it was fitting that they were in the middle of several things at once. The story moved along well and was actually quite funny in places.
I also enjoyed the way Jennings' use of language seemed true to the historical era. Among her characters, one "smelled like a vat of pickles," one "picked his teeth with a knitting needle," and one's "legs were as stable as soaked white oak splits on basket-making day." From washing out crockery to using shaving soap, from washing in the creek to the obvious separations between men and women or locals and out-of-towners, her descriptions seemed authentic and not forced. The slang and nicknames seemed appropriate to the time period and not corny. I liked that.
I look forward to reading another novel by this author!
I was grateful to receive a free copy of For the Record from Bethany House in exchange for an unbiased review of it.
Comments
Post a Comment
Have something to say? Say it here! But watch your language, or it might be deleted! And please...no spam.