Must Read Novels

Here is a quick list, that I will expand upon:

1) Historical fiction - my favorite category:

A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry -- about the lives of four characters in India, during the separation of India and Pakistan that took place in the 1970s. I was so engulfed in this novel and the characters that I read this long novel in probably a week or so, almost non-stop. I learned about some important events in India, and obtained a window into the caste system history and it's painful and cruel continuance through this modern day. Having visited India, I felt that my imagination could really connect. Even if you haven't been to India, this novel will make you feel like you took a journey through time and space within India. This is a must read. In addition, the author's use of language was simply lyrical. Often, I'd find myself pausing at how refreshing his use of language was.

The Road from Chapel Hill - by Joanna Catherine Scott. The Civil War, honestly, is not one of my favorite periods to read about. That said, this novel really captures the time and serves up living and breathing characters. I was especially fascinated by the character Tom, whom we follow from escaping slavery, to being recaptured, to ultimate freedom again and all the struggles along the way. This book was a gift to me from a friend in my writing group and she gave it to me on the condition that I tell her what I thought about it. Well, all I can say is that I couldn't put it down. I stayed up late to keep finding out what would happen next. That is really rare and wonderful.