48 pages • 1 hour read
A Town Called Solace
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Book Brief
302
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • 1970s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Town Called Solace is a contemporary novel by Mary Lawson set in the fictional town of Solace in the 1970s. It tells the intertwined stories of eight-year-old Clara, whose sister is missing; middle-aged Liam, recovering from a recent divorce; and elderly Elizabeth, with a failing heart, exploring themes of overcoming challenges, searching for solace, and the complexities of relationships.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Mysterious
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
33,755 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mary Lawson's A Town Called Solace intertwines the lives of three characters in a small Ontario town, revealing themes of loss, hope, and redemption. Praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, some reviewers found the pacing slow. Overall, it’s a compelling read with richly drawn characters and a poignant exploration of human connections.
Who Should Read A Town Called Solace?
Fans of introspective, character-driven novels like Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and The Shipping News by Annie Proulx will appreciate A Town Called Solace. Ideal for readers who enjoy small-town dramas and intricately woven relationships centered on themes of loss, redemption, and human connection.
33,755 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Liam Kane
Liam Kane
A middle-aged man visiting Solace to find solace after his divorce. Inheriting Mrs. Orchard’s house, he uncovers meaningful memories and forms new relationships that guide his journey of self-discovery.
Elizabeth Orchard
Elizabeth Orchard
An elderly woman whose past and present intertwine through her connections with children in Solace. Through her reflections, she grapples with her complex relationship with Liam and her own unmet desires for motherhood.
302
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • 1970s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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