The Lace Reader
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
416
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Massachusetts • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry follows Towner Whitney, an unreliable narrator grappling with past trauma, as she returns to her native Salem to investigate her aunt Eva's mysterious disappearance and death. There, Towner confronts her family's complex history, including her sister's death, and faces a community's hostility towards witchcraft, ultimately seeking resolution through her inherited gift of lace reading. The book covers sensitive topics including mental health issues and domestic violence.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Dark
Bittersweet
31,179 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry is praised for its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, weaving together suspense and historical Salem with a touch of the supernatural. Critics appreciate Barry's engaging prose and well-drawn characters. However, some find the narrative occasionally confusing and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is a compelling and original read.
Readers who enjoy The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry are typically fans of intricate, character-driven mysteries with elements of magical realism. Comparable to audiences of Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic and Sarah Addison Allen's Garden Spells, they appreciate deeply atmospheric stories woven with family secrets and New England charm.
31,179 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Massachusetts • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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