Last week I read a book. Nothing too unusual there, but what is unusual is that the main character has roots in Lyon and Atlanta… just like me! I had a pretty strong feeling I'd like it when I saw that the cover has both The Varsity and a République Française passport on it. As I read on, I started thinking of how many people I know that could really ‘extra’ appreciate just like me.
So this is for you with Lyonnais roots (Suzanne, Meg, Julie, Kendra, Daniel, Magen, Guillaume, Caryn…), Atlanta connections (Anne, Pam, Erin, Angela, Kate, Beth, Charles, Mary Catherine, Ellie…) and also those of you raising bi-cultural kiddos (Anna, Charity, Marc, Rachel, Patty…) - y'all need to read Searching for Eternity.
The drama unfolds here - right here Lyon!
One thing I love about Elizabeth's book (That's right - I'm on a first name basis with the author. You can be impressed.) is that in about 400 pages she manages to tie in themes of culture shock, racism in the South, the French Résistance during WWII, espionage, Lyonnais history and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Not many writers could do it as seamlessly as she does. I think the secret must be in her seriously in-depth research. I've lived in Lyon for four years and this book changed the way I see the city.
By the way, when you get to page 333 and she talks about the Pentes de la Croix Rousse – that’s where I work!
Other books by Elizabeth Musser
- The Swan House
- The Dwelling Place
- Two Crosses
- Two Testaments
So this is for you with Lyonnais roots (Suzanne, Meg, Julie, Kendra, Daniel, Magen, Guillaume, Caryn…), Atlanta connections (Anne, Pam, Erin, Angela, Kate, Beth, Charles, Mary Catherine, Ellie…) and also those of you raising bi-cultural kiddos (Anna, Charity, Marc, Rachel, Patty…) - y'all need to read Searching for Eternity.
The drama unfolds here - right here Lyon!
One thing I love about Elizabeth's book (That's right - I'm on a first name basis with the author. You can be impressed.) is that in about 400 pages she manages to tie in themes of culture shock, racism in the South, the French Résistance during WWII, espionage, Lyonnais history and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Not many writers could do it as seamlessly as she does. I think the secret must be in her seriously in-depth research. I've lived in Lyon for four years and this book changed the way I see the city.
By the way, when you get to page 333 and she talks about the Pentes de la Croix Rousse – that’s where I work!
Other books by Elizabeth Musser- The Swan House
- The Dwelling Place
- Two Crosses
- Two Testaments
13 comments:
I gotta say when I saw the cover, I wasn't impressed, but this truly is a case of not judging a book by its cover. She does a great job of description, her dialogue is good and my favorite thing is that while it's Christian fiction, you never feel preached to!
I have special ties to Atlanta and Lyon, so of course I was drawn to this book as well. There is another connection to Nashville, so Vandy fans would probably love those references. Even if you have no loyalty to any of these 3 cities, the book is rich in historical fiction marked by suspense and a sweet relationship between a boy and a girl. I definitely recommend this book!
I'll buy anything that has "The Varsity" on its cover...does it have a faint scent of chili dogs and onion rings?=)
anne
I haven't read Searching for Eternity, but I gave it to Mom for Christmas. Elizabeth was so great. I contacted her and asked if there was a way I could get a signed copy. She had already gone back to Lyon for the holidays after a book signing trip to Atlanta. However, she made the effort to send me a sticker that she had signed made just for such occassions. Mom loves Elizabeth the writer, the person and she loved her signed copy of Searching for Eternity.
Kari, I agree with you totally! This is one of the all-time best books I have ever read. It was my "birthday read" & I read the whole thing in one day--actually, into the night b/c I couldn't sleep till I finished it. It is an incredible mix of adventure, love, suspense & danger, true history & culture. I've lived in Lyon for 8 years, & the places in this book are real. I'm also raising 2 bicultural (US/France) teenagers, & this book is a must-read for anyone in that situation or anyone who has family or friends in that situation.
I'm reading it right now, thanks to you, Kari! I'm on page 209 and rapidly progressing toward page 333. It's difficult to put down! She indeed does a splendid job of tying together so many aspects of culture and life, and I am especially enjoying reading about a young French person experiencing culture shock when moving to the States. It's very much like my experience--though exactly the opposite situation--of being American and moving to France. A book I can relate to on many, many levels!
thanks, kari! i'm glad to hear how much you liked it. my friend lauren is actually finishing it up right now and we've already arranged a book swap; this one for two crosses/testaments. it just might make the "home for christmas reading list" i have to work hard to create since i'm reading so much for school during the year (the last year!).
I read The Swan House a few years ago--before I knew that you knew Elizabeth. I know...I'm NOT on a first-name basis, but thought I would give it a try. Anyway, I enjoyed it very much. I keep looking in our library for more of her books. I'll try again.
Lori M
Wow... ties to Atlanta AND Nashville (my home town). I have to read it.. thanks for the review. I've just finished "The Shack" and am in the middle of "Better Than My Dreams: Finding What You Long For Where You Might Not Think to Look" by Paula Rinehart. So this will be next on my list.
Is that the Swan House as in Atlanta at the Atlanta History Center?
I bought it yesterday and have had a hard time putting it down. It's interesting for me to read because not only do I have roots in the South and Lyon, but my grandparents were in Lyon during WW II and have some stories to tell as well. My grandfather was deported to Germany to a work camp and my grandmother's house was destroyed by bombs...
I am SO excited to read this, and if I like it I might buy it for my sister, too - a southerner who has lived in france for several years. thanks for the recom!
PS - the word verification is SHOUT. Which means I think you need to let out a good southern holler sometime today. just thought you should know.
Excellent! I love all her books! I am praying that someday Two Destinies will become available in English.
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