by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn night at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa. I went with a friend, left with a new one too! In between I enjoyed a delish French 76 and gleaned some valuable tips from the writers.
After attending a Kate Quinn presentation and book signing, I let this book sit on my dresser for two weeks. I glanced at it daily, but I intentionally read two other books first, in order to save this one. You know why, of course, because once you start a book you’re a step closer to finishing it. And when you finish it, it’s over, ba da da dum, like a serving of a rich chocolate dessert in a bowl you’ve licked clean, and it’s not refillable. “The Briar Club” was entertaining, and educational, as are all Quinn’s books, but in this case the book came up just a bit short of my expectations as if there just could have been a little more chocolate syrup.
There are some very likable and intriguing characters staying at the boarding house, and a querious landlady and family. Add to the mix a series of potential suitors for these ladies of The Briar Club residence, possible gansters, politicians, some with ill intent and some with true intentions. My favorite character was actually The Briar Club, that is the house, itself! Through the clever use of personification (remember that term from high school literature class?) Quinn gives voice and emotion to the boarding house, adding a quasi-omscient viewpoint to the various POV’s of the human characters.
Washington in post WWII 1950 was abuzz with MCarthyism, which also plays a role in this novel. Could one of these lovely ladies be a communist? Or a spy? Who are these people, really? This is not an edge-of-your seat thriller like “The Huntress,” but there are some strong female characters here and fresh views into a period of our history that doesn’t get much attention these days. Quinn fans rest assured, there may not be much violence, but there is murder or two. On another note, the author shares some quirky recipes along the way that complement the residents’ attempts to create tasty comfort food for each other. However, if you find yourself dozing off more than once as you wade through the middle chapters, (as I must confess I did) you will be rewarded with a solidly satisfying ending.
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