Ashlyn Greer has always known she’s different than most people…she can feel emotions through books, and not just by reading them. Ashlyn can touch a text and become connected to the person who last held the book. She knows it will make her sound crazy if she tells anyone, but she is drawn to book, partially for that connection. When Ashlyn stumbles across a pair of unique volumes that appear to be dualing memoirs, the emotions she feels confuse her and push her to investigate their origins and their writers. Little does she know the family secrets and trauma yet to be uncovered. Will her investigations right a wrong from decades ago….or will it tear the authors’ families further apart?
The Echo of Old Books is Barbara Davis’ 2023 historical fiction release. Davis, known for works like Summer at Hideaway Key and The Keeper of Happy Endings has found her niche in women’s literature with this latest work. Full of magical realism, romance, and mystery, Davis builds dualling timelines and narratives through the use of old books the main characters are reading. Her ability to build mystery and backstory simultaneously produces a novel that pulls the readers in and makes you want to know more. This is a book about second chances, the power of love, and what can happen if you’re willing to risk it all.
I give The Echo of Old Books 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not often I find a historical fiction book with the magical realism that feels so plausible! I also appreciate the timelines set both in present day and early to mid-1900’s when racial bias was high, even against those with similar skin tones. Davis explores a variety of topics from adoption to single mothering, to family shame over ethnic backgrounds. I was left feeling like something was missing here though – it always felt like the romance between our two present day leads was contrived and not organic. I also struggled with the fact that he was so willing to put aside his work as an author to go on this quest with her – I’m not sure someone who was so devoted to his craft would be willing to give it up so quickly and miss deadlines. However, I love the way the author pulled it all together towards the end. The final few twists really caught me off guard!
If you are a fan of historical fiction and magical realism, this would be a wonderful choice for your next book! As a fan of Heather Webber and Alice Hoffman’s ability to build a magical world that feels so real, I was happy to find another author who could accomplish the same! And if Hoffman’s Magic Lessons or The Rules of Magic are favorites, you will definitely enjoy this one – this book uses real historical events in a similar manner.
I chose The Echo of Old Books for the Read With Lindsey Reading Challenge prompt “set in a library or bookstore”. I loved the cover of this book with the books piled high behind the shop windows. While only a small part of the story is set in an actual bookstore, it is a pivotal piece that brings the book to Ashton and gives the readers a glimpse into her appreciation for old books. Speaking of Alice Hoffman, another great book set in a library with magical realism and historical events would be The Invisible Hour! What great book are you reading for this prompt?
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Bossypants, Tina Fey
- Current audio book: Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie
- Book I’m most looking forward to: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Fredrik Backman
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