The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (pictured here credit: Harper Collins) is the author's first novel. It is a very interesting story, so compelling that many people really believe there were/are Lace Readers. The author acknowledges in interviews that she never really found evidence that Lace Readers existed - she thinks she just made it up, but it seems logical there may have been since, throughout history, people have "read" everything from hand lines, tea leaves, quilts to minds.

I was lucky to get to hear the author speak when I was a guest at a local book group in San Diego. Brunonia Barry first published the book, in 2006. She and her husband are software publishers and decided to publish and market the book on their own. Initially they gave copies to regional book clubs in an effort to get the word out about the book. Some how the book ended up garnering a starred review in Publishers Weekly and major publishers launched a bidding war. The self-publishing side saga really is a unique and inspiring story for all struggling authors out there hoping to get published.

Although it is fiction, the book is filled with layers of history involving witchcraft, spirits, family secrets and religious undertones. It is aptly set in Salem, Massachusetts, the author's home town, during modern times. Descriptions of Salem, and the surrounding area are one of the highlights of the book, in my opinion. Brunonia Barry's family name actually is Whitney (a family name in the book), but other than that she said it was not, in any way, autobiographical.

The book's main theme is "a hero's journey for women". The author uses unique pacing and tells the story using multiple perspectives and voices. The narrator announces in the first chapter, "we're from five generations of crazy". The characters in the book are amazingly well developed - you really feel like you know them by the end of the story. The young protagonist, Towner Whitney, suffered a severe nervous breakdown, moved to California and only returned to Salem after her Great Aunt Eva disappeared. There is a religious cult leader, Cal Boynton, who creates some of the drama, along with other family members and local townspeople. Suspense and a well-crafted twist make the mystery complete.

Lots of information about the book, including reviews and interviews, is well catalogued on Brunonia Barry's website. Book clubs are guaranteed to have lots to discuss with this great read!

My book club thought it would make a great movie - What actors and actresses do you think best fit the roles?