Editor’s note: The opinions of the smart, well-read women in my Denver book club mean a lot, and often determine what the rest of us choose to pile onto our bedside tables. So we asked them, and all Denver Post readers, to share their mini-reviews with you. Have any to offer? Email bellis@denverpost.com.
“City of Night Birds,” by Juhea Kim (Ecco, 2024)
Natalia Leonova leaps from the page in this novel of a great Russian ballerina. After an accident disrupts her career at its apex in 2019, Leonova first self-medicates but eventually must address her choices. This is a story about the necessity of art and facing hardships that anyone can relate to, not just those of us who love ballet. Kim carefully choreographs the timing of plot turns, scattering them as graceful motifs throughout the story. The novel is a pas de trois (dance for three) starring Natalia, her partner, Alexander, and her nemesis, Dmitri. The dance capitals of St. Petersburg, Moscow and Paris are principal characters. Being inside Natasha’s mind and her life was fascinating. (Reese’s Book Club pick for December 2024) — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker
“Seeing Further,” by Esther Kinsky, translated by Caroline Schmidt (New York Review of Books, 2024)
This short novel is set in Hungary, where the narrator reflects on the nature and significance of cinema, not only as an art form but also as a vehicle for social interaction. She learns to appreciate the role that cinema played in the 20th century, providing not only a place for people to gather and share an experience but also a way of seeing. Seeing beyond the physical boundaries of the theater, beyond the limits of their individual experiences. Seeing metaphorically through romanticized, rose-colored glasses. But now in the 21st century, the unnamed narrator mourns, cinema is less about how to see than what to see, as viewers now rely on personal screens much more than on silver screens for their viewing pleasure. An interesting observation played out in novel form. — 2 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver
“Aye, and Gomorrah,” by Samuel Delany (Vintage Books, 2003)
Delany took an unusual route to his writing career, starting with novels and then turning to short stories. This volume contains his Nebula Award-winner for best short story with the same name as the book’s title. While the subject material (an array of gender identities, some neutered, some trans- or fluid-gendered) may have been earth-shaking upon first publication, the striking and lasting impact of Delany’s writing nowadays is its accurate range of human emotion, as characters in all the stories feature how very human we are. A major bonus: Delany’s writing is succinct yet vivid and expressive. Readers feel they are right at hand although they may not understand quite what’s going on. — 3½ stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)
“Virgil Wander,” by Leif Enger (Grove Press, 2018)
Wonderful writing, an engaging protagonist, interesting characters, a charming town, and (perhaps) an evil native son — what’s not to love about this novel? I find it difficult to describe the plot without spoilers, so I’ll only say this story had pretty much everything: mystery and romance, humor and pathos, history and future. There are even touches of magic as the residents of Greenstone, Minn., work to revive their town. Expect to savor this book. “Whoever knew?” — 4 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker
“Bright I Burn,” by Molly Aitken (Alfred A. Knopf, 2024)
Alice Kyteler lived her own way in the 13th century, so it’s no surprise that she was the first Irish woman to be condemned as a witch. Molly Aitken gathers the bare shoots of Alice’s life of greed, jealousy and sexuality and nurtures them into a tangled forest of nettles and Rowan trees. Enchanting, haunted, glowing, tenebrous — I was fascinated. As a usurer, Alice has wealth and power. This makes her hated — and vulnerable to detractors. There is little witchcraft in this story (unless you count an occasional poisoning). Making an unappealing character so compelling shows the strength of Aitken’s writing: I was moved by Alice’s voice. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker