The Map of True Places is a 2010 novel by Brunonia Barry. It is about a psychotherapist, Zee Finch, who returns to her family home in Salem, Massachusetts.
 | |
| Author | Brunonia Barry |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre | novel |
| Published | 2010 (HarperCollins) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 406 |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-162478-0 |
| OCLC | 798223560 |
Reception edit
Library Journal, in a review of The Map of True Places, wrote "Barry wisely places her novel in atmospheric Salem, MA, as literary history, sailing, and witchcraft form the backbone of this tale." and "Although readers will be perched on the edge of their seats while consuming this mesmerizing, suspenseful tale, there are a few convoluted and confusing aspects among the details. Fans will also appreciate the brief reappearances of characters from Barry's debut."[1]
The Washington Post found that "For the first 100 pages, "The Map of True Places" maintains a somber and thoughtful tone, a little over-burdened by lofty themes" but then "the literary novel swerves into romance -- as well as thriller." and concluded "it may be that Brunonia Barry simply rushed out this one to please her publishers and public. I hope that is the case, because the voice behind the plot turns is both likable and engaging."[2]
The Map of True Places has also been reviewed by Booklist,[3] BookPage Reviews,[4] Publishers Weekly,[5] and Kirkus Reviews.[6]
References edit
- ^ "The Map of True Places". kcls.bibliocommons. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
- ^ See, Caroline (May 14, 2010). "Book review: Carolyn See reviews 'The Map of True Places,' by Brunonia Barry". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
- ^ "The map of true places". Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
Like her hit debut, The Lace Reader (2008), Barry's second novel features an involving, intricately woven story and vivid descriptions of historic Salem.
- ^ "The Map of True Places: Reviews". catalog.wccls.org. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
Gripping and emotionally taut, this is a novel brimming with both the messy and the lovely parts of life.
- ^ "The Map of True Places". Publishers Weekly. PWxyz LLC. March 29, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
This is a lovingly told story with many well-drawn characters, who sooner or later reconsider the courses charted by personal decisions and circumstance. But there is almost too much story here, and Barry (The Lace Reader) compromises the third act with a weak subplot about Lilly's traumatic last days that reads as an intrusion on an otherwise well-told tale.
- ^ "The Map of True Places (starred review)". Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Media LLC. April 15, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
Although marred by unnecessary "come-to-realize" moments, this woman-in-jeopardy thriller retooled with gothic elements—shifting identities, secrets and portents, a deserted cottage and a missing suicide note—manages to transcend its component clichés.