Publication Date: 1st February 2006
Time/Pages: 14hrs 38mins/432
Book Source: Own audio
Narrator: Suzanne Toren
Synopsis: In the rugged Pacific Northwest lies the Olympic National Forest—nearly a million acres of impenetrable darkness and impossible beauty. From deep within this old growth forest, a six-year-old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she offers no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past.
Having retreated to her western Washington hometown after a scandal left her career in ruins, child psychiatrist Dr. Julia Cates is determined to free the extraordinary little girl she calls Alice from a prison of unimaginable fear and isolation. To reach her, Julia must discover the truth about Alice’s past—although doing so requires help from Julia’s estranged sister, a local police officer. The shocking facts of Alice’s life test the limits of Julia’s faith and strength, even as she struggles to make a home for Alice—and for herself. In Magic Hour, Kristin Hannah creates one of her most beloved characters, and delivers an incandescent story about the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph of hope, and the meaning of home.
My
Thoughts:
This
is my 4th book by Kristin Hannah and another 2012 favourite. Magic Hour is
quite different to Winter Garden, it has a completely different feel
to it but it was just as 'unputdownable'. I'm singing Kristin Hannah's
praises, she's just that good.
Kristin
Hannah has a gift, not only for storytelling but for emotionally engaging her
readers, tugging on their heartstrings. She excels at characterisation, exploring
relationships and behaviours with a depth of emotion not contrived or melodramatic, but truly special.
I
adored the characters, child psychologist Dr Julia Cates who's
professional and personal confidence has taken a battering following a tragedy
involving a teenage patient, Julia's sister Ellie, police chief in Rain
Valley and of course the little "wolf girl", named Alice by
Julia.
Alice
is the pivotal character, she touched my heart and those around her; Julie,
Ellie, Max, the Rain Valley community. You realise early on that this wee
darling has suffered unspeakable trauma and you sigh over each small triumph as
Julie works with Alice. You cry, hiccup and smile as Alice bonds, slowly
trusts, learns, heals and loves.
It's
a story about hope, love, family, community and unshakeable faith and ok maybe
the ending was a little neat but hey I'm not complaining ... they deserved it!
Shouting from the rooftop ... I LOVED IT
Want to know more about Kristin Hannah and her work? ... check out her website.
Sounds heartbreaking but still very readable. A good story I think.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely!
DeleteI need to check this book out. Sounds like an emotional and intense read!
ReplyDeleteWowwwwwww!! this sounds GOOD!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou need to read this author Julie, she is soooo good!
DeleteWhile I still have not read a single book by her
ReplyDeleteWant me to nag you?? ;)
DeleteHmmm I am glad you liked this but I might pass as I am pretty sure this would really upset me . Maybe in a few years time I might give this author a go.
ReplyDeleteMaybe try Winter Garden? I think you'd love the historical setting! http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/winter-garden-by-kristin-hannah.html.
DeleteI never read a book written by this author, but I love that you are so excited about it and that you loved it! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nina, I want to read more of her work, she really is a talented writer.
DeleteHoly smokes! I just read about this one Alyce's book blog from a guest post and knew I wanted to read this one. Went to the library but it was checked out. Now I read your 5 star glowing review of it but on audio and what do you know? I have 4 credits at audible.com just burning a hole in my pocket. I'm off to buy it. Hey, your other Hannah review had me buying that one too!! LOL!! we are very naughty!!
ReplyDeletehahaha naughty but fun! Can't wait to see what you think of this one and Winter Garden, I think Winter Garden is my favourite by a smidgeon and the narration of it is just AMAZING. Hurry up and start one of them will you LOL
DeleteThis is an interesting premise, and I've heard some good things about this author. And a rating of 5! Wow! Thanks for putting bookish temptation in my path. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Stephanie, you can't go wrong with this one or Winter Garden :)
DeleteAn author I have waiting for me on my shelves. Everyone seems to rave about her!
ReplyDeleteHope you get to her soon Stacy!!
Delete