The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson
The Bookseller. Finished May 13, 2015, rating 4/5. fiction, 338 pages, pub. 2015
Nothing is as permanent as it appears . . .
Denver, 1962: Kitty Miller has come to terms with her unconventional single life. She loves the bookshop she runs with her best friend, Frieda, and enjoys complete control over her day-to-day existence. She can come and go as she pleases, answering to no one. There was a man once, a doctor named Kevin, but it didn’t quite work out the way Kitty had hoped.
Then the dreams begin.
Denver, 1963: Katharyn Andersson is married to Lars, the love of her life. They have beautiful children, an elegant home, and good friends. It’s everything Kitty Miller once believed she wanted—but it only exists when she sleeps.
Convinced that these dreams are simply due to her overactive imagination, Kitty enjoys her nighttime forays into this alternate world. But with each visit, the more irresistibly real Katharyn’s life becomes. Can she choose which life she wants? If so, what is the cost of staying Kitty, or becoming Katharyn?
from Goodreads
I received this from the publisher courtesy of She Reads and they rarely lead me to a bad book. I think in the almost two years I’ve been receiving books every month or so chosen by She Reads there has only been one I didn’t care for that much. Kudos to Marybeth and Ariel for finding such great books for us.
The dual storylines of Kitty and Katharyn were not difficult to follow, even as the lines blurred, and for the most part worked for me. I am not giving too much away (I don’t think) to say that I was surprised at the autism aspect in one of the storylines. It was difficult for me to read because it was so…stereotypical? And cold, definitely not something I’ve seen come up in a 1960’s novel. As someone with first hand experience, it spoke both truth and not, like most difficult issues I suppose.
I liked Kitty, mostly, but not so much Katharyn and then I wasn’t sure about Kitty. The pages kept turning and even though I knew where it would end by halfway through, I was still anxious to get there. This is a terrific debut novel and sure to please book lovers, especially those that dream of opening up their own bookstore someday!
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What Jane Austen heroine are you?
Sounds like a good one! Glad you liked it so much!
I keep wondering if I should read this; I’ve seen mixed reviews!
It is not a perfect book for sure, the dates of the two storylines seemed too close together and I had a problem with Katharyn, BUT it was an easy read that I didn’t want to put down until I’d finished.
I’ve read mixed reviews too but I think some people have gone in with different expectations because of the title. I suspect I’ll enjoy this book when I read it.
I want to read this one. Intrigued by the premise and I do understand going in that it’s not really about a bookstore. 🙂
I’ve seen mixed reviews, too, but the premise is appealing… think I’ll give it a try!
This sounds like such a different novel . . . And I’m intrigued.
I agree, it’s not perfect but I found it strangely addicting. I looked forward to reading it each time I picked it up.
Me too, Mary! The fact that I was anxious to get back to it made this one a win 🙂
Sounds like an interesting read!
Just got this one and look forward to reading it.
I’ve been torn about this one … the fact that you were anxious to get back to it, even though it wasn’t perfect, makes me think I should read it!