Sometimes I read a book and think, “Mmm, this feels like an attempt to replicate X that fell short,” or, “I feel like I’m reading a disappointing version of another story.” I know that this sounds harsh and critical, but I’m also sure that some will think the same about what I write.
I’m not going to criticize anyone in particular, though—I’m going to explain why some novels I’ve read lately fell a bit flat, not because of their own characteristics, but rather because I compared them to what I’ve read so far from Kate Morton and the comparison bar is set impossibly high.
I’ll try to keep things as general and ambiguous as possible because I’d hate to spoil anything in any of her novels.
From the ones I’ve read (no idea if other ones have a different premise) there are two plots taking place at different times, with the one in the past including a mystery that’s resolved by the end of the story. This resolution also includes (direct or indirectly) an answer of sorts for the “present” timeline.
Sounds simple enough, no? Well, here’s the deal: I never fully managed to figure out the mystery of the past timelines, and there are plenty of red herrings and unexpected twists to keep you on your toes.
Beyond the mysteries, the characters and settings are incredibly constructed. Sure, it takes a minute to get my bearings, yet each set of characters and timelines are so well created, that it becomes easy to follow them as I go along because they each have a distinctive voice.
Each of the main—and even secondary—characters has a clear agency, and while there are common themes throughout some of the novels, the way they are depicted leads to entirely different books.
As for the settings, the best way I can think of to describe them is as “luscious”. No matter what time or place the plot takes place in, I feel fully submerged in it, from landscapes and constructions to fashion and activities, everything that the characters experience and the decisions that they make are intricately shaped by their setting.
And you’d think, well, yes, that’s obvious. But it isn’t always the case—especially in historical novels—that characters remain true to their backgrounds or the social norms that surround them.
It isn’t always easy to accomplish, yet Kate Morton does it in each of her novels.
I’ve reached the point where I buy them without reading the blurb and I’m waiting for the latest to be announced so I can pre-order it.
And if you’re still hesitant, it’s one of the times where I think that all the awards and nominations she’s earned are fully justified.
