The Two Lives of Sara - Catherine Adel West

Some books stay with you for a long time. It could be the characters are relatable, or the reader has a soft spot for a particular country or era. Perhaps the reader is inspired, or left with a sense of hope. Sometimes it’s just the words themselves.Point blank - I owe NetGalley big time for the access to this particular galley. Because this book could be one of the best books I have ever read. Yes, I am aware of the level of high praise.

In the 1960s in Memphis, Tennessee, a young girl arrives at a boarding house. She has a note of introduction, a secret, and most importantly an infant son named Lebanon. She quickly proves herself an indispensable worker. She also has a talent in the kitchen. It is the only place she finds peace. But people notice that she doesn’t really want much to do with her son. She isn’t ever neglectful, but if anyone wants to take care of Lebanon they meet with no objections.

The language in this book is simply superlative. As I read, I usually jot down a sentence that strikes me. For this book, I wrote down paragraphs. The conciseness which West uses to convey Sara’s thoughts and feelings is clear and detached at the same time (The entire novel is in first person.)

The other thing that struck me was that, for a historical fiction novel, the true historical events are told almost as an afterthought. Sara only thinks about race once she meets Jonas, the neighborhood teacher and the love of Sara’s life. Their relationship provides a strong redemption arc, but the fatalistic tone of the book clearly shows this will probably be temporary. The one thing Sara doesn’t have is faith, and her reasons for that are completely valid. It adds to the sense of doom. Peace comes at a high cost.

I cannot recommend it highly enough. After I finished, I realized this isn’t West’s first book. It goes without saying I will be all over its predecessor.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was a gem to read and I love finding new authors to add to my TBR pile. West brought to life a story that was beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful. It felt like I got my hands on a delicious dinner that I wanted to sit and savor. Her descriptions surrounding Memphis and all the side characters really brought to life the book.

The only thing I disliked was that it had it's dry spells which I struggled to press through, even though I was so glad I did. Also, I gathered that the previous book "Saving Ruby King" may have answered some of the questions and gaps I experienced. I wished I read that first so I could fully appreciate this book, however West does an an amazing job to make this one a standalone novel.

Perfect for fans: historical fiction, growth of MC, African American literature, Sue Monk Kidd, Secret Life of Bees

Phenomenal! Catherine Adel is a great writer and does a good job of showing the reader and not just telling. Sara is a complicated and very real. She is not cookie cutter perfect which I personally appreciated. We see the differences between the old and new Sara and the incidents that have shaped the choices that Sara makes. Trigger warning for sexual abuse in this one - but not graphic. I loved this one and think it would make a great film adaptation.

I didn't realize there was a prior book that might have helped me understand some of the decisions Sara made - but this was easily a stand alone story. There is a lot of background included, but I still think reading the first part would be helpful.

It's a difficult story to read and say it was enjoyable, but it makes you think. The characters are well developed and the storyline is intriguing to keep you reading. I was confused by the ending, however I think maybe that's part of where reading her first book would have made this make more sense.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This book is about Sara who has to leave Chicago suddenly and love to Memphis. She builds a life there and creates a family. This is a story of deep pain. I didn’t like the ending, but thought it was interesting.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin forbthe opportunity to read this novel.

I love this hook so much. I'll be recommending it to everyone i know.

I can't say it any better than this: " With a charismatic cast of characters, The Two Lives of Sara is an emotional and unforgettable story about a community, where family encompasses more than just blood and hidden truths can bury you or set you free."