Life in Defiance
By Mary DeMuth
In my review of the first book of Mary DeMuth’s Defiance Texas Trilogy, I asked the question: why are people in Defiance so defiant? Now I know the answer—secrets. So many secrets…so much pain and grief because of them. And isn’t that just like us?
There lies the beauty of Mary DeMuth’s Life in Defiance. She writes relevant fiction—stories that mean something. In the case of this book, her impeccable writing sucked me right into the inner world of Ouisie Pepper and held me there until all the secrets holding Defiance, Texas, captive could come up for air and dissipate into the breezes of another sweet-smelling Texas spring. I identified with Ouisie and the despair caused by all the secrets she tried to stuff behind the church pew and in her secret stash of booze in the flower vase (although I never drank vanilla extract!). I also cheered for Emory Chance (previously not one of my favorite characters) as she rose out of the proverbial ashes, found redemption and forgiveness, and then was able to offer it sacrificially.
And yes, we find out who killed Daisy Chance. But I’m not going to spoil that one for you. I will say that we get to know him before we know his identity . . . and that was, for me, an unexpected treat as I stayed up later and later pursuing the ending, but wishing the story wouldn’t end.
Too bad Amazon’s highest rating is only a “5.” This book deserves a 6! From the first chapter, which in my estimation qualifies for one of the top 10 best first chapters EVER, to the last, somewhat mysterious sentence, I found not a single flaw. Mary delivered far beyond my high expectations. This trilogy is not to be missed, and I believe that any discerning reader will be changed in some (good) way because of reading these stunning stories.
When one writes a short review, one has to count every line, every word, as this “genre” is very precise and concise. Therefore, it is so important to throw in a powerful header phrase. Yours, “So many secrets…so much pain and grief because of them” stopped me cold which means you are good at highlighting main statements of your reviews and make the writer’s targeted audience aware of the new publication.
Thanks, Galina. Your critiques are always welcome!
I agree with Galina! This is a well written, beautiful review. I’m just so thankful it was for my book!
And I’m thankful for the opportunity to share your stories with others. Thanks for visiting my blog, Mary. And I appreciate your compliment on my writing. I’m learning from you!
Your review of Mary DeMuth’s new book, Life in Defiance, stirs that excited feeling of “I can’t wait to read this book.”
I’m not much of a fiction reader but I sure do love reading Mary’s books. Great review.
Thanks, Di.
Sometimes I read fiction to learn how to write/edit better. Try it from that perspective…
Okay, so you know how I feel about Christian fiction. Right…I simply don’t read it anymore. However, not only is your review flawless (and literary to boot), it sucked the air out of me with the anticipation of a book THAT fabulous. So, uh…I need to borrow the series ;-).
That can be arranged . . . and perhaps you will be inspired to review it on your marvelous blog. Hmmm?