The Swallows by Lisa Lutz
I am new to book blogging and I’m trying out different styles and whatever you’d call it, with this book, I’m going to try to blog about it as I read it. This book was recommended by one of my best friends as one of her favorites.
There will be spoilers because I don’t know how to talk about books without them.
Pages 1-86
I love the way this book is written. Changing narrators throughout the story, when done well, can keep things interesting and I feel like I get to know each character personally. I like that the chapters aren’t really long (the hardest part about reading GoT for me was reading the POV of the characters that were boring) and I like that each chapter has a very clear voice, so far, for Gemma and Ms. Witt. I have a pretty good sense of Mr. Ford’s tone but I feel confident that I could tell who is narrating without chapter titles with Gemma and Ms. Witt.
I will admit, I almost gave up on this book when I read the line, “I wanted to lick her snaggletooth.” I almost put the book down and walked away. I think it’s supposed to lend to Mr. Ford’s character and it did present a very strong visual, it just was not one I wanted. I trekked on, though, and I’m glad I did because I think a really interesting story is unfolding. And so far, it doesn’t feel predictable. I’m excited to see where it goes and I am absolutely rooting for Gemma and Ms. Witt to come together to take down the Darkroom.
Often I find myself casting characters in my head as if they’re in a movie. Gemma Russo gives me MAJOR Peyton Sawyer vibes, and that could just be because I’ve had One Tree HIll on my mind lately, but I can picture a young Hilarie Burton Morgan in her dark angel costume, replacing the black highlighted wig with a blue one.
I can tell that there’s a love story with Jonah and Gemma that’s being hinted at, and maybe one with Ms. Witt and Mr. Ford, but I hope I’m surprised and that both characters take a different path. I’m excited to see what happens next!
