The Violets of March

Author: Sarah Jio
ISBN: 978-0-452-29703-6
Publisher: Plume
Source: Author for Review
Pre-order Link: The Violets of March: A Novel
Watch the Book Trailer

Synopsis:

A heartbroken woman stumbled upon a diary and steps into the life of its anonymous author.

In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after.

Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life.

Review:

As I sit here, ready to pen my review of this book, I must confess I’m just not sure my writing has what it takes to do this book justice. The Violets of March is a captivating and soulful read, I did not want to put it down. Many daily tasks were neglected while I read this novel. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. It’s as if a constant pull beckoned me back to the book, which didn’t disappoint me!

The story itself is one of the most original and refreshing stories that I've read in quite some time. It put stories I recently categorized as original to shame. I couldn’t help but wonder how an author can come up with such refreshing and original material at this day in age. Regardless of her methods, Ms. Jio has proven to be a masterful story teller with this novel. It is full of depth and emotion with twist and turns that carry the reader away.

The characters of The Violets of March are an intriguing and well developed group. My connection to Emily was instant, as if I had known her my whole life. In spirit, I was not sitting at home reading this novel. Instead, I was sitting with Emily at the sound; drinking Starbucks, overlooking the water and feeling the breeze as I listened to her tell me this intimate story. I felt as if I knew each character, their unique and vibrant personalities are part of what made them enjoyable to read.

Sarah’s writing style was wonderful. At no point during this novel was I aware that I was reading. I was simply immersed. I felt a part of the story, as if it was being told to me personally rather than the fact that I was simply reading it off the pages. The story is told through Emily, but switches tones when she is reading the diary. The dual storyline is executed beautifully. I was never lost, never had to pause or re-focus. It was a clear and smooth read.

Overall, I feel this review could never quite capture the essence of this wonderful novel. I can only hope that you, as a reader, will trust my opinion when I say this novel is a must read! It is fresh, satisfying and fully re-readable. It will not disappoint you. My most simple and honest feelings about this book and Sarah’s writing can be wrapped up in the following statement; based on The Violets of March, if Sarah Jio continues to write in this manner, I without doubt, have stumbled across my new favorite author. Her books are now a must read for me and I highly anticipate her next release. She is without doubt; a very talented writer and I urge you to read this book. It will amaze you.

The Violets of March is available for pre-order and will be release on April 26th. Amazon has the book listed for fewer than ten dollars!! Treat yourself to a great read…