Posts by Vicki J Kondelik

This short novel consists entirely of a monologue by a librarian in a small town in France. She speaks about the role of the library in society, her love life or lack thereof, her snobbish colleagues, her reflections on French history, and the deficiencies of the Dewey Decimal system.

The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide is a beautifully written short novel about a couple living in a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo, who come to love the neighbors' cat, who visits them every day. Through their love for the cat, they come to love each other better as well.

Ariel by André Maurois is a fictionalized biography of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, focusing on his romance with his second wife, Mary Shelley, who became the author of Frankenstein.

The Scarlet City is a fascinating novel about a young man's quest for his parentage in 16th century Rome.

Jessye Norman, one of today’s greatest opera singers, tells the story of her life, from her childhood in the segregated South to her triumphs on the world’s opera stages.

The Genius in the Design tells the fascinating story of the rivalry between two brilliant architects in 17th century Rome.

Quiet by Susan Cain is an excellent study of introverts and how they are underappreciated in the workplace and at school.

Wicked Autumn is a British village mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie, but with a contemporary setting.

The Book of Madness and Cures is a beautifully-written novel about a female doctor's journey through 16th century Europe and northern Africa.

Roman Murder Mystery by Derek Parker tells the true story of a murder case that was the talk of Rome in the late 17th century.