Thursday, April 26, 2012

DarkroomDarkroom by Joshua Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent!

Graham is a fresh voice in the genre of crime and psychological thrillers. He also adds the ethical and spiritual voice without telling the reader how to feel or think. Additionally, the story is believable and provides new storylines.

Told from different point of views, the protagonist is Xandra Carrick, an Asian American woman trying to find peace with her father. The story flashes between times and POVs, as Xandra's parents meet in Vietnam. Grace, Xandra's Vietnamese mother is returning to her village after being at school when she is nearly killed in a skirmish. Peter, an American photographer, takes her to a hospital where she is patched up. The story then continues as the two decide to marry and Saigon falls.

Xandra is plagued with new visions she experiences through pictures she takes with her father's old camera. Through it, Xandra discovers old secrets about Vietnam and sins committed against man. Also, the story is a great primer for those of the generation that Vietnam War happened but we were too young to understand then hadn't become history enough for the books in school.

I look forward to more of Xandra Carrick's adventures!

*I received a free copy of this book from publishing company in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

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