Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "The Space Between Words: A Novel" by Michèle Phoenix

Monday, June 4, 2018

Review of "The Space Between Words: A Novel" by Michèle Phoenix

The plot of this novel revolves around the ISIS attacks on Paris in 2015 and the historic persecution of the French Huguenots in the 1600s.

*****

Thirtysomethings Jessica and Patrick become acquainted in Denver, Colorado when Jess responds to Patrick's ad for a roommate. The duo get along famously, but not in a romantic way, and consider themselves PMFEO (platonically made for each other). Vonda moves in later, and - though the three friends have different interests - they get along well. So it's natural that, when Patrick goes to France for a lengthy stay, the women visit him there.

On the evening of November 13, 2015 Jess and Vonda go to a concert at Paris's 'Bataclan Theatre', while Patrick is off doing his own thing. That night ISIS terrorists attack many Paris sites, including the Bataclan.

Amid the vast carnage, Jess is shot and seriously injured. Patrick stays at Jess's side while she recuperates in a Paris hospital, while Vonda - who's unhurt but badly frightened - goes back to the United States.

Jess plans to return to Denver when her health permits, but Patrick convinces her to join him on a trip through southern France, where he plans to scour antique stores and flea markets for 'treasures' to sell back home.

While Patrick is visiting an antique shop, Jess checks them into a small lodge that's run by a brother and sister - Grant and Mona - who provide directions to an excellent vintage store. There, Jess becomes entranced by a sewing box from the late 17th century, and Patrick urges her to buy it.....because 'it's calling out to her.'

Soon afterwards, Jess discovers that the sewing box has a secret compartment that contains part of a diary and pages from an old Bible.

Grant offers to help Jess translate the diary pages she found in the sewing box, and Jess happily accepts. It turns out that the journal was written in 1695 by Adeline Baillard - a young woman who lived in Gatingy, France. Adeline and her family were French Huguenots, a group that suffered severe religious persecution in their country.

Adeline's diary reveals that some members of her family planned to flee to England - and Jess becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to Adeline and her relatives. Thus Jess embarks on a quest through France and Britain, to learn about the Baillards and their descendants. Along the way Jess learns about the torture and murder of the French Huguenots by France's Catholic rulers, and these tales are shocking and horrifying.

The book alternates between the present and past. In the present, Jess fearfully recalls the terrorist shootings; makes new friends; and researches the fates of the French Huguenots. In the past, Adeline enjoys time with her family in Gatingy; teaches religion to children; and remains behind with her charges when her relatives try to escape. i

The book has twists, a budding romance, and a wide array of interesting characters, including: concert goers at the Bataclan; hospital personnel; shop owners; a Priest; civil servants; and more. I especially like Mona's five-year-old son Connor - a sweet, perceptive child who helps Jessica heal.

The book - which includes elements of chick lit, romance, historical fiction, and Christian fiction - isn't preachy and the religious ideology isn't pounded home. Nevertheless, the characters DO engage in philosophical conversations about God, and whether there's a larger meaning to the terrorist attacks - which sometimes lead people (like Jessica) in new directions. This doesn't sit right with me, as there's no way to find a positive aspect to the destruction and pain that terrorists cause....even if some survivors are propelled to learn new things and develop new relationships. 😏

The author also draws parallels between Jess's journey to 'enlightenment' and the travails of the Huguenots, but it's a rough fit (at best)…..and doesn't really come together.

I do think the chapters about the Bataclan attack and the French Huguenots are compelling and instructive....though very sad and disturbing. 😥

I think people who like historical Christian fiction with a touch of romance would enjoy this book, and I'd recommend it to them.

Rating: 3 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Monday, June 4, 2018

Review of "The Space Between Words: A Novel" by Michèle Phoenix

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