Brunonia Barry's The Lace Reader

A Compelling First Gothic Novel Set in Salem, Massachusetts

Oct 15, 2008 Emily Harpp-Meulbroek

"The Lace Reader", by first-time novelist Brunonia Barry, transports the reader to new heights of mystery and melancholy.

A Tale of Twins

The Lace Reader [© 2006, HarperCollins, ISBN 978-0-06-162476-6] is a gothic tale revolving around Towner Whitney, a damaged and shell-shocked young woman who has been haunted by the loss of her twin sister when they were teenagers. Separated at birth, they maintained a strong bond with occasional visits throughout their childhood and adolescence. Through flashbacks and journal entries, we follow Towner as she returns home to Salem, Massachusetts, to investigate the disappearance of her Aunt Eva.

Salem Women

Towner is a member of a family of women in Salem who are all gifted in their ability to tell the future reading the patterns found in the special (Ipswich) lace that they make. Eva, the missing relative, is the most gifted at the skill. This form of fortune telling is complex and elusive; but before each chapter there are entries from Eva’s journal which serves as a lace-reading manual for t for Towner throughout the story.

We also find out more about the tragic death of Towner’s twin sister, and the false prophecy the women read in the lace that led to her demise.

As Towner attempts to solve the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance, we see her developing a relationship with another tormented soul, Rafferty, an investigator who looks out for Towner as he falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Jack, a former boyfriend, is still haunted by the tragedy that befell Towner’s family.

Intrigue and Pain

Without giving away the details of the plot, The Lace Reader involves a love triangle, mysterious deaths, hideous abuse and dangerous secrets. The melancholy that flows throughout the book infuses the story with pain and poignancy.

Historical Accuracy

An added bonus in this book is its historical journey through Salem, Massachusetts. Barry has clearly done her homework; the research is impeccable. Her detailed description of famous landmarks, particularly related to the witch culture, are fascinating. She evokes the mystical, eclectic and at times terrifying atmosphere of Salem, both past and present. The book is wildly popular in Massachusetts for both its nod to Salem and its compelling narrative.

A Complex Story

Throughout the book, there are strong images of female connection and disconnection, love, and loyalty. If you pick up this book, it will be difficult to put it down until you are done. And, like the intricate patterns in the lace that the Whitney women read, so too does this book pull you in and mesmerize you with its fascinating story.

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