Review of The Space Between Dreaming
Posted: 09 Jul 2024, 00:42
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Space Between Dreaming" by Cherie Burbach.]
The Space Between Dreaming intricately weaves the lives of two women, Grace and Jane, highlighting how their paths converge amidst life's challenges. Both women grapple with the burdens of their difficult childhoods, profoundly affecting their present lives. Grace, who lacked a loving mother during her upbringing, longed to have children to provide the unconditional love she never received. However, her dreams were shattered by multiple miscarriages and unsuccessful adoption attempts. Jane, coming from a dysfunctional family with an unemployed father and a stressed mother, became cautious in selecting her life partner.
The book features vivid character development and memorable supporting characters, particularly the 'meddling' landlady, Mrs. Ferch, who becomes a vital support system for both Jane and Grace. I also liked John, Grace's husband, who stands out as a supportive, caring partner who loves Grace unconditionally. The narrative beautifully illustrates how art can serve as a therapeutic outlet for coping with life's emotional turmoils. The story underscores the importance of meaningful friendships and demonstrates how small acts of kindness can significantly impact someone's life.
The novel delves into themes of faith, the loss of faith, and the leaps of faith we sometimes need to take in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating what we have in the present rather than dwelling on what we lack.
The author's writing style is simple yet effective, rendering the characters' heart-wrenching traumas deeply relatable. The book begins at a compelling pace, maintaining intrigue about the unfolding story. The alternating chapters skillfully weave together the lives of both characters, especially during the art festival.
I would rate this book 3 out of 5, primarily because the story becomes somewhat predictable after a few chapters and slows down towards the end. Overall, it's a good read, though I wished for a more engaging conclusion.
******
The Space Between Dreaming
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Space Between Dreaming intricately weaves the lives of two women, Grace and Jane, highlighting how their paths converge amidst life's challenges. Both women grapple with the burdens of their difficult childhoods, profoundly affecting their present lives. Grace, who lacked a loving mother during her upbringing, longed to have children to provide the unconditional love she never received. However, her dreams were shattered by multiple miscarriages and unsuccessful adoption attempts. Jane, coming from a dysfunctional family with an unemployed father and a stressed mother, became cautious in selecting her life partner.
The book features vivid character development and memorable supporting characters, particularly the 'meddling' landlady, Mrs. Ferch, who becomes a vital support system for both Jane and Grace. I also liked John, Grace's husband, who stands out as a supportive, caring partner who loves Grace unconditionally. The narrative beautifully illustrates how art can serve as a therapeutic outlet for coping with life's emotional turmoils. The story underscores the importance of meaningful friendships and demonstrates how small acts of kindness can significantly impact someone's life.
The novel delves into themes of faith, the loss of faith, and the leaps of faith we sometimes need to take in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating what we have in the present rather than dwelling on what we lack.
The author's writing style is simple yet effective, rendering the characters' heart-wrenching traumas deeply relatable. The book begins at a compelling pace, maintaining intrigue about the unfolding story. The alternating chapters skillfully weave together the lives of both characters, especially during the art festival.
I would rate this book 3 out of 5, primarily because the story becomes somewhat predictable after a few chapters and slows down towards the end. Overall, it's a good read, though I wished for a more engaging conclusion.
******
The Space Between Dreaming
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon