Review of A Few Trivial Felonies
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Valerie Garske
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Review of A Few Trivial Felonies
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Few Trivial Felonies" by Sandra Sperling.]
A Few Trivial Felonies is a dark crime comedy by Sandra Sperling. I recommend this book to anyone who can laugh at mature women secretly cutting down trees to see the ocean. Furthermore, retirees, especially Minnesotans, or anyone with a morbid sense of humor may find this book fun to read. Nevertheless, some people may be uncomfortable with the humor involving a dead body.
When Nick’s health begins to fail, he is forced to retire and Rachel decides to retire early as well. Moving to a small town in Oregon, they determine that if they pinch pennies they can afford a modest mortgage. Although there is no ocean view, Rachel takes solace in knowing that the ocean is just beyond the trees. Consequently, Rachel discovers a kindred spirit in her neighbor, Ruth, who coincidentally hails from Minnesota and also has an ailing husband. Rachel and Ruth come up with one scheme after another; first to improve their ocean view and eventually to maintain their modest standard of living. Moreover, their neighbor Vivian is a flirtatious petty thief, who seems to have it out for Rachel. Driven by irrational jealousy, Vivian suspects Rachel is not providing adequate care for her sick husband. Indeed, Rachel does have a secret. If Vivian discovers the truth, then Vivian could cause a great deal of trouble for both Rachel and Ruth.
I liked that the book started quickly and even before I finished the first page, I was laughing out loud. As the book progresses, we meet the husbands and the neighbors. I liked that there were a number of characters with varying ethical standards. I also liked that the book made me think about my own financial "straw house". As a recently retired woman, who left Northern Minnesota for milder climates and with similar financial concerns, I found that I could relate to Rachel’s predicament.
What I didn’t like about the book was the characterization of Vivian. Vivian is an uneducated middle-aged single mother with a propensity to pilfer from her neighbors and her job. Admittedly, Ruth and Rachel disapprove of Vivian and her desperate machinations to catch a husband. Considering Ruth and Rachel are also willing to commit a few crimes, as long as they don’t cross the line of kidnapping, murder, or bank robbery; I think that their pettiness toward Vivian is excessively harsh and judgmental.
This is not a deep book, and yet it is a well-written comedy. As the web of deceit entangles the neighbors, I appreciated that I did not predict the ending. The book maintains a sense of cohesiveness and mystery. This is a fun read with an absolutely fantastic ending. Consequently, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
******
A Few Trivial Felonies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A Few Trivial Felonies is a dark crime comedy by Sandra Sperling. I recommend this book to anyone who can laugh at mature women secretly cutting down trees to see the ocean. Furthermore, retirees, especially Minnesotans, or anyone with a morbid sense of humor may find this book fun to read. Nevertheless, some people may be uncomfortable with the humor involving a dead body.
When Nick’s health begins to fail, he is forced to retire and Rachel decides to retire early as well. Moving to a small town in Oregon, they determine that if they pinch pennies they can afford a modest mortgage. Although there is no ocean view, Rachel takes solace in knowing that the ocean is just beyond the trees. Consequently, Rachel discovers a kindred spirit in her neighbor, Ruth, who coincidentally hails from Minnesota and also has an ailing husband. Rachel and Ruth come up with one scheme after another; first to improve their ocean view and eventually to maintain their modest standard of living. Moreover, their neighbor Vivian is a flirtatious petty thief, who seems to have it out for Rachel. Driven by irrational jealousy, Vivian suspects Rachel is not providing adequate care for her sick husband. Indeed, Rachel does have a secret. If Vivian discovers the truth, then Vivian could cause a great deal of trouble for both Rachel and Ruth.
I liked that the book started quickly and even before I finished the first page, I was laughing out loud. As the book progresses, we meet the husbands and the neighbors. I liked that there were a number of characters with varying ethical standards. I also liked that the book made me think about my own financial "straw house". As a recently retired woman, who left Northern Minnesota for milder climates and with similar financial concerns, I found that I could relate to Rachel’s predicament.
What I didn’t like about the book was the characterization of Vivian. Vivian is an uneducated middle-aged single mother with a propensity to pilfer from her neighbors and her job. Admittedly, Ruth and Rachel disapprove of Vivian and her desperate machinations to catch a husband. Considering Ruth and Rachel are also willing to commit a few crimes, as long as they don’t cross the line of kidnapping, murder, or bank robbery; I think that their pettiness toward Vivian is excessively harsh and judgmental.
This is not a deep book, and yet it is a well-written comedy. As the web of deceit entangles the neighbors, I appreciated that I did not predict the ending. The book maintains a sense of cohesiveness and mystery. This is a fun read with an absolutely fantastic ending. Consequently, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
******
A Few Trivial Felonies
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Worldlines by Adam Guest
