Official Review: Mosaic by Jacqui Henderson

[IsabelMay]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mosaic" by Jacqui Henderson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Mosaic by Jacqui Henderson is an engaging story that follows a family living in Britain before and after World War II, told through the eyes of a young woman Lillian. Decades later, her great-granddaughter Megan discovers her diary where Lillian shared all the moments any family lives through, from love and joy to loss and despair.

Just like Lillian, her descendants are going through a tough period. Megan’s mother knows it is only a matter of time before her marriage falls apart, she has to take care of her ill mother and try to be a good mother herself. The diary might be exactly what they need, helping them overcome their difficulties. Together, the mother and her daughter explore their family history that still affects the present. While many things might have changed, people have not.

If I had to describe this book using only one word, it would definitely be gripping. The author knows how to take a story premise and turn it into a powerful plot with an array of believable characters. It is astonishingly easy to identify with them. While reading, I felt like I was right there with them which might be due to the book being written in third person which allows the reader to become a part of the story.

As for the writing style, I especially took notice of the right proportion of dialogue and description which is always hard to achieve. There are no noticeable grammar mistakes, it seems to be well edited. The alternations between the past and the present are seamless. Even though it is historical fiction, the story that focuses on the everyday life of Lillian and her family does not provide exhaustive historical background. It refers to the most important real-life occurrences, but the emphasis is still on the impact of any war on families.

There are several minor elements that could have been better. The story is slow paced and sometimes stretched-out. I have to admit that several chapters and diary excerpts can be removed as they are irrelevant to the story. I also feel like the background story provided in Lillian’s diary was sometimes far-fetched because she included details hardly anyone would remember or bother to write down. Finally, the number of characters can be overwhelming at first. It is challenging to remember everyone, but their family tree is included at the beginning if you wish to take a look during reading.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend this book to everyone as it explores a timeless theme of relationships. It is not one of those novels that can be read in a couple of hours and be put back on the shelf. Some parts might make you cry, others will make you laugh. It is a reminder that life and everything we have shouldn’t be taken for granted. As it always turns out, we do not know what we have until it is gone.

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Mosaic
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Like IsabelMay's review? Post a comment saying so!

[LadyClaire]

Thanks for the review, Isabel. I'll definitely check this one out.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Enjoyed your review, it flows and is informative.

[kandscreeley]

It seems like there are a lot of WWII stories. This one sounds like an interesting take though. Thanks for the review.

[KlareAllison]

Enjoyed the review. War narrative intertwined with family issues, all revolving around a diary. Interesting storyline.

[George Guchu]

Stories revolving around diaries and war definately a good combination thanks for that review.

[The Researcher]

Very nice review. I look forward to reading the information in that diary. I am going to add this in my reading list.

[mikaelamae]

wow very good storyline i cant help myselp reading...its great story love it

[cluborg]

A great review. Thanks

[jemgirl202]

This sounds like an amazing read! Great Review!!

[MrsCatInTheHat]

It seems like there are a lot of WWII stories. This one sounds like an interesting take though. Thanks for the review.

I've noticed that there seem to be a lot more in the past year or two.