{Review} THE RECLUSE STORYTELLER by Mark W. Sasse

ISBN #: 978-1492241256

Page Count: 238

Copyright: October 6, 2013

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

If only they could hear her stories, everything would be different. Every day the recluse storyteller leans back against her wall, in a trance-like state, telling her tales to the receptive dead-air of her apartment, As her neighbors plot to put her away the eccentric recluse, her magical stories seep out of her apartment, forever changing the destiny of everyone who hears them. Part adventure, part tragedy, and part discovery, The Recluse Storyteller bridges genres, bringing hope, life, and redemption to the shattered relationships of modern society.

Charlene's Review:

Locked up in her apartment, by choice, Margaret weaves stories, out loud, that are inspired by her neighbors and loved ones. Margaret chooses to speak only to her aunt, Janice, and the young twins down the hall. While the adults label her "crazy", the twins are drawn to her stories. Before too long, the adults realize that the stories are capable of great healing, and link them all together, whether they like it, or not.

There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding Margaret and her abilities. Mr. Sasse, in his usual style, handles it gracefully, as the reader balances between the seemingly insane, and the truth. The many stories that weave together with the local residents are emotionally charged, and left me anxious to see how it would translate to the current timing of the story.

I appreciated, perhaps the most, the intricacy of the storylines, as well as the idiosyncrasies of the characters. While Margaret had the supposed "problem", she was also laying bare the others’ secrets and eccentric behavior. A far departure from Mr. Sasse’s previous novel, The Recluse Storyteller is a thought-provoking look at society and its need for "normal", as well as what we might learn from simply listening.

5 out of 5 stars!


*A physical copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.