Precious And Fragile Things by Megan Hart
Contemporary
January 1, 2011
Paperback, 400 Pages
Mira
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote:” Count to ten. Bite your tongue. Keep yourself together, Gilly. Don’t lose it.
Don’t lose it.”
Gilly Soloman is a stay at home mom of two small children who spends her days and nights catering to her family’s needs while ignoring her own. Gilly is headed for an overload and wishes for a small break from her life. When she is carjacked, Gilly gives into her wish. But rather then a day or two of peace, she is snowbound with her kidnapper for 3 months with no way out. As Gilly begins to bond with her kidnapper, she never lets herself forget that he is teetering on the edge and one wrong move could destroy them both.
Precious And Fragile Things is a different look for Ms. Hart. An accomplished erotica writer, I have enjoyed her books many, many times but she does a 180 with this novel. No romance. No sex. Just two strangers who are thrown together by chance and now must try and survive. Even though it is completely different from her usual offerings, Ms. Hart’s signature style is stamped through out it.
This was difficult for me to read because it forces you to acknowledge not only the mental and physical pain of these characters but also the decisions they have made. It also asks you some difficult questions about yourself. It stayed with me long after I finished as I tried to sort out my feelings about it. Ms. Hart brings to the forefront two sensitive subjects. She doesn’t offer excuses nor sensationalize them. It is what it is. Strong characterization and smooth yet forceful writing captures your attention and holds you as much a hostage as our protagonists.
I’m not sure if I liked Gilly and Todd. These two flawed individuals don’t necessarily endear themselves to you. At times I felt like I was watching them through a window. A disconnected spectator held spell bound by the unfolding drama. Yet, it works because Ms. Hart doesn’t write about the dreamy larger than life hero or heroine. She doesn’t promise us a happy ending or even an acceptable one. She writes about ordinary people’s lives and fillets them open for us with the skill of a surgeon.
As you sit in that snowbound cabin with Todd and Gilly, you are on an emotional roller coaster as their lives are further exposed and you begin to see a faint connection being forged. Even though their current situations are quite different, there is a spark of similarity between them that is further empathized as the story progresses. I appreciated how neither character was sacrificed for the other. This wasn’t just Gilly’s story or Todd’s story. It’s their story.
The ending had me letting out my breath slowly as I read the last sentence and tried to absorb all that had happened. I will say I wish Ms. Hart would have left off the epilogue. It felt out of place and rather trite after the impacting finale.
All in all I found this book to be a gripping, suspenseful, and thought provoking novel that questions and examines the precious and fragile things in our lives.
Rating: B
Recent Reviews:
Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind – 5/5
Tracy’s Place – 4.5/5
Book Lovers Inc – 5/5
Babbling About Books and More – B+
Nice review Tori! I love how you said this one wasn't the hero or heroine's story individually, but their story together – sounds brilliant!
Love this review :) This book, although no a romance sounds like something I definitely could enjoy!! I'm dying to know what the ending is!
Wonderful review! I adore this book. It'S one of those emotional rides you can't forget easily.
Jenny-Thank you. :) It's a story that leaves you thinking about it for a long time after your done.
Mandi-Thank you chica. :) As a mother it gave voice to things I don't ever admit to out loud.
Susi-Thank you. :) It definitely hit me rather hard.
I'm so glad to hear you liked this one. I do love Megan Hart's style but I was hesitant to give this a try simply because I really need some romance in my fiction. Maybe this is just what I need to give me a push into a new genre. Great review Tori.
FV-I too was hesitant but it works. And it apparent Megan wrote it. She has a clear concise style thats readily apparent no matter what genre she is writing in.
So glad you enjoyed it. It was definitely different from her norm but very good. I really didn't like Todd or Gilly either but I couldn't help but be emotionally impacted by them. Not a light read. lol
Tracy-It's definitely not a light read. lol
*whispers* no HEA…no romance –> bites nails.
Smokinhotbooks-(((hugs)))Sorry sweetie no romance. This isn't your reg Megan Hart book.
Loved your review Tori! I don't think this is the book for me but I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Happy New Year!
Love the review Tori and I enjoyed how you were open to such a huge change in subject for this author. It does sound like an interesting book and I might have to put it on my TBR list for later.
VampFanGirl- Thank you. It takes you out of your comfort zone for sure.
deannalynnc-Thank you. It stunned me. And it takes a lot to do that these days.
Lovely review Tori. I love emotion books so I will have to keep this on my radar :)
Tori, I'm so glad to see your review of this book. I am a huge Megan Hart fan and she's been really clear on her blog that this book is nothing like what we've seen from her before. I look forward to reading it and seeing a different side of her writing style.
Lisa-It's very good. I enjoyed it immensely.