Happy Tuesday and Happy Publication Day to Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood! I said in my last Can’t Wait Wednesday post that T. Greenwood is an auto-read author, and I had delayed gratification for far too long in reading Rust & Stardust. I am happy to say I was not let down, and in fact, Sally’s story left me captivated and heartbroken at the same time. Inspired by true events that also led to Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita, Rust & Stardust is an enthralling and emotional story.
My Thoughts:
Even though I knew this would be a heart-rending book, I trusted Greenwood to write in a respectful way without being sensationally graphic, and somehow, even knowing the devastating ending ahead of time, there were peeks of hope that kept this from being an overwhelmingly bleak book.
In Camden, New Jersey in 1948, 11-year old Sally Horner is desperate to be seen and have friendships, to be part of the group. In order to be initiated into a group of girls, she is told she has to steal a notebook from Woolworth’s. Frank LaSalle, a seedy and convicted felon recently released from prison, catches her in the act and misleadingly portrays himself as an FBI worker.
What follows is the two tragic years Sally spends with LaSalle, as they travel cross country, and he repeatedly abuses her.
Even though I knew how it would unfold because it is a story based on true events, at each step, I was hoping, practically pleading, for a different outcome for Sally. There are opportunities for help and near misses, and each time, I kept hoping.
T. Greenwood uses a deft and sensitive hand along with beautiful writing to paint this somber story with respect to Sally Horner and her family and to give them a voice in these disheartening and devastating events. The Author’s Note is not to be missed and shows the heart of the author.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Camden, NJ, 1948.
When 11 year-old Sally Horner steals a notebook from the local Woolworth’s, she has no way of knowing that 52 year-old Frank LaSalle, fresh out of prison, is watching her, preparing to make his move. Accosting her outside the store, Frank convinces Sally that he’s an FBI agent who can have her arrested in a minute—unless she does as he says.
This chilling novel traces the next two harrowing years as Frank mentally and physically assaults Sally while the two of them travel westward from Camden to San Jose, forever altering not only her life, but the lives of her family, friends, and those she meets along the way.
This sounds like such a good read, although heartbreaking I do love when authors approach real life stories with respect, sensitivity and dignity. I’m glad the family were able to have this as representation of Sally’s story.
Kate x
http://www.katesbeautyhome.blog
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Thank you, Kate! I agree- she used tact and sensitivity with this tragic story, which made it all the more meaningful. Thank you for stopping by to comment. ♥️
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Pretty picture. Yes I plan to read this one. I do not think that I have read any books by this author. Happy Tuesday. 🌺
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Thank you, Virginia! I hope you enjoy this book when you get to it! Xo
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You’ve written a sensitive and respectful review of a very tough story. It’s on my shelf and I’ve dragged my feet getting to it but you’ve inspired me to just get on with it.
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Thanks, Jonetta! That means a lot to me, and it’s even more reflective of this author’s heart and talent. I definitely understand why you haven’t picked it up yet, but on the other side of it now, it helps to know the author has tact and sensitivity shining through her writing of something so tragic. I look forward to your thoughts on it whenever you are able to work it in.
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It was truly such a wonderful book told with grace and empathy. I am so glad you loved it, Jennifer as Greenwood is in my top five list of authors.
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I totally agree, Marialyce! About the book and about T. Greenwood, truly a gifted author with so much sensitivity and genuine warmth in her writing.
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Great review Jennifer. I have never heard of this case but it certainly does sound so heartbreaking. Its nice to know that the author portrayed the case with the sensitivity that it deserves.
I read a thriller by Greenwood quite a while back. I think it was called Where I Lost Her. It was really good!
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Thanks, Diana! Yes, Where I Lost Her was possibly the first book I read by her, and I loved it too! She definitely has her own style, and I love it.
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Oh wow wow wow! Why have I never read this author?😭😭 Awesome review Jen and now I’m off to my library webpage to see what they have!😊💖
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Thanks, Sus! I tried to get you over to the library site last week when I posted about this one on CWW! 😊 I can tell you without a doubt you will love this author. When I try to think of who she is like, I’m at a loss. She’s kind of in a league of her own. I read Where I Lost Her first, and then I had to buy most of her backlist! ♥️ xo
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I didn’t know Lolita was based on a true story, but it cheers me up a bit to know that it didn’t come purely from Nabokov’s sick imaginings! I must say your review suggests this author has treated the subject with a great deal more sensitivity and understanding than Nabokov did…
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I think he did have some sick imaginings, FF…What’s ironic is it took decades for anyone to connect the true story to his book…He was inspired by Sally’s story, but he took many liberties with it. Yes, this author did her research on what was known and also used to care in her writing.
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Wonderful review, Jennifer. I do plan on reading this one, especially after your review and it’s great to know Greenwood handled the Sally Horner case with dignity and respect; it is such a terrible, tragic case. I’ve had to teach Lolita a few times over the course of my 17 years teaching Literature, and I always make sure the students know her kidnapping and subsequent death helped inspire Nabokov to write his novel, only the true story is so much worse than the novel.
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Thanks, Stephanie! I also think Nabokov twisted things for his story, and of course he had creative license, but Greenwood tried to stay true to the story and then filled in what was not known. I think it will be especially interesting to you given that you’ve taught Lolita in your classes. Hey, did you take any of Doris Betts’ classes at Carolina?
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Oh, he definitely twisted things and took a variety of other elements as inspiration for his story. You can find references to many fairy tales hidden in the novel and he was inspired the works of Edgar Allen Poe and funnily enough Baudelaire’s poetry that was the focus of J.P. Delaney’s new book Believe Me. One of the most fascinating things I find as I lecture about literature, is what inspired the author. I’m no fan of Nabokov though…he was well known to be obnoxious and full of himself (and that’s being kind!).
Professor Betts! 💙 I didn’t take any of her classes because creative writing was/is the bane of my existence (I only forced myself to take them when getting my PhD decades later, which I didn’t get at UNC). However, I did have a few wonderful, yet too brief encounters with her before she retired, which might have been the year before or after I graduated with my Master’s…I know it was very close to that time, but the time blurs since I just had my 2nd child right before I graduated, whew! In hindsight, I wish I had taken one of her classes. Did you take her? Have you read any of her books? I have a collection of her short stories, but I have never read it!
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I can’t remember if you saw my review of Invitation to a Bonfire earlier this summer? It was inspired by Nabokov’s shady life! 😂
I did not take any of her classes, but I wanted to! I had a good friend from high school who took her classes and absolutely adored her, so it feels like I knew her, just a little bit. I have read some of the short stories and one book, I believe. It’s been so long, and I need to check and read them again. Love that Carolina Blue heart. The only blue one I have is Duke blue, and we can’t have that! 💗
I’m going to send you a super fast email because there’s something I have been dying to tell you! 😂
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Stunning review Jennifer! I have this one and it is historical fiction, but I am hopelessly catching up! I will get there so slowly! And I might have purchased this one on audio to help me along, LOL💕
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Thank you, Berit! This is a great crossover into historical fiction for you- a true crime element. You are doing awesome! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this book! ♥️
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What I need you to do is nudge me when there’s a good historical fiction book on NG for me to request!💛
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Oh, I will do that. Easy! ♥️ There is one on the Vanderbilt family from SMP that I may request…………… 😉
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Well let me know!
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Wow Jennifer, what a review! That book cover and your beautiful photos are very eye catching. Not to mention your stellar write up. Nice job!
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Thanks so much, Abby! The cover was a fun one to photograph! This book really got to me. Thanks for stoppping by to comment. 😊
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Oh wow completely sold Jen thank you!! I wonder if it’s available in the U.K.? 🤔
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You’re welcome, Beth! It looks like it’s available via Kindle, and then the hardback will be out September 1! ♥️
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Fantastic review!!!
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Thanks so much, Dee! 💗
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Amazing review Jennifer! While this one was very tough to read you are right she handled it beautifully. 🙂
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Thanks, Carrie! I really loved you review. It amazes me what she was able to do with this story to make it so sensitive and well-done.
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It’s funny because I totally thought this was a fantasy book until now lol I guess because of the cover I thought it was a dystopian YA or something like that haha Your review is amazing and I want to read it now!
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Aw, thank you, Annie! Yes, very different from dystopian. It is really a unique and special book with so much heart. I look forward to your thoughts if you read it! ♥️
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