Tatjana Soli

Historical fiction that separately tells the stories of two women: George Armstrong Custer’s wife, Libbie, a real person, and Anne Cummins, a fictional character taken captive by the Cheyenne at age 15. Libbie’s story is based around her husband’s military career, as he rises through ranks, finds the limelight, and tackles various assignments. Anne’s story follows her assimilation into a new culture, as she migrates with and is traded to different tribes. As the story unfolds, we come to understand that Anne and Libbie have more in common than outward appearances would indicate.

The power in this novel is bringing to life a past time and place through the characters. I felt the characters were well-drawn, giving the reader insight into their motivations and feelings. The historical people are brought to life and felt nuanced and authentic. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. She vividly depicts the scenery, deprivations, and challenges of life in the 1860’s – 1870’s on the frontier, at military outposts, and in the tribal camps. By employing two related storylines, the author provides insight into almost all facets of life during the period. It was a brutal time in history and is depicted as such. Content warnings include graphic violence to people and animals, rape, starvation, mutilation, racism, and sexism. Recommended to readers that enjoy historical fiction of the period, or stories of life on the American frontier.

I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a candid review. Publication date: June 12, 2018
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The Last Good Paradise by Tatjana Soli is a strangely prophetic yet darkly comedic novel about a group of people who escape to a remote resort on a small unnamed atoll in the South Pacific. They are all running way from something and all feel cheated out of the happiness that they feel entitled to. Ann and Richard are one step ahead of their creditors as a bad business partner and poor management has sunk Richard’s dream of opening a restaurant in Los Angeles, they are also one step away from an imploding marriage. Dex Cooper, rock n’roll superstar is facing his own slide down the fame meter. He’s getting older and is fighting with his other band members. He is daily getting less interested in his young, sexy muse, 20 year old Wende. Loren, the manager of the resort has his own demons to face, and even the workers at the resort, Titi and Cooked have difficulties to work through.

The story explores the relationships and backgrounds of these people, and is in turns both funny and tragic. Beside the wonderfully exotic setting, the author provides some interesting insights into our world and how we cope when we are confronted with no electricity, no internet and no cell phones. As these people unite in various ways, they each discover what they really need in life is to express their passion, be it for cooking, music, art or family life.

I enjoyed this story and tried not to compare it to the other book of hers that I have read, The Lotus Eaters which I loved. The Last Good Paradise uses seductive, funny and quirky scenarios to show us how strong our need to connect with others is and, also, that a one-way ticket to paradise isn’t necessarily the answer.… (más)