The Time Between by Karen White

This was my fifth Karen White novel and I continue to be a fan! Usually I like a bit of "grit" in my characters, whether that be meanness, dysfunction, multiple layers.... but Karen White's characters are generally likable - even the ones who are supposed to be less likable like Helena. The characters are developed in such a way that even when someone is being mean or a jerk, the reader knows there is something sad or tragic in their past that makes them like that. These characters come across as being harder on themselves than others - which makes the reader feel more compassion for them than anything.

It never hurts to throw in a beautiful woman who doesn't know she is; a handsome man who doesn't care about his looks; a cute little talkative girl who loves everyone, including a cold and unapproachable mother and a cranky great aunt; a setting on the river in the south; a few deep, dark secrets; and a satisfying ending.  That's what makes these novels so enjoyable.

I certainly understood why Ellie would feel guilty/responsible for Eve's fall - especially since Eve and their mother allowed Ellie to feel that way.  I also understood why Helena felt guilty/responsible for some of her actions when she left Hungary in 1944. Understanding her situation though, I would think that most people would have done exactly what she did to save her sister and escape from Hungary.  Helena was WAY too hard on herself.  I believe that Helena and Bernadett would have lived better lives if they had told each other the truth about everything - as soon as they discovered each truth. They were both frozen in the past - wondering what happened to their loved ones - rather than dealing with their tragic past and learning to live without the people they each lost.  By not sharing what they knew in order to "protect" each other, they actually suffered a lot more.

I have read a few books lately where music is a big part of the storyline. Since music is a big part of my life - and is very influential on my moods - I love how this book had so many characters (dead and alive!) that were talented musically.

Wendy's Rating: ****