Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.
A heart-stopping tale as provocative as is suspenseful, about two conflicted women, separated by one hundred years, and bound by an unthinkable sacrifice.
The Barter is a ghost story and a love story, a riveting emotional tale that also explores motherhood and work and feminism. Set in Texas, in present day, and at the turn of the twentieth century, the novel follows two young mothers at the turning point of their lives.
Bridget has given up her career as an attorney to raise her daughter, joining a cadre of stay-at-home mothers seeking fulfillment in a quiet suburb. But for Bridget, some crucial part of the exchange is absent: Something she loves and needs. And now a terrifying presence has entered her home; only nobody but Bridget can feel it.
On a farm in 1902, a young city bride takes a farmer husband. The marriage bed will become both crucible and anvil as Rebecca first allows, then negates, the powerful erotic connection between them. She turns her back on John to give all her love to their child. Much will occur in this cold house, none of it good.
As Siobhan Adcock crosscuts these stories with mounting tension, each woman arrives at a terrible ordeal of her own making, tinged with love and fear and dread. What will they sacrifice to save their families—and themselves? Readers will slow down to enjoy the gorgeous language, then speed up to see what happens next in a plot that thrums with the weight of decision—and its explosive consequences.
My Review
I have a weird fascination with the paranormal. If you were to ask me if I believed in ghosts my answer would be no. Yet, I still watch all of the ghost hunting and paranormal shows and am certain that someone is going to eventually prove me wrong. This is why I was excited about this book.
There isn’t much of an introduction before the action starts – I loved it! Usually you go through the character and setting building first but right away, we are confronted with Bridget and the presence who has taken over her home.
I really loved Bridget’s story – a busy working woman who becomes a stay at home Mom and finds herself using most of her energy each day in taking care of her daughter. Her husband works late and they never see each other. I’ve felt like Bridget at times – in need of adult conversation yet always bringing it back to the baby. You almost feel like you are losing yourself, becoming someone else entirely. Bridget also has to deal with a ghost that has invaded her home, always looking for something that she can’t find.
This book isn’t just about Bridget. We also get to meet Rebecca who lived 100 years in the past and who falls into the same sort of life as Bridget. And this is where the story fails for me. Which is actually weird because I would normally be all about the historical portion. I don’t know, Rebecca wasn’t sympathetic at all. She wasn’t anyone I wanted to know more about. She married her friend and while he was completely in love with her, she was rude and insensitive to him. And when he pulled away from her, she was upset that he did. By the end, I just wanted to forget about Rebecca and delve into Bridget’s story.
Unfortunately, I am still a bit confused as to what exactly the ghost wants from Bridget. I didn’t feel satisfied with the ending because…..well, I just didn’t know what I was feeling. Not to say that Siobhan Adcock’s writing has anything to do with it (because honestly, it was great!). I just think there was something lost in translation for me.
This is definitely an intriguing book. I’d love to hear from someone who has read it and could maybe clue me in. Anyone?
The Author
Siobhan Adcock received her MFA in fiction from Cornell University, and her short fiction has appeared in several literary magazines. She has worked as a writer and editor for Epicurious, Gourmet.com, iVillage.com, and The Knowm among other digital publishers. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. You can connect with her on Twitter, Goodreads and her website.
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