Gina Linko

NOTE: I won a free eBook copy of this book in MOBI format from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers (September 2021).

Every immigrant has a story. In Linko's novel "Nothing Else Is Love," those stories converge in interesting and unexpected ways that evoke connections to unexplained supernatural phenomena. Alice, the novel's initial protagonist, has an unexplained connection to France, including a keen talent for blending aromas into perfume. As she explores the history of the St. Paul, MN area, readers are pulled into a story of two young people in love almost 100 years prior. The extended flashback consumes almost a half of the novel, if not more, but its rich detail makes it the centerpiece of the story. Linko's characterization of the Folkeson family feels authentic and true to life. As I read, I grew to adore Rune, whose intellect and romanticism stands in sharp contrast to his physical demeanor. His brothers, troubled as they were, are similarly endearing. The progression of Rune's romance with Catarin, juxtaposed with the struggles of the Folkeson family, illustrates how some conflicts and emotions are timeless. Though a convincing explanation for Alice's connection to the past is never given, not even in the story's denouement, the resolution is still satisfying and atones for some of the sins in the pasts of each of the main characters.… (altro)

This went in some very interesting directions, all the more engaging for being unexpected. I loved Tally and Tempest and found all the supporting characters sketched with nuance and uniqueness.

But I kept getting distracted by the way the protagonists insisted on interrupting each other and then stomping off right when they needed to listen. I don't doubt 13-year-olds are often like this, but this came across as driven more by a need for dramatic tension than an outgrowth of characterization.

And while I sincerely appreciate Tempest's desire to escape her twin's need to protect her, I felt a little aggravated that she wasn't called out for doing the same thing to Tally at times. I wanted an acknowledgment that they both perpetuate problematic behaviors, just as they admit they're both changing and allowing distance in their relationship.… (altro)

Keeping family, friendship and hope high, this is actually a quicker read, which packs emotion but doesn't bog down.

True's world has turned upside down. The pandemic has set in right when her mother has traveled to Canada, and now, thanks to the closed borders, can't get home. Her father is working overtime, caring for those as he can, which leaves True under the care of her grandmother with her siblings. While trying to find her place in all of this, she discovers a kitten who needs care. But despite all of her efforts, things seem to get rougher, and soon, she's not sure how to handle everything.

This is a read, which looks at difficulties caused by the pandemic, building in family situations, emotions, and heart. True is an intelligent and caring girl, who does her best to 'fix' things as her family is thrown into uncertainty. Especially those who lived under similar circumstances will find familiarity in the situation. But even those who weren't facing quite as much insecurity will connect with her, since this is as much a tale about family and relationships. Her care for those around her and the kitten make her easy to root for.

At around 175 pages, it's kept fairly short, and that's great. This is a serious read, which hits the heart and revolves around relationships within the family, neighbors and friends. Keeping it from growing too long allows more hesitant readers a bit more breathing space, especially since it's a fairly simple plot and an easy read. So, kudos on that end.

I believe that this one will have more impact in a few more years as some families still aren't out and about in normality, yet. But it's well written, has characters who are easy to sympathize with, and flows along nicely. So, I can recommend this one to those interested in the theme. I received an ARC through Netgalley.… (altro)

This was an interesting book with either 2 parallel stories or a story within a story. Part of it felt like a time travel tale but it turned out to be... , well I don't want to put a spoiler in here. The story dealt with Swedish immigrants to the Minneapolis area, the Minneapolis caves, perfume making, graduate students, the loss of loved ones, and finding loved ones. The story was split between now and the early part of the 20th Century. I enjoyed the historical part because it shed light on an era or events that I am unfamiliar with. The primary characters were well developed and deep enough that you felt that they were real people with whom you were developing a relationship. It was easy to care, be exasperated, worry, or fear what was happening in their lives. The plot pulled you along and when the "chunks" of the story shifted, I was left wondering what happens next. I enjoyed this book and it ultimately had a satisfactory ending. One word of caution - if you have recently lost a loved one and your emotions are still tender over it, you might want to wait a bit before picking up this book. I needed to set it aside a couple of times, but the story did keep pulling me back.… (altro)