Tulimeeria recommends På vei til en venn : roman by Niels Fredrik Dahl, "Similar themes: a protagonist with a dysfunctional family, a traumatic experience in their childhood, dealing with said childhood at an older age, finding (see more) peace of mind. Both novels are set in the present, but rely heavily on childhood reminiscence and flashbacks. Both novels are ultimately hopeful despite the dark thematics."

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A story of post partum depression with a horrific outcome. The story is heart wrenching; however, I did not enjoy it. Was it simply the subject matter? Possibly. The story is told in flashbacks, by the lone survivor, and the writing is decent. Are the characters memorable? Unfortunately, I would have to say no. After some time, they have begun to fade from my mind.

I recommend to those interested in the subjects of post partum depression and survivor's guilt. (

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cathyB00 | Jun 4, 2009 |

i found the narrator so irritating. she's such a smart alec. i can't believe these smart sociable kids didn't ask anyone for help. ellen tried a teacher but didn't communicate her problem well. i can't believe that the father would rape the mother. i had a very difficult brother. if i had ever seen bruises on him, i would have suspected abuse not leukemia and sought help. why couldn't ellen call her siblings by their correct names? what kind of mother is she going to be? she's bonkers. why would she take up with some old fart? as i write this i realize how annoying the book was . i'm going to lower my rating. (

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mahallett | Apr 10, 2009 |

A terrific example of a deft translation, "Een Hart en Steen," or "A Heart of Stone," is moving family fiction. A horror befalls a close family in the Netherlands, and a mother dies. Through most of this book, I maintained the mantra, "Ann Tyler meets Alfred Hitchcock." This is a clear, vivid book, at the end of which we don't necessarily have redemption, but hope. This book recalls Kennedy's "Ironweed" at the end, where the life-worth-living is a work in progress. The "Heart" of the title is a play on the emotional problems of the mother, and a natural fixture at the family home.

I recommend this very highly. I don't know what other works by Ms. Dorrestein may have been translated into English, but this one is very definitely worth taking up. (

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LukeS | Mar 18, 2009 |

This compelling Dutch novel is written from the point of view of troubled adult, Ellen Van Bemmel. The narrative alternates between the present and Ellen's recollections of her childhood. The snippets from the past begin with glimpses into an idyllic childhood, but lead up to a horrific tragedy. As an adult, Ellen struggles with survivor guilt and tries to make sense of the events which so drastically changed her life. Very powerful. (

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JGoto | Aug 26, 2007 |

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There were already four of us by the time Ida arrived, on an unusually cold summer's night.

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Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 014200023X, Paperback)

In the words of bestselling author Susan Vreeland, "Renate Dorrestein knows how to chill her readers with tragedy and then melt their hearts with forgiveness." A Heart of Stone is a spare yet richly told novel that seamlessly alternates between past and present. Sparked by faded photographs in an old family album, the novel's narrator, Ellen, pieces together the frayed memories of an idyllic childhood. She relives her growing up with her adored siblings, her parents' news-clipping service, and decades of Americana-from Coca-Cola to Kissinger and Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon. But amid the happiness lies terror and unimaginable heartbreak and a twelfth birthday that haunts her still. As Ellen tries to make sense of her adulthood, she recalls the loss, the longings, and the love-her constant companions-and struggles to dispel the ghosts of her past.

"A stunning novel about the scorching legacy of loss." (Time)

"Moving, chilling, and powerful." (Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring)

(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:58:17 -0400)

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