Gabriella Burnham

Wait is a lovely character study read. It delves into the lives of two young sisters, Elise and Sophie, living on Nantucket Island whose mother has been deported by ICE to her native Brazil. They are islanders and their lives contrast sharply from the summer people which include Elise's best friend from college, Sheba, and her wealthy mothers.
The contrast in lifestyles was what I experienced as the true focus of the story and as such there was little direction in the plot. It is more about show more the evolution of characters and getting to know each girl through their lives during one summer together. The book is not a thrilling or dramatic story, although there are seem to be potentials for that at points in the story. Readers wanting more development of the plot will be disappointed.
Personally, I really enjoy an occasional book that just reveals people more than events. It's like peeking into someone's world and getting to know them just by how they live their life. The author does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life in describing how they think and act. The prose of the book is also quite beautiful, as is the descriptions of the island and nature found there.
If you are searching for a dramatic or captivating read, this may not work for you. If, like me, you enjoy a character focused story about believably real people and getting a glimpse into their heads, I would absolutely recommend Wait.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less

When Linda’s husband, Dennis, accepts a year-long teaching assignment at the University of Sao Paolo, she’s happy to do. She’s been caring for her dying father, ignoring her writing career and at loose ends. Most of the story is told as if she is talking to her husband. Her first challenge in Brazil is what to do with Marta, the black woman who has been assigned as their maid. A maid won’t solve her loneliness problem though. On a chance encounter she becomes friends with Cilia who show more is mysterious…so different than Linda. It develops into a short-term romance which includes a few days at the beach. And then there is the wealthy wife of the university provost, with whom Linda feels obligated to associate. And in this story, debut author Burnham gives us a lot to think about as we ponder the purpose of our lives. show less

Beautifully poetic title (it's a reference to a song), incredible cover design, and both perfectly represent the inside contents of this book. The prose is so lush and descriptive, I can't count the number of quotes I copied down. There's a pervasive sense of intimacy and loneliness to it.. Overall, I enjoyed "It is Wood, It is Stone" very much. I was hooked pretty much as soon as I started, and read it over a few a few sittings.

The less than stellar parts of this book are few. I felt that show more chapter 24 was a (temporary) departure from the main narrative in a way that wasn't properly built up to. It was beautifully written as well, and I enjoyed it, but as Marta is aloof toward Linda for most of the book, it's rather sudden when she relays such a personal story.

Also, my feelings about the way things end are mixed. I feel like it implies some less than good stereotypes about bi women, i.e., that they can't have lasting relationships with other women and will eventually settle down with a man. Celia was in love with Rafael the entire time, and Linda returns to her husband (it's revealed that this book was written with her addressing him as "you" because it's something she wrote to and for him, part confessional and part love letter). It's not that I feel like this story would have worked better if it went differently, but for me personally it left me feeling a little disappointed.

Another small thing: it states outright what Celia's purpose was in the story, what she "meant" to Linda, which could have been left as subtext.

Anyway, my experience with this book wasn't affected disproportionately. I thought it was lovely, and will probably reread it in the future.

*read via NetGalley show less

After her husband, Dennis, receives an opportunity to teach in São Paulo, Brazil, Linda is hesitant to go, because she has been contemplating leaving him. However, she does agree, and after they move, she is provided with a maid, Marta, who handles many household activities. Since Dennis is consumed with his job, writing a paper for the provost, Linda becomes more restless, without much to occupy herself, she meets a woman who captivates her. They escape together for several days, but show more Linda wonders if it is worth losing her husband. Marta sits with Linda and gives her some life lessons. This short novel started out well, it told the story of a lonely wife looking for love and attention. I got tired of the woman who was ready to abandon her life for the attention of a new acquaintance. show less