Janice Kulyk Keefer

I started this book and was disappointed that, despite the title, the reading and sharing of books was a minor aspect. I like books about books and the power of reading. But I kept going. And was disappointed by the number of characters and my struggles to figure out who was in which family. But I kept going. And, as I continued, I became deeply immersed in this small community and everyone fell into place.

It is the early 1960s and a group of women and their children are spending the summer show more at Kalyna Lake, a community where Ukrainian immigrant families have cottages. The men drive up every Friday after work to spend the weekend with the family. And we see the relationships among the women, among the children, and within families and couples. The book is so well written and gives a deeply nuanced picture of relationships with the fiery love affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor around the filming of Cleopatra providing a backdrop for various hopes and fears. show less

Canadian author Keefer has created an intricately woven story of one summer at a predominantly Ukrainian vacation lake. This particular summer the wives, who by turns are frustrated, depressed, resentful and wistful, are swept up with the new movie version of Cleopatra and the brewing love affair between its two costars. When they gather each week to share their steamy romance novels and illicit literature they can’t help but veer off topic to debate the merits and penalties of adultery show more and lust. By focusing on the Hollywood romance they successfully avoid acknowledging the dramatic affair that’s brewing in their own community. The story is revealed through many perspectives as each woman addresses her longings against her realities. Even the children, consumed with the heat, the sand and the freedoms a summer retreat offers, are pulled into testing and provoking each other. Keefer can turn a beautiful phrase and seems closely connected to her many characters that she coaxes along with both subtlety and drama. show less

The tumultuous 60's have not yet touched the women of Kalyna Beach. As first generation Ukrainian Canadians, they are enjoying advantages their parents never were able to provide. While their husbands work in the city, the women and their children are able to summer at their cottages. Each Friday, the husbands join them for the weekend; it doesn't get better than this.

Women cannot leave their work behind; the daily schedule still requires all the attendant duties. Instilled are the cultural show more rules and mores that not only bind them, but unconsciously pit woman against woman on a daily basis.

Friday afternoon gin and book discussions provide their respite before the men return. On Sasha's porch, they gather to discuss their books; books hidden in secret places in each cottage; what a disgrace it would be for a child or husband to find a copy of FANNIE HILL Relaxed and amiable, the discussions eventually digress to gossip.

With the release of the movie Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor provides a provocative twist to previous discussions. Richard Burton is rebuked, but given this group's mindset; Elizabeth Taylor as woman has taken the low moral ground and cannot be forgiven.

Each woman carries her secret burden: Sonia, a mother with four daughters drifts to thoughts of her previous life as a model. She and Laura, her oldest clash as Sonia struggles to regain her lost self while Laura begins the journey to find herself.

Sasha asserts herself as the group leader, intent upon keeping the ladies in line, while she struggles with her own ideology. Nadia, wife of the most successful man among them, flits in and out, a butterfly searching for the most fragrant flower.

The end-of-season party at Nadia and Jack's villa approaches and all that was will never be the same. Secrets are discovered, and promises are broken. Will summer at Kaylna Beach ever be the same?

I didn't want this book to end; it was a fantastic read. A different culture, but similar to mine as an immigrant of Polish descent. This book gave me a better understanding of my mother; especially as I read about Chucha Marta's past.

I read Caramelo recently, and was amazed how different cultures adapt to their new environment. Some flourish, some remain forever imbedded in the Old Country. show less

From the title I imagined this book would be an easy to read little chick lit about middle-aged women having innocent drinking sessions and sharing their books. However, I was so very wrong and in fact the tale was far deeper than I expected. It's about several Ukrainian families who are trying to make a life for themselves in Canada. Some of the characters have come from extremely poor backgrounds and have suffered many hardships. Now living a lifestyle that they only previously dreamed show more about, the women are often confused as to what is expected of them. The characters are so real but some are very unpleasant indeed. We learn about children growing up before the sexual revolution and the loss of innocence. The cruelties that the children inflict on a young mentally handicapped boy are heart wrenching to hear but beautifully written. Then, towards the end the horror of child abuse is introduced which made for a shocking read. I fully recommend this book but just wish the title and cover art had been given more thought. show less