Imposter syndrome is a real thing for me, even two years in with having my novel published. I'm living this new life as a writer, but there are still surreal moments. I've had a few in the last month (seeing my name on an urban art piece listing Maine authors, finding my book in the mega-bookstore in the local mall), but the most mind-blowing was receiving a positive review of The Toll Road North from Instagram book influencer, Dasha Reads A Lot.
If you are not one of @dashabookgirl's 10,000 followers, let me tell you she is an AVID reader and reviewer. I appreciate her range of titles and honest feedback. And I especially appreciate that she took an interest in The Toll Road North - and liked it!
Here's the full review, transcribed from her Instagram post on July 12, 2024.
The Toll Road North
If you enjoyed Mercury by Amy Jo Burns, you will love this one as well.
Family sagas about different generations are one of my favourite genres and this book didn't disappoint. The story has three timelines and describes three generations of two families, it starts with a shocking scene when people are being held hostages in a restaurant and then one of the main characters goes down memory lane and has to face some difficult secrets.
It is not a thriller but the dark secrets they discover are very twisty and intriguing. But also it is a story about ordinary people living their lives, having struggles and trying their best whatever it means. It is the best kind of story - both plot and character-driven.
I love such stories about families for relationship dynamics and characters, and in this book, the characters are not perfect but relatable and feel real. Especially I appreciated how the author @peggyldeblois showed empathy even towards quite a villain type of character.
Even though the book is 3rd person's view you feel how it leans towards female characters. I loved Lucille, Dee and Marian, they are kind women who grew strong and wise during events happening in the book, you just want to be friends with them. And the Maine and Quebec setting was really charming. And I would love to try Fergy sandwich, I googled it, it is real!
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