It’s about time I share a good book, don’t you think?
Truth is, I was stuck in a rut after my last book and it took me awhile to find something new. So often I feel like it goes like that…we read five wonderful books in a row and then strike out for a period before finding another good one. I had heard about Blue Asylum a few months ago and thought it looked really good but then totally forgot the name of the book and thus, couldn’t find it again. I felt like I was going crazy but for the life of me, just couldn’t remember the name. Until, that is, it was actually recommended to me on my Goodreads list. I was thrilled to have found it and immediately bought it.
I had high hopes for this one and let’s just say it didn’t disappoint! Blue Asylum is set in a mental asylum on Sanibel Island during the Civil War and follows the story of Iris Dunleavy, a woman whose husband had her committed to the asylum for being an “unruly and disobedient” wife.
I was instantly grabbed by the writing, which flows beautifully, and the character development of the three main characters. Growing up, we used to vacation on Sanibel and Captiva Island, and I love reading books set in familiar places. I also love books set in the Civil War era…but you probably know this by now if you’ve been following my book reviews for awhile! I should probably branch out more, but I just have such a heart for historical fiction. I love it.
This book reminded me a little bit of The Kitchen House and The Emancipator’s Wife, two other books set during the Civil War that I love.
There’s absolutely nothing like losing yourself in a good book!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Now that I’m on winter break, I need some good books, thanks for the recommendation!
We made a few Sanibel Island vacations trip as well!
It’s been a month since reading The Lost Wife and I’m still trying to move on from it. The scene of the sisters searching the clothes has lodged itself into my brain.
Sounds like an interesting read! As soon as the Christmas holidays hit, I fully intend to get wrapped up in a book on the couch with a blanket. It’s been far, far too long since I’ve done that!
This sounds so good!! Definitely going on my to-read list!
You are such a voracious reader. It is inspiring. I was just recently recommended “Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity.” Not a civil war piece but a recent bestseller. Enjoy your novel!!
I definitely need to read this — my parents go to Sanibel every year, without fail, and I’ve joined them a few times. It’s one of my favourite places in the world.
This sounds amazing. I love books that are set in older eras…there’s something so intriguing about the way they describe interiors, clothing, letter-writing and conversation.
I just posted a book review on my blog yesterday and said the same thing – there’s nothing like losing yourself in a good book. I love historical fiction too, so I’ll have to add this to my list!
Pretty, pretty please do a book page!
Cannot wait for finals to be over so I can do some reading!
That theme of book, about women who were thought to be crazy when they were just being free or normal, interests me a lot. I’d be so interested to read about what it might have been like then. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks for always recommending good books! I just finished The Girl on the Cliff. Great book, could not put it down. I just finally finished Gone Girl and don’t know what my problem was and why I never finished it months ago – loved it. The Secret Keeper was also very good. I just purchased The 12 Tribes of Hattie per OPRAH and The Replacement Wife.
This looks like a great idea for a book – I only wish I had the time to relax and read
Thanks for the constant stream of good book recommendations. I just read “The Light Between Oceans” and it was SO good. I think you will love it, too.
Just finished finals on Tuesday and I’ve been trying to find one or two or three for the break. Thank you so much for the recommendation- I LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION!!!
Hi- I’m new to your blog (your title WHAT I’M READING NOW snagged me) (from Shut up and Run)
I LOVE historical fiction. I just finished the book 1,000 White Women. It was SO AWSOME AND SO WELL WRITTEN. I highly suggest it. I also loved My Name is Mary Sutter and Two Rings (sorry I don’t have author names).
Keep posting good books.
My family vacationed on Captiva & Sanibel islands also! And I think we are the same age. I wonder if we ever met on a beach : )
Love Goodreads for exactly that purpose! Best website for booklovers. Definitely adding that book to my rotation!
I’m so glad you posted this! I’ve been in a serious book rut too and am desperate for a really good read. You always have great recommendations that I love. Thanks!
I’m a long-time Captiva Island vacationer (this is the first year in many that we won’t be going — a newborn is crimping our style), so will definitely check this out! I, too, love stories set in familiar places, and who doesn’t enjoy a good Civil War era story?
Wow this seems like a book totally up my alley! Except…read a description of the book online, and I was just wondering how much the “impossible love” between the main character and the soldier is…explored? Even if her husband committed her to a mental institution…she’s still married (I assume?) and I don’t know how much I’d appreciate the book if it is played up, from my own moral/faith perspective… (Not saying anything against you or anything! Just trying to gauge how much I would personally enjoy it!)
BTW, are you on Goodreads? I’d love to connect with you so I can see your books. I’ve really enjoyed a lot of the books that you’ve recommended. I think we have very similar taste.