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lhaddad03's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
The Edge of Lost by Kristina McMorris is an interesting historical novel. The novel begins on Alcatraz Island with Inmate 257, Tommy Capello, trying to escape and hoping they do not find lost little girl of one of the guards. Then the novel goes to 1919 to begin the story. Shanley Keagan is twelve years old in and lives in Dublin, Ireland. He is an orphan at the mercy of his Uncle William O’Mara. Shan is good at impressions, acting, singing, and comedic routines. His uncle books him into various venues to earn money (which the uncle spends). Shan discovers that his biological father was an American sailor named John S. Lewis. Shan wants to go to America to look for him and works at convincing his uncle that it would be a good opportunity for them. After a bout of sickness, his uncle agrees to go. Upon arriving in New York at Ellis Island, Uncle Will is dead in his bunk. Shan does not want to be sent back to Ireland. He had rescued Tony Capello from some bullies on the ship, and he is hoping Tony can help him get into America. The Capello family agree to let Shan pretend to be their deceased. The Capello’s take Shan into their home and he has a good home for the first time in years. Shan goes on a search for his father while forging a new life for himself in America. Find out what happens to Tommy Capello and Shan Keagan in The Edge of Lost.
The Edge of Lost is an intriguing novel. I was not sure I would like this novel (I usually do not read books with a male main character), but this novel captured my interest right from the start. There are a couple of slow areas, but overall an enjoyable novel. There is some violence and foul language in the book (as well as sex). The story takes us through the 1920s and we get to experience bootlegging, speakeasies, and boys growing up into men (and the choices they make). The Edge of Lost is well written (the author did a good job showing us New York in the 1920s). The writer takes us from Ireland to New York (provides great descriptions). I liked the authors writing style and how she wove the story together. The Edge of Lost has an enjoyable ending that will leave you smiling. I give The Edge of Lost 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of The Edge of Lost from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-edge-of-lost.html
The Edge of Lost is an intriguing novel. I was not sure I would like this novel (I usually do not read books with a male main character), but this novel captured my interest right from the start. There are a couple of slow areas, but overall an enjoyable novel. There is some violence and foul language in the book (as well as sex). The story takes us through the 1920s and we get to experience bootlegging, speakeasies, and boys growing up into men (and the choices they make). The Edge of Lost is well written (the author did a good job showing us New York in the 1920s). The writer takes us from Ireland to New York (provides great descriptions). I liked the authors writing style and how she wove the story together. The Edge of Lost has an enjoyable ending that will leave you smiling. I give The Edge of Lost 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of The Edge of Lost from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-edge-of-lost.html
amy_j18's review against another edition
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lynguy1's review against another edition
3.0
I accidentally deleted my review when cleaning up duplicates. I added it back on Feb 13, 2024.
The Edge of Lost by Kristina McMorris is a historical fiction novel that starts out in October 1937 on Alcatraz as a search for a prison guard’s missing daughter is underway. Then it jumps back in time to 1919 to Dublin, Ireland and eleven year old orphan Shanley “Shan” Keagan. Shan lives with an abusive uncle and makes a living doing a vaudeville act in pubs. Shan and Uncle Will decide to come to America, but tragedy strikes.
Shan was a character that you could root for as he fights for survival. However, the secondary characters are not nearly as well developed.
The story line kept me interested, despite the somewhat unrealistic ending and a surprise along the way. It is heartbreaking at times and uplifting at other times. The author gave a strong sense of place and time as well as conditions and hardships faced by many immigrants. The reading experience was immersive. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars. I am in the minority on this rating. There are many readers who loved this novel, including readers whose opinion I respect.
Overall, this book had a great concept, but the pace was too slow and the secondary character depth didn’t work well for me. Despite this, I liked it, but it didn’t escalate to the next level for me.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Discussion Group Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The Edge of Lost by Kristina McMorris is a historical fiction novel that starts out in October 1937 on Alcatraz as a search for a prison guard’s missing daughter is underway. Then it jumps back in time to 1919 to Dublin, Ireland and eleven year old orphan Shanley “Shan” Keagan. Shan lives with an abusive uncle and makes a living doing a vaudeville act in pubs. Shan and Uncle Will decide to come to America, but tragedy strikes.
Shan was a character that you could root for as he fights for survival. However, the secondary characters are not nearly as well developed.
The story line kept me interested, despite the somewhat unrealistic ending and a surprise along the way. It is heartbreaking at times and uplifting at other times. The author gave a strong sense of place and time as well as conditions and hardships faced by many immigrants. The reading experience was immersive. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars. I am in the minority on this rating. There are many readers who loved this novel, including readers whose opinion I respect.
Overall, this book had a great concept, but the pace was too slow and the secondary character depth didn’t work well for me. Despite this, I liked it, but it didn’t escalate to the next level for me.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Discussion Group Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
kristiej2001's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
jenlynne26's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dsbressette's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
arielgraveen's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the teaser prologue! Started in Alcatraz and then most of the book was in Dublin and New York, so it left you wondering who was going to Alcatraz and why. Overall it was a really great story that left me wanting to keep reading every time I picked it up.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
A special thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 Stars
Kristina McMorris skillfully delivers an impeccably researched and compelling novel, AT THE EDGE OF LOST, a blending of historical fact and fiction---ultimately, a story of second chances, love, forgiveness and sacrifice.
As the book opens on Alcatraz Island, Oct 1937, an inmate (Capello) inside the warden’s greenhouse strains to listen. A little girl ten years old has gone missing. A prison guard's only daughter has gone missing as we venture back a decade, to learn the history of a man, prior to becoming a convicted bank robber, and coming to America.
In Dublin, Ireland in 1919, we meet (Shan) Shanley Keagan. Orphaned at twelve, he goes to live with his abusive uncle Will, and works at the pub, as a gifted performer. However, his life takes a different turn, when he discovers a letter of his mom’s from an American father, he never knew. You feel for the boy, handing the money to his cruel uncle who spends it at the local pub.
At a young age Shan quickly learns to adapt to his surroundings, depending on humor and making people laugh. The dreams and hopes of a small boy to come to America. Some of these elements served him well, later on in life, a protective shield when subjected to a cold crowd.
As he travels to America he meets an Italian-American family, the Capellos, who take him in. He is loyal and grateful to this warm family for giving him a start. Later he becomes involved in a crime while trying to save Nick and winds up in Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. (you will root for Shan, and fall in love with his character).
The past and present collide, engaging you with a wide variety of emotions from life experiences of sorrow, adversity, secrets, loyalty, love, and redemption. Deeply held secrets and deception, and debts to pay---surround the characters, each with a purpose for withholding the truth, some in order to survive. What a journey—hard to put this one down!
McMorris does an outstanding job with the research of Alcatraz, Al Capone, the Capellos, and the Italian immigrant families, as well as her own experiences, and hands on research with her night tours, she mentions in her author’s notes - enhancing the overall experience.
There has always been much mystery and intrigue over the years, behind he Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary (Alcatraz) –the maximum high-security Federal prison, operating from 1934 to 1963. The author writes a beautiful story balancing the good and the bad, weaving the connecting stories. After reading had to research more, which I found fascinating.
As the author mentions, she typically sets her books in the 40s, and this time she is tackling the 20s and 30s, which she transitions with ease; from superior character development, and vivid settings, drawing you into the place, time, and emotions.
A powerful story, and deeply moving, infused with elements from the Roaring Twenties, gangsters, the Irish pubs in Dublin, Ireland, rich with whiskey and smoky cigarettes, to Bronx supper clubs, and burlesque shows, to prisons-- two stories of diversity from, Ireland to New York to San Francisco Bay.
An idea choice for book clubs and discussions (a nice reading group guide included). Historical fiction fans will love the satisfying ending. A very fitting title and cover!
I enjoyed the book so much, I also pre-ordered the audio, as well. Looking forward to listening.
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Kristina McMorris skillfully delivers an impeccably researched and compelling novel, AT THE EDGE OF LOST, a blending of historical fact and fiction---ultimately, a story of second chances, love, forgiveness and sacrifice.
As the book opens on Alcatraz Island, Oct 1937, an inmate (Capello) inside the warden’s greenhouse strains to listen. A little girl ten years old has gone missing. A prison guard's only daughter has gone missing as we venture back a decade, to learn the history of a man, prior to becoming a convicted bank robber, and coming to America.
In Dublin, Ireland in 1919, we meet (Shan) Shanley Keagan. Orphaned at twelve, he goes to live with his abusive uncle Will, and works at the pub, as a gifted performer. However, his life takes a different turn, when he discovers a letter of his mom’s from an American father, he never knew. You feel for the boy, handing the money to his cruel uncle who spends it at the local pub.
At a young age Shan quickly learns to adapt to his surroundings, depending on humor and making people laugh. The dreams and hopes of a small boy to come to America. Some of these elements served him well, later on in life, a protective shield when subjected to a cold crowd.
As he travels to America he meets an Italian-American family, the Capellos, who take him in. He is loyal and grateful to this warm family for giving him a start. Later he becomes involved in a crime while trying to save Nick and winds up in Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. (you will root for Shan, and fall in love with his character).
The past and present collide, engaging you with a wide variety of emotions from life experiences of sorrow, adversity, secrets, loyalty, love, and redemption. Deeply held secrets and deception, and debts to pay---surround the characters, each with a purpose for withholding the truth, some in order to survive. What a journey—hard to put this one down!
McMorris does an outstanding job with the research of Alcatraz, Al Capone, the Capellos, and the Italian immigrant families, as well as her own experiences, and hands on research with her night tours, she mentions in her author’s notes - enhancing the overall experience.
There has always been much mystery and intrigue over the years, behind he Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary (Alcatraz) –the maximum high-security Federal prison, operating from 1934 to 1963. The author writes a beautiful story balancing the good and the bad, weaving the connecting stories. After reading had to research more, which I found fascinating.
As the author mentions, she typically sets her books in the 40s, and this time she is tackling the 20s and 30s, which she transitions with ease; from superior character development, and vivid settings, drawing you into the place, time, and emotions.
A powerful story, and deeply moving, infused with elements from the Roaring Twenties, gangsters, the Irish pubs in Dublin, Ireland, rich with whiskey and smoky cigarettes, to Bronx supper clubs, and burlesque shows, to prisons-- two stories of diversity from, Ireland to New York to San Francisco Bay.
An idea choice for book clubs and discussions (a nice reading group guide included). Historical fiction fans will love the satisfying ending. A very fitting title and cover!
I enjoyed the book so much, I also pre-ordered the audio, as well. Looking forward to listening.
Watch Book Trailer
JDCMustReadBooks