September's Easy Read: Puppet

When Toronto appears in a fictional work, I really get a charge out of recognizing the scenery and familiar landmarks. It was clear though out Joy Fielding's Puppet that she is very comfortable in this city and by the end, I was certain that she lived in Toronto.

References to the atrium at the Toronto Reference Library, tea at the Four Seasons (RIP), the predictable decor of the Airport Hilton (it was recently updated) and the grim sight of the Metro West Detention Centre (fittingly, still ugly as hell) all made me smile. I could even picture the house on Palmerston, as I used to walk home from work down that once stately street and marvel at the huge homes that were once single family residences.

Here's what the book is about (courtesy of www.joyfielding.com):

Puppet

Living a no-strings-attached life in glamorous Palm Beach, beautiful, steely-nerved criminal attorney Amanda Travis knows exactly what she likes: spinning classes, the color black, and one-night stands. Here's what she dislikes: the color pink, nicknames...and memories. Which is why she has shut the door on two ex-husbands, her estranged mother, and her hometown of Toronto. Then comes the news that will shatter Amanda's untouchable world: her mother, who has always held a strange power over everyone she encounters, has shot and killed a complete stranger. Forced to return to Toronto, Amanda must confront her demons and unravel the truth behind her mother's violent act -- while the taunting, teasing name from her past dances in her head...Puppet...telling her that someone else is orchestrating her fate.

I loves that Fielding allows her protagonist, Amanda to be significantly flawed. She is a proud, carnivorous woman, who has huge attachment issues. She drinks too much, and frolics with married men without any conscious discord. Amanda is not a woman that I would be friends with, and it's no wonder that she has no female friends to call on for support. She's broken and memorable.

 At the Cottage
Up North in Canada

I have never read Fielding's work before, but I have to admit that I'm a little embarrassed that it's taken me so long to uncover her work. This read was entertaining and easily consumed. I found it engaging...the type of book that calls you from the bedside table, and forces you to jump into bed unreasonably early, so you can find out what happens next.

I bought a two book compilation that includes Mad River Road also, so stay tuned for that review in the next few months. In researching the author, I found her website quite interesting, (www.joyfielding.com) and she writes a monthly open letter to fans...kinda interesting! Thanks Joy! I'll keep an eye out for your next letter, and look forward to reading more of your work!