About the Book:Nora Shipley has one goal--to carry on the legacy of her late father by taking over the scientific journal he started. To that end, she's fought to be taken seriously among her male classmates and graduate as valedictorian of Cornell's entomology program. When pressures to settle down rise to a fever pitch, she impulsively joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field and win a scholarship.
But India holds several surprises--she is impressed not only by the beauty of its natural wonders, but also by the gentle nature she discovers in the rival classmate who accompanied her, Owen Epps. Instead of exploring, however, she is forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her. During the many quiet days, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.
In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices--between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.
My Thoughts:
A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy hosts an
eye-catching cover worthy of the beautiful story inside. I’ll start off with a quote
from page 289 in which Nora remembers her time in India: “India, and everything
that happened there, spoke to her in whispers that caressed her memories,
wrapping everything in exotic perfume and sultry, cicada-song nights.” India’s effect
on Nora echoes the novel’s effect on me. It’s a story with characters,
settings, and themes that lingered in my mind for days after I finished the
last page.
In reading A Mosaic of Wings, I connected immediately
with Nora because I could relate to the issues she faced with her step-father
and gender discrimination in her career field. The novel tackles these difficult
issues (plus others) with finesse. These challenges supplied deeply satisfying character
development without stagnating or feeling too heavy. Rather, the plot moved at
a perfect pace and entertained with vivid descriptions of India and an enchanting,
slow-burn romance. I loved that Owen and Nora’s relationship grew out a solid
foundation of mutual respect and admiration which led into the beautiful blossoming
of romantic interest.
I recommend A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy to
fans of inspirational historical fiction. This amazing debut novel stands as
one of the best books I’ve read in 2020. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy
of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my
own.
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