Imogen Howson–Fabulous Books with Beautiful Words.

One of the advantages of being an author is that I get to meet other talented writers and read their books. A new favorite is Imogen Howson. Her newest release,Frayed Tapestry is another brilliant story showing that Ms. Howson has a talent for wordsmithing.
Her descriptions roll off my mind and before I know it, I’m in the story. It’s real. I’m lost.
“Frayed Tapestry” brings Candy to life. A woman (whose only worry seems to be which pair of shoes would look best) is more than meets the eye. She is married, rich, pampered and Clym takes care of her every need. But a cut to her thumb leads to a shift until I was just as fearful as Candy about finding out what her life really was. Missing shoes, strange thoughts and a blank memory all serve to frighten Candy as it would any one. The beauty of Ms. Howson’s story is that she unfolds each layer with care and deliberation. Every revelation is unique and the ending twist is BRILLIANT. And the words were so beautiful and well chosen that I didn’t feel any impatience to know the end. I just fell into the story and experienced it. I think my favorite part of the book is the way the food is described. That may sound weird, but once you read the book, you’ll know why I loved every word. Ms. Howson has a fabulous gift of describing tiny details that drew me into her world. I absolutely loved this story.
The only thing about this book is I have no idea how to tell you what category it fits into. I could only do that by saying what it’s not. I guess the best thing to do is read it and decide yourself.
Ms. Howson sets the bar incredibly high and surpasses it. Her descriptions are rich and lush. Her writing is like a good glass of wine at the end of the day. To have a taste of her stories is to fall in love with words all over again.
*raises a shot glass to Immi* Absolutely brilliant. You are definitely a new favorite.

Imogen Howson’s other offering is Falling
Again, this is a story that creates a world and defies category. Linnet lives in tower protected from the smog filled air below them. High above the rest of the world, she and her family have all the arrogance and fear of the privileged. But Linnet is no perfect orchid. Her hair is gone and she must wear a wig to please her family. After all, a bald woman is unattractive and “not perfect”. The agonies that Linnet endures to be “perfect” are so well displayed that I felt my own resentment rise to the injustice.
Then, Gecko comes into her life. He is from “down below” and his perspective of the world is completely at odds with the conditioning Linnet is used to. He shatters her illusion and yet, he draws her, attracts her. This is no “he’s hot” story. It’s a sweet, tender attraction that never dominates the story. The relationship between Linnet and her mother is one of the most gut wrenching things I’ve ever seen and it’s crafted with infinite care.
The most potent parts of this book come at the end and there’s no way I’m giving out spoilers. It’s a book that inspires thought and emotions that aren’t always comfortable, but Ms. Howson gives relief with her gorgeous descriptions.
Ms. Howson knows how to reach for a readers emotions and hold them, not with a tight grip, but a gentle squeeze. She takes you by the hand and leads you into the world she crafts. Her brilliance is clear from the first paragraph as she puts you directly into the skin of her characters. And the words. It’s clear from her writing that she choses each one like a diamond merchant choses a beautiful stone.
*raises another shot* How do you do that, Immi? Amazing.

All and all, I think this is one new author I’ll be buying without thinking about it.