Balm - Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Balm

Title: Balm

Author: Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Publication Date: 5/26/15

Pages: 269

Genre: Historical / Fiction

How I Found It: TLC Book Tours

Date Completed: 6/10/15

Summary: The post-Civil War era is often glossed over in history. Yet, for those living in it, it proved a time of uncertainty transitions and searching for the new social standards. P-V explores the lives of three such people, including their dabblings in the supernatural.

What I Thought: I was so excited when TLC offered me the chance to review this book. I read Perkins-Valdez's first book, Wench, several years ago and enjoyed it. It opened my eyes to a part of Civil War history of which I had not been very aware to that point. The fact that the story took place in what was virtually my backyard at the time only made the book more engaging for me.

I went into Balm hoping for a similar experience: an interesting plot, complex characters, emotional moments, and historical education. Unfortunately, I struggled to find much of those qualities in this second novel.

While Perkins-Valdez's characters certainly could be called complex, I found it difficult to connect or empathize with them. Each was flawed - a tactic I do generally appreciate - but in ways which made me put up unconscious walls against them. I wanted to care about their struggles and relationships, but I just didn't. 

Dolen Perkins-Valdez

I did not have the same emotional connection as I did to Wench either. Obviously, that stems partially from my struggle to connect with the characters, but I also felt the subject matter was far less naturally heart breaking. 

As for historical education, this is an era I don't know tons about, but I also don't feel that I learned tons from this book. There were multiple times I forgot altogether the era of the book.  I often felt it could be taking place in a multitude of time periods. 

The book was not bad. I want to stress that to you, here at the end. I just did not think it was that good, either. 

*To read other bloggers' thoughts on Balm, check out the full tour schedule.*

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Will I Re-Read: Nope

If You Liked This Try: Go Tell It on the Mountain / The Hours / Fiesta of Smoke

Other Books By Dolen Perkins-Valdez: Wench

A Reduced Review: After enjoying this author's first novel, I found myself disappointed in number two.