Guest Book Review: The Confusion of Languages

By Shana Javery

Both Cassie Hugo and Margaret Brickshaw dutifully followed their soldier husbands to the U.S. embassy in Jordan, but that’s about all the women have in common. After two years, Cassie’s become an expert on the rules, but newly arrived Margaret sees only her chance to explore. So when a fender-bender sends Margaret to the local police station, Cassie reluctantly agrees to watch Margaret’s toddler son. But as the hours pass, Cassie’s boredom and frustration turn to fear: Why isn’t Margaret answering her phone, and why is it taking so long to sort out a routine accident? Snooping around Margaret’s apartment, Cassie begins to question not only her friend’s whereabouts but also her own role in Margaret’s disappearance.

With achingly honest prose and riveting characters, The Confusion of Languages plunges readers into a shattering collision between two women and two worlds, affirming Siobhan Fallon as a powerful voice in American fiction and a storyteller not to be missed. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

From the moment I started reading The Confusion of Languages, I was intrigued. Surely that's what every author hopes for as he or she writes a book. Siobhan Fallon laid out the story line in such a way that I felt an absolute NEED TO KNOW how things would end. Not only did Ms. Fallon find a very unique way to tell the story from two viewpoints but she also included interesting information about Jordan, where the story takes place. I love when I'm entertained AND learning at the same time! I also had no idea where the story was headed, something I prefer when reading. I'm not someone who gives too much away in my reviews but I will say that it's amazing how the author was able to change my impressions of some of the characters by the end of the book.

This book was well-written, enjoyable, and had an ending that I never saw coming. I recommend it to anyone who wants something a little different.

Thanks to Putnam for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Shana Javery is an attorney mediator with a background in employment law. She is thrilled to have renewed her lifelong love of reading over the past few years. Recently, Shana even had the chance to edit a friend's book, something which she thoroughly enjoyed. Shana resides in Plano, Texas with her husband and the family dog Smoochy. Shana's renewed interest in reading is partly due to her empty nest, something she doesn't enjoy as much as others might.