5.0 out of 5 stars
A Written Masterpiece in The Distant Shore, February 4, 2012
This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
It isn't often I experience true eloquence in the written word, but The
Distant Shore is pure poetry. Rather than the typical romance story you
find in the "chick lit" or Romance genres, the relationship between
famous rock star, Jonathon Stone and Naomi, is an enduring, complex love
that spans decades. The story takes you on a sweeping international
escapade, from Norway to North America, and the ending will leave you
with many questions and a fierce desire to read the next book in
Trilogy. Rather than the story being tied up neatly with a bow in the
typical unconvincing, often stale "happy ending", I was left with
questions and the subtle disappointment I often feel after finishing a
written masterpiece.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Utter Beauty, Pure Romance & Great Story-Telling, February 1, 2012
By
This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
Jonathan Stone--a handsome, famous rock star--despite never being short
of female fans who throw themselves at him at every opportunity, still
pines for the woman who left him over a decade ago, sets off across the
ocean to find her again. Sounds familiar, right? Many of us have read or
heard something like this before.
However, Kobras' novel is not your usual Mills and Boon romance, nor one of those average, happy ever-after Hollywood movies, either. The author weaves a fascinating story, with a range of believable characters, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader's interest. It is truly contemporary literature at its best. The settings span from the beautiful shores of Northern Norway, to the heart of Europe, the British Isles, and the expanse of North America. As I leafed through these pages eagerly, one after another, I hopped onto my very own private jet, setting off to different, exotic locations on an adventure and felt like true Hollywood Royalty. It was almost like feasting on a stack of glossy magazines in one sitting, devouring the hot gossip of celebrity life. But this is so much better, because instead of looking at those glamorous stars in their fancy dresses, I was treated to the exquisite beauty of written words, deliciously and expertly penned by the author. They vividly painted pictures in my mind, far more enchanting, and satisfying to my hungry senses.
I MOST DEFINITELY want to read more of Mariam's novels. The Distant Shore is just a introduction to this first-class story-teller, and what a fabulous introduction it has proven to be!
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh So Romantic,
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This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
"The Distant Shore", by Mariam Kobras is a book that continued to draw
me in... deeper and deeper. Typically, I'm not a romance novel reader,
but this one kept my attention while I savored every word. As I
approached the end, I found myself slowing down and pacing myself in
reading... I wasn't ready for it to end. I am thrilled that there will
be another book coming out... I patiently await "Under the Same Sun"
and will be on the list for Amazon to deliver as soon as it is
available... Just as I was for "The Distant Shore"
Stone'd,
By
sarahf - This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
Reminiscent of Anita Shreve,
By
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The book begins unconventionally with a lost love regained, leaving the reader wondering where the story can possibly go from there. However, though drawn helplessly together, the main characters have oceans between them, complex histories and enormous amounts of baggage to overcome. The language of the book explores the depths of their characters, leaving them raw and open for the reader, at times almost uncomfortably so.
Geography and landscape play a large role in the story, and are exquisitely drawn by Kobras to the extent that the reader feels the warmth of the sun, the salt spray of a frigid sea, or a cold stone held in a hand making the reader absolutely present within the story. It takes a great writing craftsperson to draw in the reader in such an irrevocable manner, and Kobras is such a writer. Her style is reminiscent of Anita Shreve, and if you liked Body Surfing: A Novel then you will love this.
Love a good love story.,
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This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
Great love story from first time author, Mariam Kobras. Love the
character development. Very much looking forward to both sequels.Beautifully written and emotional,
By
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This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
The Distant Shore was a book I couldn't put down, at the same time I
didn't want it to end. It's beautifully written, romantic and emotional.
I was hooked from the first page to the last. The characters stay with
you even after you've finished the book. You'll want to know more about
them and their lives and relationships. Fortunately, we'll get that
opportunity with two more books. I can't wait to find out what happens
next!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A delicious book, January 13, 2012
This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
I know Mariam Kobras from Twitter. She's a funny, smart, wise-cracking
woman with an answer for everything. She lives in Germany and is
already wide awake while I'm pouring my first cup of coffee and settling
into 5AM writing. When I opened her book, I was so surprised at her
beautiful, flowing lines. It was like watching someone goof around on
stage just before breaking into an intricate, gorgeous dance. This is a
delicious book, one that demands tea or chocolate and hours to savor
the words and thoughts of her characters. The set-up is
straight-forward. Jonathan Stone, an aging rock star, still longs for
the woman who walked out of his life years ago. His fan mail is usually
screened, but this time his manager gives him a letter. "My mother's
name is Naomi Carlsson," it begins. "We live in a small town in Norway
called Halmar where she manages a hotel, the Seaside. She said you are
my father." From there, the story tumbles out beautifully, the story
structured with a sense of inevitability---and yet I still found myself
surprised. Mariam hits familiar notes and yet the story feels
altogether fresh. She is a lovely writer and one to watch. She just
signed a two-book deal with Buddhapuss Inc. and I couldn't be happier
for them. I can't wait to see all three books of this trilogy on my
shelf.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Distant Shore, January 12, 2012
By
MMacK -Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Distant Shore (Paperback)
This is Mariam Kobras debut novel and what a first book and debut! This lady was born to write. What a discovery for her publishers and for a waiting world of readers. Her style of writing, weaves like a tapestry and carries the reader on a flowing tide. It is a book that dreams and escapism are made of, but also the very real world of music and for me a reminder, that behind each of us, lies our emotions. This is no different for Jon and Naoimi. With effortless strokes of the keyboard, her reader knows immediately, that her imagination truly has no limits. This is craftmanship. This is creativity at its very best. Absolutely superb book.
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