Indie Review: Unseen City by Amy Shearn
The Past Meets the Present
Shearn’s book, Unseen City, is an unexpected entry into an historical home and the contrast between life and death. Or, perhaps more fitting, the contrast between living and death. Told in 3rd person omniscient POV, Unseen City takes readers on a journey into the afterlife by way of Meg’s (the MC) everyday activities.
The narrator is reason alone to pick up this book and settle into it. The voice is distinct. It opens itself up to readers as if they’re in the middle of a conversation and the narrator has this amazing story that has to be told. And the narrator is believable and reliable and so witty and honest, that I believed her. I wanted to hear all about this story she had to tell.
Meg is a lovely character whose quirks and thoughts dance across the page. The historical context that Shearn proffers her readers is fascinating and had me googling details toward the latter third of the book. The only frustration I experienced, that I’m willing to overlook, was how she ended the story. It was abrupt and left me with unanswered questions. Another 100 pages and some cuts in the superfluous word count would have done it justice.
An excellent read. You won’t be disappointed.
[cm_page_title title=”Continue Reading” subtitle=” Shelf Unbound”]
Article originally Published in the February / March 2021 Issue: Young Adult.