“Masterfully woven…The Map of True Places is a gripping quest for truth that kept me reading at the edge of my seat to the very last page.”
—Lisa Genova, author of Still Alice
Brunonia Barry, author of the beloved New York Times and international bestseller The Lace Reader is back with The Map of True Places, an emotionally resonant novel of tragedy, secrets, identity, and love. The moving and remarkable tale of a psychotherapist who discovers the strands of her own life in the death of a troubled patient, The Map of True Places is another glorious display of the unique storytelling prowess that inspired Toronto’s Globe and Mail to exclaim, “Brunonia Barry can write. Boy can she write.”
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"I absolutely loved this book, and thought that it was even better than "The Lace Reader". I listened to this in the car during the week, and while at first I was annoyed by the narrator's voice, by the end of the book I was impressed by the great job she did in bringing all of the characters to life. Terrific writing and sesnse of place make this a highly recommended read."
— Vivian (4 out of 5 stars)
“Masterfully woven with a cast of unforgettable characters set loose in a world so specific and real, The Map of True Places is a gripping quest for truth that kept me reading at the edge of my seat to the very last page.”
— Lisa Genova, New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice“Barry’s considerable latest delves into the long-lingering effects of a mother’s suicide…This is a lovingly told story with many well-drawn characters, who sooner or later reconsider the courses charted by personal decisions and circumstance.”
— Publishers Weekly“The meditations on American history, assisted suicide, reincarnation and celestial navigation are informative and even endearing…the voice behind the plot turns is both likable and engaging.”
— Washington Post“Like her hit debut, The Lace Reader (2008), Barry’s second novel features an involving, intricately woven story and vivid descriptions of historic Salem.”
— Booklist“Zee’s a vulnerable, likable character, and the dramatic narrative brings her experience to life...readers will be perched on the edge of their seats while consuming this mesmerizing, suspenseful tale.”
— Library Journal“Gripping and emotionally taut, this is a novel brimming with both the messy and the lovely parts of life. A provocative examination of family, aging, and finding your true place in the world, The Map of True Places is sure to smoothly sail up the bestseller list.”
— Bookpage“A novice psychotherapist finds unsettling parallels between a patient’s suicide and her mother’s history in Barry’s second (The Lace Reader, 2008)…This woman-in-jeopardy thriller retooled with gothic elements—shifting identities, secrets and portents, a deserted cottage and a missing suicide note—manages to transcend.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I enjoyed reading this story. It is ultimately about a woman who finds her true north, her home, and her sense of self. "
— Jena, 2/12/2014" Another book that's closer to 4 stars than 3, but no option to choose that! "
— Diane, 2/8/2014" Brunonia Barry does such an excellent job representing the mentally ill and abused that I find myself dreading finishing her books. I really loved The Lace Reader - the more mystical parts of Salem were better represented. The setting is the same in The Map of True Places, with a few crossover references, but there is no question of magic or witchery. It's all human in all it's sadness and sordid details. Zee is a psychotherapist living in Boston who returns home after the death of a patient to care for her father who is suffering from Parkinson's. The mental illness, secrets and lies are at times overwhelming, but the setting is so tight. Love this locale. "
— Pinky, 2/8/2014" I loved this book. Brunonia Barry gets it right. The backstory of Zee Finch unfolds beautifully as the action progresses in this story about finding one's place in the world. The symbolism, the setting, the writing, and the plot intertwine in an emotional and beautifully written story. "
— Edie, 2/6/2014" reminded me why i love brunonia barry and why i've been recommending the lace reader to everyone i know. it is a very solid sophomore novel; some of the expected twists and turns, but nevertheless... :) "
— Agb, 2/4/2014" I felt like the begining and middle of this book was great, but the ending felt rushed and forced. Overall, I thought the book was good, and very well written, but the ending left me disappointed. "
— Micaela, 1/24/2014" I really enjoyed this book. I loved the town of Salem as a character, and I think Barry did a great job of infusing the story with enough mystery to make this a page turner. Perfect for a summer read. "
— Charity, 1/21/2014" Just can't give this more than three stars, but I think it's the subject more than anything else; I found the whole book, despite its fairly "happy" ending, rather depressing. Reminds me of Jodi Picoult's books, so many readers will like it more than I did! "
— Joan, 1/17/2014" I wanted to like this book, and I did like parts of it, but sometimes it felt like a chore to pick up the book and I love to read. I think there were parts of the book that rambled too much and if those parts had been left out, the book would have been better. "
— Kelley, 12/30/2013" Similar to her first book, The Lace Reader parts were slow. But overall good story well written. Psychologist comes home to Salem MA to take care of Gay dad with Parkinsons. he threw out long time boyfriend Melville. Her mom had committed suicide. "
— Barbara, 12/27/2013" Though predictable in parts, I really enjoyed this book, so much that I practically read the entire thing in one sitting. It was well-written with developed characters that I cared about. "
— Kim, 12/17/2013" Engaging and entertaining plot. Wonderful descriptions of complex choices faced by family caregivers of Parkinson's/Alzheimer's patients. "
— Barbara, 12/17/2013" An okay book. I enjoyed some parts of it but some dragged pretty badly. "
— Shelby, 11/13/2013" I didn't like this nearly as much as her other book, The Lace Reader, but it was still a good read. "
— Amanda, 11/13/2013" I really enjoyed this book-interesting characters, several plot twists, an easy read. "
— Carol, 8/15/2013" A psychotherapist deals with her aging father, a new love and guilt fromthe suicide of patient. Very good. Set in a small New England town. "
— Linda, 7/6/2013" I loved it! You experience the progression with Zee as she breaks through her psychological blocks and walls to discover her true wants and needs.... I recommend :) "
— Funkdface, 12/29/2012" Really enjoyed this book! Well written and thoughtful in its storytelling. "
— Sara, 10/18/2012" Once I started reading this book, it was hard to put down. "
— Candy, 6/25/2012" I didn't really care about the characters. Too contrived? "
— Kathi, 1/15/2012" Very enjoyable story! The main character is believable and likable - getting through some tough family times, she had me rooting for her surviving difficult situations. I highly recommend it. "
— Maryjo, 12/1/2011" Very different than I thought it would be. Some twists and turns I did not see coming. "
— Molly, 11/15/2011" I liked her first book more than this one. "
— Aimeeej, 9/24/2011" I didn't like this nearly as much as her other book, The Lace Reader, but it was still a good read. "
— Amanda, 6/30/2011" enjoyed this a lot. i liked the setting, because i went to salem once. it was cool that is was part ghost story, mother/daughter, romance, suspense. i didn't see the plot twists coming & that's always fun. "
— Pam, 6/23/2011" I really enjoyed this one. I agree with other reviewers that there was some repetition in the narrative that was somewhat annoying, but overall I loved the characters, and the plot was fast-moving, yet complex enough to keep you guessing until the end. "
— Dianne, 6/19/2011" Probably would have been a 5-star read had I not become distracted with the end of school! "
— Kim, 6/17/2011" I really enjoyed this book. I loved the town of Salem as a character, and I think Barry did a great job of infusing the story with enough mystery to make this a page turner. Perfect for a summer read. "
— Charity, 6/6/2011" Not as good as THE LACE READER but not too bad. "
— Bunny, 6/1/2011" I love her books! She manages to weave past, present and magic all in to one amazing plotline. "
— Donna, 5/30/2011" I like Barry, and I like her writing about Salem. This one was not as disturbing as the Lace Reader (which I also liked very well). "
— Sara, 5/24/2011" I am into this book so far.... "
— Fabry, 5/10/2011Brunonia Barry made her literary debut with the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling novel The Lace Reader, which received rave reviews from publications such as Time, People, Elle, the Washington Post, and the Dallas Morning News. She studied literature and creative writing at Green Mountain College in Vermont and at the University of New Hampshire.
Alyssa Bresnahan is a dynamic dancer, actor, and audiobook narrator. She has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, has earned twenty Earphones Awards, and was named one of AudioFile magazine’s Golden Voices. In 2009 she was a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best fiction narration.