The Map of True Places explained

The Map of True Places
Author:	Brunonia Barry
Country:	USA
Language:	English
Genre:	novel
Published:	2010 (HarperCollins)
Media Type:	Print (hardback)
Pages:	406
Isbn:	978-0-06-162478-0
Oclc:	798223560

The Map of True Places is a 2010 novel by Brunonia Barry. It is about a psychotherapist, Zee Finch, who returns to her family home in Salem, Massachusetts.

Reception

Library Journal, in a review of The Map of True Places, wrote "Barry wisely places her novel in atmospheric Salem, MA, as literary history, sailing, and witchcraft form the backbone of this tale." and "Although readers will be perched on the edge of their seats while consuming this mesmerizing, suspenseful tale, there are a few convoluted and confusing aspects among the details. Fans will also appreciate the brief reappearances of characters from Barry's debut."^[1]

The Washington Post found that "For the first 100 pages, "The Map of True Places" maintains a somber and thoughtful tone, a little over-burdened by lofty themes" but then "the literary novel swerves into romance -- as well as thriller." and concluded "it may be that Brunonia Barry simply rushed out this one to please her publishers and public. I hope that is the case, because the voice behind the plot turns is both likable and engaging."^[2]

The Map of True Places has also been reviewed by Booklist,^[3] BookPage Reviews,^[4] Publishers Weekly,^[5] and Kirkus Reviews.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Map of True Places . kcls.bibliocommons . February 20, 2017.
2. News: See . Caroline . May 14, 2010 . Book review: Carolyn See reviews 'The Map of True Places,' by Brunonia Barry . The Washington Post . February 20, 2017.
3. Web site: The map of true places . Like her hit debut, The Lace Reader (2008), Barry's second novel features an involving, intricately woven story and vivid descriptions of historic Salem. . Buffalo and Erie County Public Library . February 20, 2017.
4. Web site: The Map of True Places: Reviews . Gripping and emotionally taut, this is a novel brimming with both the messy and the lovely parts of life. . catalog.wccls.org . February 20, 2017.
5. Web site: The Map of True Places . This is a lovingly told story with many well-drawn characters, who sooner or later reconsider the courses charted by personal decisions and circumstance. But there is almost too much story here, and Barry (The Lace Reader) compromises the third act with a weak subplot about Lilly's traumatic last days that reads as an intrusion on an otherwise well-told tale. . March 29, 2010 . Publishers Weekly . PWxyz LLC. February 20, 2017.
6. Web site: The Map of True Places (starred review) . April 15, 2010 . Although marred by unnecessary "come-to-realize" moments, 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 its component clichés. . Kirkus Reviews . Kirkus Media LLC . February 20, 2017.