The Painted Table tells the story of three generations of a Norwegian family who settled in the US. The table was handcrafted in 1800s in Norway and made its way to Minnesota to the family of Knute Kirkeborg and his wife Clara. Knute’s father had painstakingly carved it and sent it to him.
The table passes on to Knute’s daughter, Joann. To her it symbolizes many traumatic childhood memories. Joann keeps painting over the table as she struggles with her past, and tries to fight the mental illness passed on to her from her mother. Watching her mother suffer and seeing how much the table seems to bring pain, Joann’s daughter, Saffee, grows to hate what has become an ugly painted table.
Saffee however, attempts to break the cycle of pain and seek redemption.
In this, her first novel, Suzanne Fields has created a gripping tale of how painful memories and mental illness can hold families for generations. The emotions are raw and one really hopes the story will end on a note of hope. I won’t give the ending away. However, suffice to say that the book kept me wanting to read and find out how the story ended.
I love the issues the story dealt with – family legacies and family secrets – how we can choose whether we will allow them to hold us down or to move towards healing.
[rating=4]
I received a free copy of this book for review via Litfuse Publicity.
Suzanne Field is celebrating her novel, The Painted Table, with a beautiful hand-painted table giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A beautiful hand-painted table (see it here: http://etsy.me/15L90cD)
- The Painted Table by Suzanne Field
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 18th. Winner will be announced January 20th on Thomas Nelson’s Facebook Page.
What a great premise for a story! Sounds like an interesting book, Corinne. And I like the glimpse you offered!
Vidya Sury recently posted..What If We Focus on Self Love?
It’s fantastic, Vidya. It’s given me so much food for thought – I sense another post coming of it! 😉
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Goodbye 2014!
Sounds interesting! Adding it to my Goodreads To-Read 2014 challenge!
Deepa recently posted..Mumbai Madness – Slow Down!
A very interesting and a different story! Must check it out sometimes!
Shilpa Garg recently posted..Do Not Disturb
Very useful information, Corinne.
Did not know of such a site…will contact them for this book get away and also ask them for guidelines for my book 🙂
Thank you!
Ruchira recently posted..Thy Art of searching your Desires
Thanks for the review. It sounds like a moving story and reminds me of how beautiful things can become repugnant when associated with trauma or painful experiences.
Thank you for the lovely review. It sounds like a great story that spans the generations. ♥
Kathy recently posted..In the Middle
This is a must read for me. I know others with mental illness, and this book is completely relatable. Thanks for sharing this review!
Michelle Liew recently posted..Taking Aim
Raw emotions.. as I read your review, Corinne, I got the feeling that only a brave heart can read this book. The emotional content, especially if its heavy on the sadder part.. is very tough to read for me. I am chiding myself about the 20 unread books in my collection… Like blogging, even books have somehow taken a back seat as I struggle with long hours at office.
A good review, however, since you conveyed the gist in as few words as possible.
PS: I am so proud I have actually expressed myself completely here..!!! 🙂 Blessings be for normalcy!! 😛 😛
A Walk into the Woods recently posted..That void inside me
That seems to be a nice book. ‘Family legacies and family secrets’ exciting!
Rainbow Hues recently posted..I Love Movies
I read the post a while back. Getting chance to comment now. It is a beautiful plot. We have always read books where family heirlooms are pride or objects of love. this is so different. And come to think about it why not?They do reek of certain legacies we may not like or love… A beautiful read I am sure..
Sounds like a powerful story Corinne. Any story that brings mental illness and mental health issues to light is an important book. You’ve made a compelling case to pick this book up. Thanks for your suspense-filled review – I’m curious how this family story ends.
Nicely written review. You ignite an interest to read. The wooden Norwegian table brought to mind the song “Norwegian Wood” by the Beatles (So you lit a fire – to read this book – isn’t it good Norwegian wood).
Suzy recently posted..UBC Day 5 Mistakes
Sounds interesting!!
Lemme see if the library has a copy
Pixie recently posted..Happy New Year!!
Nice review Corinne. From the gist it looks like an interesting book.
That sounds interesting 🙂
Sheethal recently posted..Life is only once.
Sounds like an interesting book with a great story line and with the Giveaway you have the whole thing all the more interested. Looking forward to it <3
Payal Bansal recently posted..Emotionally Detach Yourself from Your Ex-Boyfriend/Girlfriend