It’s 1885, and all Nora Shipley wants, now that she’s graduating from Cornell University as valedictorian of the entomology program, is to follow in her late father’s footsteps by getting her master’s degree and taking over the scientific journal he started. The only way to uphold her father’s legacy is to win a scholarship, so she joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove … herself in the field.
India isn’t what she expects, though, and neither is the rival classmate who accompanies her, Owen Epps. As her preconceptions of India–and of Owen–fall away, she finds both far more captivating than she expected. Forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.
In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices–between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she’s always thought she wanted and the man she’s come to love.
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With A Mosaic of Wings, Kimberly Duffy proves herself to be an author to watch.
I enjoyed the book overall, and was really impressed with the insect and India scenery aspects of it. The Author’s Note tells us that she lived in India for a while, and that personal experience with the country really paid off. If you feel like traveling to India, this book will definitely take you there! The descriptions are spell-binding, and I adore being immersed in a vibrant storyworld.
For a while, I really didn’t like Nora. But I reminded myself the author was setting her up for a lot of character development. From the beginning of the book, she had a LOT of room to grow, so I was interested to see how that would happen. Sometimes I wondered if it would!
At some point, Owen points out that she wears a mask. I knew that, and was eager to see behind it. She is a very nonconventional heroine who made several choices that made me cringe (see above, regarding room to grow). So at times, watching Nora was like watching a train wreck. I couldn’t look away and just had to know what would happen next. She does learn some lessons by the end, but wow, is it ever a bumpy road. (Poor Owen.) It certainly held my attention!
It’s refreshing to read a different kind of heroine, even one I wouldn’t have been friends with personally. Again, I loved the India scenery and senses. The insects gave me the heeby-jeebies, (the orb weaver spider!!) but it’s an unusual passion for a heroine, and therefore, I appreciate it. I look forward to seeing what the author releases next!
This novel sucked me in from the very first page and I didn’t want to put it down! I loved that Nora did not conform to what was “normal” for women in her time, she knew what she wanted to do and she went after it. And to have a hero that sees her for who she is and loves her as she is? Even better! I was introduced to India in such a way that it’s convinced me it’d be worth traveling to see it, something I previously would have passed on. I found myself Googling the various insects that Nora found and enjoyed the butterflies in particular. The story itself was beautiful and well written. Quite the debut for this author! I’ve just picked up her second book and can’t wait to dive in!
Kimberley Duffy really brings India and its richness to life, particularly in the time period in which this historical fiction novel was written. I could almost smell the spices and hear the cicadas sing. In A Mosaic of Wings, Nora Shipley goes on quite the journey, both emotionally and physically. I was delighted to be swept along with her adventures. This book draws you in and doesn’t let go, allowing you to care for these characters. Next thing you know, you are deeply invested. The characters are complex and the author does a great job of showing us that even the most challenging of characters deserves compassion. Nora and Owen take a while to figure things out, but what a joy to watch them do so. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author, this is a stunning debut.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
A Mosaic of Wings is Kimberly Duffy’s debut novel. I have mixed feelings about this story. I liked some parts of it, while others I did not. Nora Shipley had a wonderful, encouraging father until he passed when she was fifteen in a tragic accident. It is something that Nora cannot forget. She feels responsible and wants to prove herself by taking over her father’s esteemed publication, The Journal of Eastern Flora & Fauna. It has been run by her stepfather, Lucius Ward who seems to be taking the journal in a different direction much to Nora’s dismay. Lucius has certain ideas about women (it is 1885) and they do not include a woman pursuing a higher education or running a magazine. He wants Nora to meet a colleague and consider marriage. Part one of A Mosaic of Wings has some sections that I found upsetting. I know there were many men like Lucius in the world during this time period, but I do not like to read about their bullying ways. There was also quite a bit of repetition that I wish had been eliminated. Part Two has Nora and Owen in India. I enjoyed the author’s beautiful descriptions of India. Ms. Duffy brought the country alive for me with her word imagery. I was amazed at the many varieties of insects and I could relate to Nora’s disdain for cockroaches (awful creatures). It was interesting learning how they preserved the specimens and studied them in their natural habitat. I like how Nora took Sita under her wing. Sita had such a good heart and quick mind. I kept hoping her lot in life would change. Nora could be frustrating at time as she got herself into one predicament after another. She really did not help herself or the cause of women at times. Nora had good thoughts and ideas, but she would forget that what she does impacts others. Nora was a Christian who believes it is her duty to help another Christian. I like some of her thought provoking questions and statements. Owen was a positive man with an adventurous spirit and common sense. I like that he supported and encouraged Nora. When I finished this book, I had mixed thoughts. There were some interesting sections, but I was not fond of the cliché characters, repetition, and domineering males. I do think that A Mosaic of Wings is a good start for Kimberly Duffy. I am curious to see what this author creates next. A Mosaic of Wings shows the challenges a woman endures when she pursues her passion for entomology despite opposition and expectations of others.
The amount of effort the author put into the research for this book is astounding. Details about and descriptions of the scenery of India are well done. The information revealed of scientific research and discoveries during the Victoria time period is interesting. It was very appealing that, while there was a romantic aspect, it was not the primary focus of the book. The author handles the various religious and cultural differences with great care and respect.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Nora has a lot of prove. As one of the only female science students at Cornell, her opportunities to grow in her knowledge are not as plentiful as for male students in the 1800s. Thankfully most of the people in her life are supportive. But being in the field proves to be even more limited. Will Nora be able to reach her own dreams and still be able to keep her father’s heritage alive?
I LOVED this book. Nora is a feisty, impetuous heroine. The supporting cast is equally enjoyable – okay, maybe there are a few characters that the reader will “love to hate.” When Nora is studying in India, I loved the fact that she learned to care for those who were around her even if they were from different backgrounds. Owen, the other student who is a part of the overseas insect adventure was also a favorite of mine.
Exploring British India intrigued me. I had never thought about how challenging it would be to merge two cultures. Having the story involve two (almost three) continents definitely added to the plot. I could tell that the author understood India in a way that many other “Westerners” may not grasp. She brought the culture to life.
As far as the entomological identifications, I just read over them. I can tell that the author researched the particular butterflies that Nora would have seen while looking for them in India. But for me, I enjoyed the story so much that I did not want to take the time to identify the particular species in a book. I could actually see myself reading this book again someday, so at that point, I would probably check out a butterfly book and have it in hand.
A great read. I loved the depth of the characters, and the plot’s twists and turns. There were surprises along the way. I loved the historical aspect of some of the first women scientist and students at Cornell University.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Mosaic of Wings and I am excited for Kim Duffy’s future as an author. A Mosaic of Wings is a strong first publication as a new author and Kim Duffy should be proud!
I appreciated Kim’s description throughout this book. Her imagery through words allowed me to feel the vibrant and exotically beautiful scenes of India’s jungles and smell the spices of its market streets. I was readily shown the stark contrast of India’s vast spectrum of colors compared to the rigid constraints of Nora Shipley’s hometown in New York. I could walk right alongside Nora and experience her internalized emotions as Duffy painted with words illustrating Nora’s personal journey grappling with traumatic events from her past and present.
I loved the extreme issues that Duffy included in this story: the traumatic death of Nora’s father at a young age, the addiction of her step father, the emotional fragility of Nora Shipley’s mother spawned from widespread ill-treatment of women from the era, and the dire situation of Sita being dedicated as a temple prostitute in India. All of these issues and more, Duffy boldly delve into with a beautiful sprinkling of the hope of God in Jesus Christ throughout, and how Nora Shipley’s journey navigating through all of these trials led her to see God in a more tangible and personal way.
I would be hugely remiss if I failed to mention the beautiful character of Owen, Nora’s college rival and eventual love who displayed the unconditional love and patience of Christ toward Nora throughout the book. Owen’s gentle character was endlessly touching, uplifting, and beautiful throughout. He became a pillar for Nora when she most needed it. When issues in her heart came to a head and she was forced to address them, Owen was there to ever so gently walk her through them, just as Jesus does with each of us. The courtship between Nora and Owen and his pursuit of Nora was so beautifully ginger and gentle as well, also very reminiscent to me of Christ’s pursuit of each of our hearts and is the kind of love story that I would love for my daughter to read some day (versus modern day romantic-comedies.)
Kim Duffy, I applaud you for this beautiful story. I am excited to read more from you!
I was swept away to India with the characters! Deeply atmospheric, heartbreaking and hopeful. The love interest is swoon-worthy. Beautiful imagery, lovely prose and a clear passion for the country and its people are apparent for this debut author to watch! I look forward to her next release.
Wow, what a wonderful debut novel by this author! I was swept away by the beautiful writing, engaging dialogue, and detailed images of 1880’s India.
Nora, the main character, was well developed and it was fun to watch her grow from a self-centered woman out to make a name for herself in the world of entomology, to someone willing to lose everything she’d worked for to help a young girl in need of rescue. And I loved the sweet romance between Nora and Owen. He captured my heart early on as a swoon-worthy hero.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to give a five-star rating to a book centered around bugs. I hate bugs! LOL. But his author’s obvious extensive research, along with her ability to weave a captivating story and bring characters and settings to life, deserves nothing less.
I highly recommend this read to lovers of Historical Christian Fiction.
Rich descriptions, intelligent characters, fascinating setting, and such a sweet, sweet romance. I loved the author’s inclusion of John and Anna Comstock! And the many facets one can be brave in any circumstance. Beautifully written and will be reading more from this author.
Little technical with the bugs, but I’m glad I pressed through. The end was worth it
A young woman strives to make here way as a scientist in a male dominated world.
I enjoy reading about women who step out if the box & succeed!
Loved this book! Was so sad when it was finished!!!
If Kimberly Duffy’s debut novel is any indication of the kind of writing she is capable of, I will be looking forward to reading many more of her books. There was so much to like about this book including the exotic location for much of the story, the sweet romance, and the obviously well-researched details of the story. Duffy even made insect scientific names interesting. The characters in the story were so intriguing – a highly intelligent entomologist heroine paired with a hero who at first appears rather lackadaisical, the various men out exploring in India, the native people of India, as well as a few that were so easy to dislike.
I highly recommend this book.
What I Thought:
The title and cover of the book do a good job of conveying what the story is about – a languid and flitting story that delves deep into the minute details and focuses on the little things.
If the story was a song, it would be a piano instrumental piece. If the story was a painting, it would be a sun-dappled peaceful stream scene. If the story was a day, it would be a Sunday afternoon right in the heart of Summer.
Nothing was wrong with this book, but it wasn’t what I was in the mood for during this time in my life, which is unfortunate. Therefore, I’m going to go for the three pros and three cons approach for this review.
Three Pros:
The book explored a subject that I don’t know a lot about, and I’ve only read one other author who delves into the world of entomology (the study of insects) in her stories. The book was well-researched and the characters stayed very true to what I would imagine an entomologist to be like. I was impressed by the level of detail the author went into without making the book boring
The main characters were varied and well-written. I liked Owen a lot – he was sweet, kind, and I could imagine having a friend like him in real life. Although I didn’t like Nora (more about that in the cons section) she still was well-written, had a good character arc, and had many details making her feel complete
The setting was beautiful – every time I read I felt like I was out in the wilderness. I could nearly feel the heat, and watch the bugs, and reach out to touch the butterflies. This book was filled with nature and that was peaceful
Three Cons:
Nora, the main character, wasn’t someone I liked. I know this is completely subjective, but I couldn’t relate to her and – sadly – found her annoying. Except in regard to one person, she always had to have her own way. She was headstrong and rude. I get why she was that way. And she was well written. I just didn’t like her
The writing was too flowery for my tastes. Some people would really like the style, just not me. There were also a lot of similes and metaphors that didn’t completely make sense to me
I really liked Owen, the main male character, but there were times when the way Nora related to him bothered me. It felt like she was too focused on how he looked, and little romantic scenes would be thrown in at times that didn’t make sense
Snippets:
These were sentences I marked as I was reading because I felt like they did a good job of showing the pace and writing style of the book:
She felt the languid pace of her new home seep into her pores and thicken her blood so that it traveled through her veins as unhurried as the Indian people who lived life without any clocks. (Page 133)
They studied the ponderous movements of a green beetle and watched a brilliant blue flycatcher eat a dragonfly and tripped over moss-covered rocks that made stepping-stones across transparent creeks. (Page 144)
Dryness filled her mouth, and her heart – which had spent the previous six years sheltered beneath barely-there veneer of phlegmatic constraint – twisted so violently, she though the pain must rival being stung by a thousand ants. (Page 154)
The trail wended up Mount Nebo, and soon they stood overlooking the mist-enshrouded trees surrounding Kodaikanal. The waxing moon, pregnant with the desire for completion, poured its ghostly light over the houses trailing down the hill. (Page 258)
Conclusion:
I didn’t have anything morally wrong with the contents of this book, except there was a feminist bend to the story that I don’t agree with.
There are, however, a few things that are dealt with in the book that wouldn’t be suitable for young readers.
Spoilers Below
The book talks about child prostitution and abuse in the Indian temples (it doesn’t go into detail). The main character’s father dies before the story and she deals with that throughout the whole book. The main character has a hostile and manipulative relationship with her step-father. There are a few mentions of gambling, a child born out of wedlock, a suicide (mentioned, no details), and a few scenes with slight violence. There are also multiple times that the two main characters sneak out to look at bugs together in the middle of the night.
Rating:
I’m giving Mosaic of Wings 3 out of 5 stars. I’m thankful to Bethany House Publishers for sending me this book to review.
This vivid, vibrant tale is a powerful journey that will challenge the reader’s heart, mind, and soul.
A Mosaic of Wings, the stunning debut novel by Kimberly Duffy, is a captivating book that is exceptionally well-written, well-researched, and utterly memorable. From the first page to the last, it carries the reader on a unique journey that touches the heart and inspires the soul. With settings that are truly immersive, characters that are unconventional, and an engaging plot full of surprises, this novel is not to be missed.
Ms. Duffy is a talented writer, and as a new voice in fiction, she adds originality and depth to the historical genre. In A Mosaic of Wings, beautifully descriptive writing appeals to the reader’s senses and emotions. Careful attention to sensory details makes sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures vivid and real. From the fluttering of butterfly wings, to spicy lentil stew, to warm air moist with sticky humidity, this book is meant to be experienced.
Through words well-chosen the reader is swiftly transported back into a time of loss, faith, adventure, courage and love. As the story unfolds, the main characters find it necessary to embark on a journey far from home. This journey not only tests them physically, but also provides ample opportunities for self-discovery, healing, and redemption. More than simply leading them to an unfamiliar land and culture, this journey profoundly shapes their hearts and defines their futures.
A Mosaic of Wings is a well-crafted story of faith, perseverance, courage, and love that abounds with thoughtful descriptions that provide a fresh perspective on historical India, entomology, human worth, and God’s grace. Adventurous and compelling, this book is relevant, meaningful, and thought-provoking. It is worthy of much praise, and I recommend it enthusiastically.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
A Mosiac of Wings gifts readers with a fresh endearing-rivalry experience that shares many of the beloved qualities Anne and Gilbert (from the Anne of Green Gables series) have been wooing us with for more than a century. The complexities of grief, stifling cultural and/or familial expectations, and even general stubbornness create ample opportunity for miscommunication, conflict, and all-consuming page-turning engagement.
Nora and Owen, of course, march to the beat of their own drums throughout their grand adventure and learn a thing or two about forgiveness and surrender during their intimately vulnerable personal journies of faith, compassion, and healing. Intellect and inspiration unite in this heartwarming, soul-searching, trailblazing story and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.