Review: The Invisible Hour

I want to start this review by stating that this cover is by far one of my favourite book covers ever! It’s so beautiful, simple, and elegant, and I definitely bought the book because of it.

Now, Let’s dive in!

Mia Jacob finds comfort in words when she can't see a way to survive in her harsh reality. The Scarlet Letter seems to tell the story of her mother, Ivy, and their life in the Community, an oppressive cult in Massachusetts. How did Nathaniel Hawthorne so accurately capture Mia's pain and loss?

Mia's journey involves heartbreak, love, and time. She wants to break free from the strict rules of her upbringing and discovers the power of reading to transport her to other worlds. She learns that readers and writers are connected and that love is stronger than any chains.

This book was strangely comforting and gave off witchy-sweet-tea-in-the-summer vibes. I struggled to get into the first Alice Hoffman book I ever read, so I was sceptical about liking this one, but I was happily surprised that I was really intrigued and able to follow the story more easily. It was separated into two parts and I enjoyed the first half of this book, unfortunately the second half felt too disconnected from what we explored in part one. I still appreciated the premise and the way they were ultimately tied together. Still, I was so interested in the world-building around the Community and Mia’s time that I wanted to keep pulling at that thread and when the perspective changed, so did the vibe I loved.

The story came back around in the end, and I was satisfied with the way Hoffman brought it to a close and connected all the dots. Her writing is very lyrical, and the story is moving, providing deep thoughts on life and how things can come full circle in the most miraculous ways.

I would love to pick this book up again in a few years and see if, without the expectations I had about part two being present, I feel differently about it.

All in all, I’m glad I found this one!

Rating: **** (4/5)—it would have been a 5-star read if I had felt more connected to part two!