The String Diaries by Stephen Lloyd Jones

Mulholland Books/Little, Brown

Told in alternating segments that switch between different times (3 timelines total: one current, one in the recent past, and one roughly a century ago) and places, the narrative finally settles primarily into the now.
Considering the vast geography (several European nations) and time covered, and considering the idea at the heart of the story, this work should have been more compelling than it was. But I found the characterization lacking. This likely is due to the vast territories and timelines the story covers, and so isn’t really a flaw. Books that deliver this type of story don’t have much space for character development. Considering those constraints, then, the author has done a fine job getting readers to care about the people in this book.
The supernatural elements…and the fact that the shapeshifter hunts a specific family throughout time and down through the generations…is a fantastic concept. Overall, this is quite an enjoyable work that can be your next beach read.

4 stars

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