Buchanan takes a little know historical incident and weaves an interesting and provocative story around a time period when Niagara Falls literally stopped flowing in 1848. The writing is spare but graceful; the history well-researched. A little more emotional depth may have enhanced the story but I loved the characters of Bess and Tom and the difficult decisions they made to be together and survive a time of turmoil. Excellent debut for this talented author.
Helpful Score: 2
I was taken in by this book. I love the time period during which the book was written. I enjoyed learning some history about Niagra Falls but the story also explores deeper issues about love, life and belief in God. It's a fairly quick read and I was left wanting to read more and maybe to have had the characters more fully developed. Tom is a fictional character based from a real riverman. I think I will definately search out more about Niagra Falls. You will enjoy this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I REALLY enjoyed this book! Great historical fiction about the history of man's use of the Niagara River and two related men known as "rivermen" who served to warn those around the river when they were in danger.
The setting aside (which was really interesting and different) the story about the two main characters' marriage was beautiful. It really spoke to me about what true love is supposed to be like. While the ending may be predictable, it didn't really dampen my enjoyment of the book.
The setting aside (which was really interesting and different) the story about the two main characters' marriage was beautiful. It really spoke to me about what true love is supposed to be like. While the ending may be predictable, it didn't really dampen my enjoyment of the book.
Those who love a bit of true history mixed with romance will enjoy this book.
What a beautiful book. Bess' voice is unlike any other I've had the pleasure of reading. Her historic story is simple and feels absolutely real. This is a tale that I will never forget!
I finished it in 2 days. I could hardly put it down. I loved this book. I was iffy about the ending which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I would highly recommend this book. It is kind of based off a real person which makes it that much more interesting I think.
I LOVED this book! I did not know until the end that it is based on a true story. I try to only read the summary before I dive into a book so that it's not given away too much. This book kept me involved from the beginning. I love the historical laced with real life, love, hurt, joy, all of it wrapped into one without being sappy. Truly this book is a gift! I will now be looking for another by Cathy Marie Buchanan.
This was very intersting and enjoyable. I read it after having visited the falls for the first time. I loved the history and details.
started out slow, but after 4 chapter could not put down.
This is a rather ethereal read. The prose and subject are quiet and meditative. It's a good way to while away a couple of rainy afternoons.
When I began the book and discovered it is written in the first person I felt my skin bristle. I am not a fan of first person literature because it is often not well-written. Few writers can pull off first-person. But I take exception with The Day the Falls Stood Still. Very well done, very believable, extremely engaging. I would definitely read another book by Cathy Marie Buchanan; she's an author to watch.
What a disappointment. The book drags on and on. The characters are utterly lifeless, dull and boring. The narration is stilted and tries too hard to be "dranatical" (ha). A few stars for this book for providing historical background on the industrialization of Niagara Falls (I know all I thought of it was a touristy site prior to reading this book!). Maybe I should've just stuck with reading a non-fiction book about the falls instead. (P.S. I also found it odd the author chose to put her name as the running footer through the entire book.)
