Lava

by Pamela C. Ball

Five years after her husband abandons her for another woman, Kinua finds her life disrupted by Ivan's return and the new bonds of passion and leave-taking that he brings with him, in a story of one woman's obsessive love and how she frees herself from it

191 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my point of view, this was a perfect little novel. I could not have asked for more. 5 glowing, molten stars!

"It's the devil who captures your heart."

Love, lack of love, desertion, disappearance themes, all set against the lush town of Hilo in Hawaii.

Carefully crafted, fascinating characters, wise, wonderful, magical. I feel lucky to have found it at a library sale. I think it came out before its time...I rushed to get Ball's other novel and can't wait to immerse myself in her prose again. I wish I could find her online and send her a fan note! But she seems to have withdrawn. Or perhaps she is working on another book. One can hope!

Highly, highly rec for readers of literary fiction. Every paragraph holds an astounding gift of words and insight.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow, this review I did years ago disappeared. Very odd. I can't review it in detail now, but I was blown away by this author and immediately reviewed her second novel, The Floating City.

Where oh where did it go? Did it disappear as did a character in this book and Pamela herself?

In any case, one of the best authors I've ever read. Highly rec both books for literary and history fans.

[Nmdb22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that blends the supernatural with the humans in Hawaii, based on historical events. Very interesting to read as we had just visited Hilo where the story takes place.

[Mmeg16]

strange read after the tsunami in Asia

[Dottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chick lit? Some might say so and I might even agree – but I’d still have to argue the opposite. I came away with a couple quips which I utilize from time to time. Enjoyable enough read -–light enough, etc. The word obssessive has come into conversation about this one but I would argue the point -- and have -- and reserve my right to hold the opinion that obssession is used too freely and does not apply in this case.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because the setting was entirely in Hawaii, which is one of my fantasy destinations. Completely out of reach right now, unfortunately. The story was kinda lame and the characters irritating--I only perservered because it was so short. Not like I could write a better story myself, you understand....

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

was a quick read, not that great.