REVIEW RAVES
"This is that rarest of first novels--a truly original voice, and a truly original story." Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of The Tenth Circle "[E]ntrancing and ethereal." Seattle Post-Intelligencer "Through the alchemy of Domingue's rich, lovely prose we are transported back and forth through time." The Boston Globe "Debut novelist Domingue weaves a tapestry of lost spirits and misplaced loves." Kirkus Reviews "Filled with vivid descriptions of . . . marvelous human sensations that people take for granted and that spirits can only wistfully recall, this is a novel that gets under ones skin." Library Journal (starred review) "Blending the practical matters of marriage with the sentimental, Domingue has fashioned an emotionally satisfying story of love and longing." Washington Post, reviewed by Meg Wolitzer, author of The Position and The Wife "Domingue's vision of the shifting, shadowy world of the dead is convincing and surprisingly affecting . . . and stays just the right side of romantic." Daily Mail (London) "Domingue's unique protagonist might make readers change the way they think about ghosts--whether they believe in them or not." Orlando Sentinel "Love and death come together in a mysterious union. Wonderful." Elle Magazine (Germany) "[A]n engaging tale. . . . In each plot, so different in time and place, Domingue takes a probing look at what produces strong and independent women."
Booklist
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BOOKSELLER RAVES
"Wow, wow, wow. I can't think of a way to describe this haunting novel except to say it is to literature what the croissant is to pastry: rich, sinful, and perfect, each layer more delicate, delicious, and fragile than the last. Domingue weaves an achingly tender love story that spans more than seventy years and bridges the gap between the living an the dead. Beautiful and atmospheric. The Mercy of Thin Air is just superb."
Megan Scott O'Bryan, Scott's Bookstore
Mt. Vernon, WA
"At times this "ghost romance" is so beautifully written, it will take your breath away. Reminiscent of "The Lovely Bones" and "Time Traveler's Wife" this story set in New Orleans by first time novelist Ronlyn Domin[g]ue gradually reveals a passionate and moving tale of tragic loss and the redemptive power of enduring love."
Michael S., Hearts & Stars Bookshop
Canton, MA
"A haunting debut novel of two interwoven love stories--both with lives cut short. Caught "between", Razi narrates both her personal story of a long-ago love and the present-day story of Amy, struggling to finish grieving her first love. Both women have had to deal with great grief, yet the reader knows that there will be redemption and resolution at the end. Domingue's descriptive prose captures the rich history of New Orleans so well. This story is a perfect fit for book clubs."
Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop
Houston, TX
"I forwent sleep to read The Mercy of Thin Air by first-time novelist Ronlyn Domingue. Je ne pas regrette. This mysterious, gentle novel is narrated by a spirit named Razi, who chooses to stay "between" — a condition that allows her to observe the living — but in particular a couple whose house she haunts. Through the couple's relationship, Razi is able to see her life for what it was and her own love, Andrew, for who he became after her death. The story grows in depth emotionally as it moves between Razi's past and present condition. The combination of flashbacks with Domingue's vivid descriptions suspend you in Razi's world. Set in an equally dreamy New Orleans, this book breathes new life into the intimacies of relationships among the living; but it also presents an imaginative although plausible perspective of the complications of life after death."
MW, Square Books
Oxford, MS
"Razi had a great love, one lost by death, in this case her own.She chooses not to pass on, but remains between, watching the lives that followed hers, and occasionally helping others pass through. When the chance comes to aid a love quietly going astray she acts, guiding a troubled couple with small bits of poltergeist-like behavior, while reliving her own deep love. Circles close, as people from Razi's past become people from her present in this lovely and romantic debut novel."
Russ Harvey, Cody's Books
Berkeley, CA
"The thin air of this wonderful first novel is the realm “between life and whatever comes next.” It is populated by the novel’s narrator, Raziela “Razi” Nolan. Nolan was alive in the roaring 1920’s: young, vital, in love, and wishing for immortality. She was, that is, until a poolside slip ends her life. Razi wanders the thin air happily observing, and sometimes influencing, the goings on of the living. Whether she is investigating the fate of her lost love or exploring the affairs of the couple who occupy her … home, Razi is an utterly charming narrator and guide through the ages. Readers of The Lovely Bones and The Time Traveler’s Wife will enjoy this book."
Catherine Weller, Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore
Salt Lake City, UT
"What a wonderful read. Her characters are full of life, even when most of them are dead. Ms. Domingue really wraps the reader into her story and makes them feel for all her characters. I cannot wait for this to be released, so I can hand sell it to others."
Lee Bendetti, Barnes & Noble
Philadelphia, PA
READER RAVES
From the moment I read the first line, Razi's voice consumed my head and heart. The last book I found as compelling was The Time Traveler's Wife but even that didn't envelop me completely and cause me to involuntarily hold my breath while I learned the details of Razi's life, death and further existence beyond.
Joanna from Oklahoma
I am 200lb tattooed ex-biker turned bookstore manager that has no spiritual beliefs other than I believe in love. Your book made me cry so, it passed my test.
Gerald from Illinois
I don't think I've ever cried so much while reading a book, or felt so much for those I love or have loved....This was absolutely the best book I've ever read. I wish I could express how much this book meant to me...maybe you already know. :)
Kim (state unknown)
This book made me fall in love with my husband all over again.
Kay from Arkansas
I can't remember the last time this 61-year-old grandmother sat up reading and weeping into the wee hours, to complete, yet dreading to complete a book. The Mercy of Thin Air is a hauntingly, achingly beautiful tale of love, loss, life, death, immortality and choices.
Pam from Texas
It's not the kind of book I would normally pick up and read. What can I say? I lean more toward Jack London and James Lee Burke; my thesis was on Hemingway. But yours is an amazing achievement. For you, a simple phrase my father (may he rest in Peace) used as his highest form of praise, saved for those he truly admired: You do good work.
PJ from Louisiana
Forty-nine years ago my fiance and I had a disagreement of some sort that neither he nor I can recall but we could not get past it and a foolish mistake was made. Through the years our love has not diminished but grown and in our old age communication is easy. Over the phone I have tried to talk to him about your book but I cry. We have decided when we meet this weekend I am to bring the book and read to him. Only a person who could express such feelings as you have done could understand the love he and I have for each other. Thank you again.
Linda (state unknown)
Finished your book last night and I think it's a winner. I loved the concept of the in-between world with abilities. Your writing scares me...I am usually not drawn to chic novels...gothic n'all....and normally go for histories, historical novels, War stuff, and Scifi. Yours knocked my socks off.
Jim from North Carolina
I went to bed last night with the images of the first time they made love in head and heart. You made it a physical, sensuous, real, spiritual meeting of two people totally in love with each other.
Charlene from Louisiana
You have a gift my dear, a precious rare ability to transfer feelings, whole, real and powerful to the rigid, unforgiving medium of ink on paper, without losing any of the beauty. I was left crying real tears of relief, of happiness, sadness and so much more at the end of the book.
Samantha (state unknown)
My grandma died in mid-September; my birthday is at the beginning of October. My grandmother visited me on my birthday. As I slept, I dreamt of her holding me close in an embrace, feeling the warm heat of her arms and body into my bones. I heard her say, I love you, Sugar, and watched as her figure--the same Grandma I knew in my childhood, before her illness overtook her body-- fade away, leaving my arms spread around shoulders that were no longer there. As I read about Razi, I think of this. I think about how she remembers Andrew and the power of her love for him consumes her. I believe my Grandma is watching me, from beyond, comforting me, holding me, loving me. Her love for me did not die with her body. Like the heat of her arms in my dream, it is real. It still exists, waiting to be completed when I join her one day.
Sarah from New Hampshire
4/5/2008 |
