Cover Image: A House Like an Accordion

A House Like an Accordion

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I don't know how to describe this book, only that I loved it. I was hooked from the very first page. The concept of drawing things into and out of the world was fascinating and I kept developing more questions about the mechanics of the world as the book went on, most of which were answered by the end. The generational gift/curse of drawing was a really good plot point, and helped drive the story along as more information was uncovered. The writing reminded me somewhat of The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd, in terms of narrative devices and similarity in the way things exist/do not exist in the real world. Very well done, I would love to read more by this author!

Was this review helpful?

This is the epitome of a whimsical, cozy, magical realism novel. When the main character, Kerryth, wakes up one morning to discover that her arm has disappeared, she begins a frantic pursuit of her lost father. As a child, whatever her father would draw got stuck in his sketchbook. This could only mean that her father has begun drawing her. The last time she saw her father was the day of her brother's accident when he abandoned her as she was placed into the foster care system. All of these years later, Kerryth must retrace as much of her childhood as she can remember to stop him before it is too late; however, will her pursuit of her father mean abandoning her husband and two daughters?

I recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy fantasy with minimal world-building. It is easy to get lost in this world, and addicted to Kerryth's search.

Was this review helpful?

This book had a unique hook and explored the feelings we have toward our pasts and our futures. Thoughtful and creative, the writing was sharp and made for a good read.

Was this review helpful?

A really nice concept. I recommend for those who enjoyed the Night Circus and other magical realism novels. I do think this is a little under developed.

Was this review helpful?

If you like surrealism that's grounded in real-world trauma and complicated family dynamics, this is the book for you. I was hooked by the mystery, magic and humor contained within its pages.

Was this review helpful?

I am still struggling to describe my feelings about this title. I go back and forth figuring out if I despise the protagonist, or adore her. She is completely awful to her family, but her reasoning for it makes sense, in some vague way, I guess. But the book itself is just. so. excellent. I can’t wait to recommend this book.
So there you have my terribly written review of this really great book.

Was this review helpful?

A House Like an Accordion was a spell-binding, sweet, cozy fantasy. Family is the true heart of this book, and I loved the route the winding story took! This book is incredibly unique: we follow Keryth on her journey to find her father, and it’s a magical, heartwarming treasure hunt from start to finish. I’d recommend this to this who love the fantasy genre but might be looking for something less high-stakes.

Was this review helpful?

For readers who enjoy magical realism, this is a terrific choice. Keryth and her husband are super wealthy, having founded a successful AI company. But Keryth has a secret -- she is from a family that has a disturbing power to be able to draw things and either capture them, or make them real. They don't have much control over this power, and it seems to hurt them as much as help them. Keryth finds herself literally becoming invisible, and most likely because her estranged father is still out there somewhere, using his powers. She embarks on a mission to find him, and discover herself -- before she completely disappears. A great title, very creative and different, with characters you care about and a well paced plot. I look forward to recommending this title.

Was this review helpful?

Where would fiction be without troubled marriages, difficult parents and children, and deeply buried conflicts, both internal and external? Yet even literary heroines seldom face the existential trauma that afflicts Keryth Miller one morning as she is brushing her teeth.

Keryth, named after a legendary princess, has a good life on the surface. She married her college sweetheart, whose AI technology made them both a fortune she could not have imagined in her cash-strapped youth. They have two daughters whom she loves, and they live in a magnificent modern mansion overlooking the California coast. But on that morning in the bathroom, thirty-nine-year-old Keryth notices that her hand has disappeared. She realizes rightaway that her father, whom she thought long gone, is alive, that he is drawing her, and that if she can’t track him down and make him stop, she will cease to exist.

The result is a long and intricate journey into Keryth’s complicated history, in which we discover the fates of her family members and the particular gift passed down through her family. It’s a fast-paced and ultimately rewarding tale, driven by what reads almost like a conversation between her present and her past. And if at times, Keryth appears to be her own worst enemy, by the time you reach the end of this richly imagined and densely plotted work, you will understand how all the pieces fit together and why she could not, in fact, react in any other way.

I plan to interview this author on my blog (link below) later this year.

Was this review helpful?

Keryth Miller is on the edge of burnout from all part of life. One morning she wakes up to find her body is slowly disapearing. Totally freaked out she must find her missing father to reslove her magical past. LOVED THIS BOOK!

Was this review helpful?

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Was this review helpful?

I liked this book but I had the hardest time liking and connecting with the main character. I didn't know how to feel about the main character Keryth. When the book started I didn't know how I felt about her because she felt distant. She was distant with her husband and children and she was distant as a character from me as well. I couldn't figure her out. As we learned more and more about her I understood her better but I still don't know if I even like her. I usually like magical realism in a novel and I liked this as well because it was very integral to the story itself. The story unfolds on itself and we go on a journey with Keryth to discover the secrets of her past and learn who she really is.

Was this review helpful?

Complex and mind-bending in the best of ways, A HOUSE LIKE AN ACCORDION will keep your attention from start to finish. This is a lavish tale, almost like a contemporary fairy tale -- fabulously inventive. At times strange, I found the story to be engaging and intriguing. Keryth's quest kept me turning the pages. I had to be sure to pay attention as we jumped across timelines. The patient reader will be rewarded. Ultimately this is a story about moving on from regret.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-galley; all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Was this review helpful?

A fascinating book full of wonderful ideas and concepts. A House Like an Accordion is a fantasy book with it’s roots deep in family life.
Relatable characters in a fantastic and magical story.

Was this review helpful?

What a strange, magical book to end a year of reading. A HOUSE LIKE AN ACCORDIAN captured my attention from title alone, and I'm delighted to confirm that the contents is exactly as quirky & expansive as you might expect.

It's the kind of book that benefits from knowing as little as possible before diving in, so I'll try not to give too much away. At the center is Keryth, a woman who must confront her surreal, ephemeral past after she finds herself literally (and figuratively) fading away--likely because of her absent father's mysterious powers.

Audrey Burges crafts an ambitiously imaginative exploration of complicated families and the deep-seated regrets that can haunt a person for decades; it's about regret, wonder, and what it really means to belong to someone/somwhere. Even when the logic seemed to grow fuzzy, I was 100% on board--we jump between timelines and places and I loved every single minute. I've never read a book quite like this, and I'm desperate for a bigger audience to find it after release day so I can discuss my thoughts!

HOUSE may have unraveled reality around me, but I'm certain of one thing: it won't be my last Audrey Burges book.

Was this review helpful?

"A House Like an Accordion" is my second novel and the sophomore effort from author Audrey Burges. Since I loved her debut ("The Minuscule Mansion of Myra Malone") , I was thrilled to get my hands on an advance copy of her latest & it did not disappoint. Like her previous title, this one is firmly in the magic realism, light fantasy genre. The MC, Keryth, is an overwhelmed and burned out contemporary woman who finds herself literally disappearing and becoming translucent, which has to do with her long-lost father, an artist. As a modern woman myself, this really resonated with me - I often feel invisible & also often burned-out. This one is perhaps more magical and yet relatable than her debut, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy this genre or identify with the MC. My sincere thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the complimentary DRC, my sincere pleasure to review this title.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely adored the Miniscule Mansion of Myra Malone and was ecstatic for this one. I was a bit surprised by how different it felt for me, but I can’t pin down why. I think it might be lacking in the charm she brought through Myra. I stopped after chapter 2 (5%). I imagine this will be three to four stars for the target audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Audrey Burges writes some of the most interesting commercial fiction I've ever read. I am obsessed with how her mind works. I love the way she brings together so many seemingly disparate threads to spin something that feels fragile and beautiful and strange. This book is about all the ways that love can both knock us off course and find ourselves--and each other--again. I was equal parts haunted and enraptured by it, just like I was with THE MINUSCULE MANSION OF MYRA MALONE.

Was this review helpful?

A poignant look at the ties of family, A House Like an Accordion captivated me with its magic. I felt like I’d stepped into a contemporary fairytale I did not want to leave. Audrey Burges' words absolutely sparkle

Was this review helpful?