An Exaltation of Larks (Venery Book 1) Kindle Edition

Sad story but I love sad stories. I love the the author's use of back an forth love the way she delves into the complex sexuality of men . Why only 4 stars ? I never give 5 stars it's like ending a great book relationship. A wonderful read tore me apart but I guess it's why I loved the characters so much

What an amazing book! Absolutely loved it . Now I understand the term " book funk" have read a few since this book and just "meh" disappointed thanks for a great read. Have read a lot of books this year and this is definitely a favourite.

4 Stars
“The historical events and places in this novel are a respectful mix of fact and poetic license……” Suanne Laqueur.

An Exaltation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur is an epic romance that spans three decades and chronicles the intertwining lives of three friends; explores how precious life can be and to not take anything for granted. And the complex nature of relationships and how love, lust, marriage, loyalty, societal expectations, sexuality, connections, and our own inner dialogue- all play a part in who we are and who we are is a constantly evolving process.
Alejandro Penda (Alex) he escaped from Chile when the 1973 coup brought death and destruction to his home country. He fled to the care of his Uncle Felipe in New York City. He was only eleven years old and didn’t know the fate of his parents, who were left behind in all the chaos.
Valerie Lark lived with her family, next door to Alex’s Uncle. She would walk his dogs for him, and that’s how she and Alex met. He was new to the country and still suffering the effects of his experiences. She felt drawn to him, even as a child. Val felt that there was something special about him. She felt the need to befriend him and protect him. The feeling of connection between them and her protective instinct never wavered as they grew older.
Javier Gil deSoto (Jav) was disowned and banished from his family home- he was only in his teens and he struggled just to survive. The life he knew was shattered, he’s angry and very bitter. He meets someone who becomes a mentor to him, and changes the path his life would have otherwise taken.
The three meet in their twenties and friendships are formed. Even though life would take them in different directions, they are indelibly linked. I really don’t want to say too much more about the story because I don’t want to give away any spoilers- and I think this book is one of the ones that you probably shouldn’t know too much about before hand- so you can fully immerse yourself in it and get your own feel for it. I went into it with a lot of expectation from what I had been told about it, and it took me to about half way through to really settle into it comfortably.
This story is the hardest book that I have ever done a review for. I took 20 pages of notes to use for this review and am sitting here looking at them all, unsure of where to start. I finished reading the book 8 hours ago; I have one heck of a book hangover. I am trying to wrap my mind around everything that happened….and then figure out how I would be able to explain it concisely enough to make any sense at all.
Ms. Laqueur has got a very poetic and individualistic style to her writing. She writes beautifully, her work is incredibly complex and tremendously detailed- her story contains so much information, I did have to re-read quite a few pages to be able to absorb it all.
Swept along on a journey into the unknown, I have emerged on the other side a little overwrought and perhaps a little frustrated. I really wanted to completely and wholeheartedly LOVE this book, after all it has all the makings of a first rate novel, and don’t get me wrong- it really is good and everything everyone says it is- but to give 5 stars I need to connect to a story and/or the characters, to lose myself in them- and that just didn’t happen for me in this book. I guess that’s why I am so devastated! Sorry Ms. Laqueur. I appreciate the unique concept and well developed storyline and lovingly crafted characters, I just didn’t feel it.
This isn’t a quick read, it will take time- it’s over 500 pages and took me a day and a half to read.
I would read more of Ms. Laqueur’s work again, because she is a great writer!

Thank you Ms. Laqueur!

Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse

I was dying to put pen to paper even before I’d finished reading this book and that just goes to show you how much I loved it. So many thoughts were spinning in my mind, so many feelings out of control, I can’t begin to tell you the effect it had on me or how the Lark’s story cries out to be read. Despite the length and timespan, every page turned and every word read was an ‘exaltation’. It doesn’t make for heavy reading, either; on the contrary. . . it is a brilliant piece of literature. The author’s polished prose is as such that I had to stop reading many passages, sit back and reflect on them before carrying on. And although her storyline is beyond original, what captured my attention was the detailed account of her characters’ qualities, fears and achievements.

An Exaltation of Larks hit me hard from the word go and kept me on tenterhooks throughout. I felt a strong family oneness about them as they stick together through thick and thin. Life’s obstacles strengthen them, but also show their weaknesses. They live passionately and love completely in a tale of sufferance and exuberance. Unravelling over the course of several generations, I quickly became emotionally invested in the relationship between three beautiful people.

“Second chances are given or made.”

Alejandro’s ability to cope with the aftermath of a childhood experience is when he is accepted with open arms into the safe haven of a loving family. But deep down, his grief keeps rearing up its ugly head. He needs help and has it, but at times in all his desperation, it’s not enough. Javier’s story is no less tragic and just as heart-breaking. The hand of fate plays an unfair game of betrayal. Wrongfully judged at an age when boys aren’t yet men, the price he pays is shockingly harsh. Pushed to breaking point, if he’s going to survive, he’ll have to find ways to build up his inner-strength. And this folk, is just the beginning!

“Being with you feels like home.”

“I shouldn't have to be your home.”

I truly believe destiny's road is marked out for each and every one of us. In an unexaggerated tone, this is exactly what happens when these two men’s lives uncannily coincide. Their traits are disturbingly similar on some levels; on others, divergent. Without taking into consideration their backgrounds which will influence them later on in life, a friendship blossoms into something special. It was what they needed, treasured and respected. Warming my heart, they made me smile, laugh out loud, cry and brought out such raw emotions in me that I honestly say I was mentally visualising their ups and downs. I didn’t think it were ever possible for an author to paint a picture of their protagonists’ personalities so vividly, but Ms Laqueur did it to perfection!

“Many people like being alone, but nobody likes being lonely. I became lonely. . .”

Valerie! Goodness me, apart from leaving me totally speechless; in contrast, her unforgettable character had me praising her in this read’s entirety. She is the backbone of this story, holds tightly on the family reins and keeps the banter flowing in such a natural manner that I couldn’t help but adore her. Did I agree with her. . . hmm, her honesty is to be tested but all said and done, the best of us make mistakes, and I think hers was more than justified as her only wish was to maintain the status quo. Her open-mindedness and selfless protectiveness is refreshing. The love she has for her kinsfolk, undeniably strong. In fact, if anyone’s going to be able to calm troubled waters regardless of being between a rock and a hard place, it is she.

“You don’t have to be strong anymore.”

How Alex, Jav and Val’s story panned out surprised me. I have to confess that I wanted it to take a path which was not to be. However, after much contemplation, the place they found on a soul-stirring level was to my mind of thinking, indisputably correct when there was so much at stake. The secondary character development is fan-freakin’-tastic! I really connected to Valerie’s quirky sister, Trelawney and the two teenagers, Deane and Ari. . . lovely guys whose growing up struggles were really well-described. Here, Valerie and Alex and Jav’s empathy was crucial. Although house rules weren’t negotiable, their handling of certain issues were always carefully dealt with.

“These are the rules, kid. And they suck sometimes but they keep you safe and they keep the world in order.”

What sold me too was the tense dialogue in angst-ridden scenes that were actually, outnumbered by touching ones. Also, passages and sentences in italic caused a lump in my throat and had me grabbing for whatever happened to be at hand to dry my eyes. I have to mention to those of you who speak Spanish to try and ignore the few translation errors I came across. The verb conjugations of ‘ser / estar — ‘to be’, is one example. Nevertheless, these slip-ups shouldn’t hinder your reading enjoyment. It didn’t mine.

Well, what can I say to the author that I haven’t said already? Your words are splendiferous, your book, magnificent. One that shall never be forgotten, one to be savoured again and again and meriting at the very least, five stars. Bravo Ms Laqueur!

A sweeping family saga, filled with passion, love and heartbreak. It's also a book about the power of friendship and staying the course, but also finding your way to who you really are.

Suanne Laqueur has come up with another winner.

Ever since I've come across The Man I Love, I've been gobbling down her novels. I know this has just been released, but I can't wait to read whatever she's writing next.

This book was amazing, I devoured it. Right from the start it captures you. I laughed, cried and never wanted it to end. This was my first read from this author and I will definitely be reading more. Highly recommended