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Book review: “Spark’s Press” by Sarah A Chrisman
When last year I interviewed the author Sarah A Chrisman, I walked away with only one word to describe her: warm. Talking to her was like drinking a delicious cup of hot cocoa: sweet, comforting, and immensely satisfying. I wasn’t surprised. The Tales of Chetzemoka — Chrisman’s series of historical novels set in the Pacific Northwest during the late 19th century — got me through the pandemic with their tenderness and companionship.
Cosy and familiar like a warm handmade jumper, the friends of the Chetzemoka Wheelmen — the fictional bicycling club at the heart of the series — became my friends. So, when Chrisman revealed to me that the latest instalment would be published by Christmas, I was excited. Having finally finished Spark’s Press, it does not disappoint.
Centring on the characters of Felix Holloway (an intrepid young reporter and a personal favourite of mine) and Sophie Fuller (a schoolgirl coming-of-age in a changing world), Spark’s Press is as charming and delightful as its predecessors. Growing weary of the yellow journalism popular in his era, Felix considers setting up his own magazine following encouragement from his chum, Ken. Through adventures reporting on the Great Seattle Fire and Washington statehood Felix and Sophie both begin to realise their dreams may be more attainable than they imagined.
