It’s the summer if 1995 and Gray Banick, an American News Photographer disappears somewhere in the Bosnian war zone. He leaves behind his love interest, Lian Zha, Emil Todorovic, his interpreter and friend, and Jack MacKenzine, the mentor who taught him how to hold a camera steady between himself and the worst the war presented.
Now move forward to the year 2000, and Lian who’s Chinese American heritage caused her to bow to her parents wishes and marry another Chinese American. This union results in a loveless marriage and Lian continues to pine for Gray and search for answers to what happened to him.
Lian connects with Jack and together the two of them meet up with Emil who is still in Bosnia, to see if they can not search out answers together of what happened to Gray. From here the story goes into the three sharing stories of old times, as well as what has happened to each of them since that fateful time years ago.
This book read with such reality that I admit I went back and checked to make sure it was fiction. Well written, to the point that it felt so real to me, I entered into this emotionally charged book, unprepared for the emotions it would bring out in me.
The Evolution Of Shadows, while surrounding itself with the story of a war, is more about friendships than bombs. Sure there is the taste of war among the pages and you do feel this, but for me the war was within the three people who longed for answers; Lian, Emil, and Jack. Not sure if they are looking for the man Gray, or the remains of Gray, you feel that each of these characters has a longing and a fear of both.
Beautifully titled, these words “evolution of shadows” comes out of a sleepless night in the book. I love how that was weaved into the words.
Breathtaking and hard to put down, I pushed through the pages wanting to know the answers that each was seeking. What did happen to Gray? Would they ever know? What would they find? What if he is alive, how will they all react? What if they find what they fear the most?
For these answers – you will find not from me….. but from this book.
Book Journey has updated the 2010 Reading map to include The Evolution Of Shadows
Apparently if you are in the Bosnia area you will not want to miss the ambiance of Zlatna Ribica, a place to have a nice meal and a great cup of coffee – it is described as having the menus written in real books and attached by telephone cords that hang from the wall.
253 pages
Cover Story: I don’t really follow where the cover is trying to go. I would believe it is dark to reveal the shadows, but this is not a cover that would call me to pick up this book without first having some information about this book.
I received this book for review from Caitlin of Unbridled Book Tours
Book Journey 
I agree that the cover doesn’t really draw you in, but holy wow, the premise sounds fantastic!
Yes! It was really good! 😀
By the way, just did my random.org pull and you won my giveaway!! The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, email me your mailing address and congrats!!
Oh that is sooooo exciting! I really wanted that book – thank you 😀
I ahve to agree that I wouldn’t have picked this one up based off it’s cover but after reading your review it does sound like one I would, maybe not love, but would keep my attention and would probably enjoy the trip.
Ryan it really surprised me and it really read like this reporter actually lived and was missing. I liked that about the book and I liked how strongly it relied on the relationships of those he left behind to make the story.
I love books that are so realistic you find yourself checking if events actually happened. Thanks for the recommendation.
You may like this one then Patty – a quick read too.
Wow, this book sounds wonderful. I’m adding it to my TBR list. Great review!
HI nanscorner – it was good and I hop you enjoy it too.
Hmm, sounds interesting.
It suprised me Hannah, I really thought is was going to be just an “ok” read but it packed a bit of a punch
Glad it was a pleasant surprise!
This cover isn’t very good but the story sounds interesting. Wonder what inspired the author to write it since you said it read more like a memoir than fiction.
That’s a great question Ladytink – when I read this one I had a couple others going as well and didn’t pursue finding out. I should.
Oh sounds wonderful!
I think you would like this one Amy!
Sounds like a suspenseful read. Interesting that the author has kept so close to the history you had to check the genre. I prefer books that are presented this way. It gives an authenticity to the characters and the story. And, as we all know, the truth is often more interesting and sometimes less believable than fiction.
Will be one I’ll pick up and stick in my TBR mountain if I see it.
I was impressed Pat I guess I wasnt expecting such an intensely realistic read.
I also loved this book – and had to check to see if it was fiction. It was very haunting!
Glad you said that Kristi- I really thought it was just me 😀
I never could figure out that cover, either but I did love this book. It really is an emotional experience.
I agree Lisa – i am guessing it is a shadow but I have so much cover snob in me that I know I would have not have given this one a second glance if I came across it at a book store among all the lovely covers.