The Invisible Hour

This was not a book I planned on reading today but I picked it up and could not stop! Alice Hoffman has a way with words that is so beautiful and unique. I went into this book absolutely blind. I bought a physical copy a few months ago because the cover grabbed my attention. The Invisible Hour is the story of Mia, a young woman looking for a way out of a cult called the Community that she and her mother are a part of. She finds solace inside of a book she stole from the library and clings to it as if her life depends on it. The Scarlet Letter is that book and its story feels very familiar to Mia. I don't want to give away too many details because going in blind was so fun! There is a romantic subplot, but this definitely is not a romance novel. The Invisible Hour is adult literary fiction, 16+ for themes, mild sexual content.

Rating: 4.25 leaves out of 5-Characters: 3/5 -Cover: 5/5-Story: 3/5-Writing: 4/5Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Lit Fic-Historical Fiction: 5/5 -Fantasy: 4/5-Magical Realism: 4/5-Lit Fic: 5/5Type: EbookWorth?: YesHated Disliked Meh It Was Okay Liked Loved FavoritedWant to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.I have only read a couple of books by Alice Hoffman, Green Angel Series, when I was younger and though I found her style of writing to be on the odd side I loved every second. For this novel though, there were times I was just kind of confused. The magical part seemed to have appeared a bit out of no where. There was nothing leading up to it being introduced. Other than that I liked the story well enough. Screw cults, about the nicest thing I could possibly ever say. If you are looking for a quick and little odd read I suggest giving this book a try!

I just finished The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman and here is my review.

Mia was ready for it all to be over. Just a teen and she could see no way out from the commune.. Then she finds a book... The scarlet letter and she decides that day that she will find a way to survive.

Her mother's death is the catalyst for Mia running away from the evil cult leader and the man who calls himself her father. Books were her savior and she never abandoned them like they never abandoned her.

Spending her life loving an author from another time has kept Mia's sanity but she also discovers that she can travel back in time to where her love lives, proving to Mia that anything is possible if you believe in it hard enough.

I loved every single second of this book. Magical realism is one of my favorite genres and this book did not disappoint. I loved that not just metaphorically speaking but actually, a book gave her the power to travel. It was magnificent yet devastatingly heartbreaking for Mia.

The plot was exciting and rich with lots of descriptive scenes and excellent narrative. I really enjoyed the parts about the cult. What a horrific way to have to grow up. Being a hardcore book lover I felt a kinship with Mia. Books were not tolerated in the community and Mia finding books she fell in love with was like watching a bird taking flight. It was breathtaking to share in her joy.

The book covers Mia's life as a girl all the way up until she finds herself in the past. I hope there is a book 2. I want more of Mia's story. I want to know if she held any book and went to the place the author lived, whether she could travel to their time or whether it was just her connection to Nathaniel.

Beautiful book and 5 stars from me. If you love magical realism like I do, then this has to be your next book.

Thank you @netgalley and @atriabooks for my gifted copy