the Lullaby Illusion by Susan Joyce

Synopsis: the Lullaby Illusion is a travel memoir set in the mid 70’s/80’s covering parts of the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

Writing Style: Rich in dialogue and conversation the story is written in a scripted style fittingly adaptable as a screenplay.

Pacing: The writing style, along with the lucid and fragmented illusions slows the pace, while many events taking place in the story are off the page interesting; the makings for a unique reading experience hard to pin down as either fast or slow, or even moderate.

Personal Highlights: I found the mystery behind Charles, the writing style, and the illusions particularly alluring. While the memoir largely centers on Charles's wife enduring great hardships attributed to living in countries wrought of turmoil, along with experiencing personal tragedies born out of a troubled marriage, I was particularly drawn to conversations describing a villainous husband, Charles, purportedly linked to secret work, or shady dealings. This aspect, and the illusions which I enjoyed the way they were woven into the story, for me, so much encapsulated the events given it factored heavily into why and how the couple ended up living in Cyprus, England and Frankfurt, among other places.

Potential Audience: Overall the Lullaby Illusion would make an incredible movie. For this reason filmmakers might find this book enjoyable. Additionally, readers who enjoy personal travel memoirs will also enjoy the story.