Book Review

Loree Griffin Burns and Kristen Holt-Browning discuss 14th century England and Kristen’s novel about it.

Over the course of a few midwinter weeks, during which I quote unquote “had” to read two other wintry books in time for book club meetings, I read A Truce That is Not Peace in furtive sips.

For the first time in my life as a reader, I wrote down the title and author of every book I read in 2025. More than I want to recommend any particular book, I want to recommend that you adopt this simple practice.

A long-lost Elmore Leonard novella surfaces, sharp with early swagger, road heat, labor friction, and electric dialogue. It’s where his voice clicks into place—alive with conflict, conviction, and the first spark of his signature cool.

Khemiri’s long, comma-linked sentences blur the line between narrator and author, pulling us into an intimate, engaging story that spans decades and continents.