The Violets of March: A Novel

From the New York Times bestselling author of Always and Blackberry Winter, a heartbroken woman stumbles upon a diary and steps into the life of its anonymous author.

In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after.

Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life.

A mesmerizing debut with an idyllic setting and intriguing dual story line, The Violets of March announces Sarah Jio as a writer to watch.
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Published Apr 26, 2011

296 pages

Average rating: 6.53

15 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Anonymous
Apr 01, 2025
4/10 stars
Really more of a 2.5 stars. I wanted to like this book, but several things made me crazy. When Greg took Emily out to dinner, in March the sun would have been down before they got to the restaurant, instead of being in time to watch it, according to the time frame in the book. (Yes I looked it up, I am a librarian and can't help myself.)

The WWII parts didn't seem add up, according to what I know of that time period. Everyone seemed to run off to Seattle, or go out to dinner, with no mention of rationing of food or gas. It does not seem probable that Elliot just got to come home in 1943 from the South Pacific if he was not gravely injured.If he had, people would have been asking why he did not serve until the end of the war.

Many characters having 2 names which hid their place in the story was just too coincidental. I also found it hard to believe that Emily could fall madly in love with Jack so soon after her divorce and without much contact before she fell in love.

All of these things and more took me out of the story and kept me from enjoying it as much as I though I would.
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Anonymous
Feb 18, 2025
8/10 stars
This is the third Sarah Jio I've read and I'm resisting the urge to read her other books instantly. This book did not disappoint. Like her others, some details are a little too coincidental, but I no longer care.
Anonymous
Apr 20, 2024
4/10 stars
короче, дело было так - у меня начал зависать телефон, и я решила сделать хард резет. это дело долгое, но надо было дождаться окончания процедуры, чтобы поставить будильник на завтра. чтобы не уснуть, я взялась читать эту книгу. она короткая. так и прочитала
erinmarie0903
Nov 28, 2023
4/10 stars
I found this kind of blah. It had a decent story - but was just not for me. If you like more of a love story than a mystery, this may be the book for you.

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