The Lovely Bones; Alice Sebold
I first read The Lovely Bones the year it was released (2002), and I loved it. I recall reading it in one sitting I was so hooked. It ended up being my favorite read of 2002. So I thought since the movie is being released this month, I wanted to read it once again before I saw the movie. This time, I listened to the audio version, read by the author, and although I enjoyed it, I wasn't as in awe as I was the first time around. Has that ever happened to you with a reread? For those of you who still have not read this book, it starts out like this:
" My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973"
From heaven Susie narrates the story of her rape and murder. She even reveals who her killer is, and she enlightens the reader as to what her heaven is like, and how it is ever changing. From heaven Susie is constantly monitoring her family on earth as they try to cope with what has happened to Susie. Although Susie remains fourteen throughout the story in heaven, her family ages by eight years as deal with the aftermath of her murder. Susie's father is obsessed with finding her killer and little by little he is gathering evidence on the person he suspects murdered his daughter. The mother deals with her grief by having an affair, and her brother Buckley and sister Lindsy are also trying to understand and move on with their lives at the same time.
Still an amazing debut novel, which I enjoyed, I am suspecting that the reason I did not enjoy the audio as much as the print version was because of the author's monotone voice, which in my opinion took away from the terrific story. Despite that this book (especially the print version) is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Have you read this book? Any plans to see the movie?
Even though so many people say they love this book, I just don't think I could deal with rape and murder!
ReplyDeleteLoved the book and plan to see the movie (which was filmed near me). Hope I can get someone to go with me.
ReplyDeleteI've considered reading this book but it ultimately sounds way too depressing. Which is a very odd reaction for me, because I actually prefer darker literature. I wonder if it's because Susie's murder hits so close to home? Rape is one of every woman's worst fears and I feel that to enter a book where it's already happened, plus she's been murdered, and we're just watching everyone grieve - it just sounds like a bit much to me.
ReplyDeleteIf I could bring myself to go to the theater I might be interested in this one. But I'd rather stay home and read. :-D
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely one of my favorite books of all time. I'm dying to see the movie.
ReplyDeleteI read the book years ago and hope to see the movie. My boss wants to have a girls' night out when it comes to our town so all of us who read it in the office can see it together. :-) My husband really wants to see it too, so I'm not sure which I'll do--see it with him or the ladies.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book, too. I've been looking forward to the movie, but I've heard it's not very good.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably one of the few who did not like the book, and I can't imagine seeing the movie. It was so, so upsetting to me. Every one in my book club loved it, though.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review.
ReplyDeleteI read this book a few years ago and thought it was great. Very haunting story. I've seen the trailers for the movie and they kind of scare me. I may see it though because the novel is so incredible.
Oh I am so thrilled that you said the author was monotone! I thought the same thing and thought it was just me!
ReplyDeleteI felt so bad because I liked the story line - but the read had no emotion...
I have not read the book but I think I would like to see the movie as I am curious to see how it looks on the screen.
I loved this book, too, when I read it. I have thought about re-reading it before I see the movie but I'm afraid I'll have the same reaction, that it just won't have the same effect. Also, if I haven't just reread the book, I won't spend the entire movie comparing the two so closely.
ReplyDeleteI read this book a few months ago-I really enjoyed it and thought the point of view from which it was told was very creative-I am looking forward to the movie-I did not care too much for her second novel, Almost Moon
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've heard such wonderful things about the book. And the movie is getting excellent reviews. But honestly, I don't know if I would like it. With 2 little girls, I just think it would make me really sad.
ReplyDeleteI still need to read this one. I bought it at the beginning of the year, but haven't got around to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the few that didn't love the book... and have no plans to see the movie. I had a tough time with the subject matter.
ReplyDeleteThis book is one of my favorites & will be re-reading it shortly. In my opinion writing doesn't get much better than The Lovely Bones.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the review. This obviously is a difficult subject to read, but it sounds like it would be well worth it. I appreciate the audio/acutual book comparison, so now I know that I need to actually read this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll see this movie, but I think it will be one that we rent rather than go out to see.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I remember enjoying the book (I read it a while ago), but talking to many people a lot of people don't like it because of something that happens (that I must admit, I didn't even remember!)... I have a copy so that I can reread, and will be curious to see how I feel! I'm glad it stood up to a second "reading" for you!
I'm sure I'll see this movie, but I think it will be one that we rent rather than go out to see.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I remember enjoying the book (I read it a while ago), but talking to many people a lot of people don't like it because of something that happens (that I must admit, I didn't even remember!)... I have a copy so that I can reread, and will be curious to see how I feel! I'm glad it stood up to a second "reading" for you!
It's such a wonderful book. I would reread it again at some point.
ReplyDeleteI didn't care for this one when I read it but I remember thinking that it was a bit different. My book group picked it one month and there was plenty to discuss.
ReplyDeleteIs the movie out yet? I saw the trailer for it and it looked really good.
Ti...the movie has a limited release on 12/11 and will be out officially on January sometime.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any plans to read the book, but I may rent the movie because I thought Saoirse Ronan was incredible in both Atonement and The City of Ember.
ReplyDeleteI read this book back then too. Let's hope the movie is good!
ReplyDeleteI read most of this book but I didn't finish it. I forget why now. I need to pick it up again. It's still on my bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteI recently read this one, and really enjoyed it. I had my good friend read it too, she liked it as well and we're planning to go see the film.
ReplyDeleteIts a sad read, but also one of those books you just don't forget.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I read this a few years ago, and thought it was very good. The only part I didn't like was the tryst between the two friends. I think that without that bit it would have been a perfect read. I am still planning on seeing the movie though.
ReplyDeleteI did read this book and loved it. I'm a bit nervous about the movie -- it was pretty brutal as a book -- but I was glad to hear Peter Jackson is the director; I trust him. And it might help that it has been awhile since I read the book; I might be able to appreciate the movie more.
ReplyDeleteI remember really liking this book too. I recently passed it on to a friend and she enjoyed it too. I'd like to see the movie, but will be skipping the audio version based on your review.
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