When I read about this book in a literary publication several months back, I immediately added the book to my wish list. I even featured it as a WOW pick. Here is what it said:
" A dazzling debut that is at once a lightly erudite novel of ideas and a darkly charming love story set on an island off the coast of Maine-the perfect sophisticated summer read".
Well I do know that it was set on the coast of Maine. I tried on two different occasions to read this book, but sadly only made it to page 49. For me, the thought process seemed really scattered, and the writing was just not very good, in my opinion. I was expecting a touching story, but instead I found that the story just lacked focus, and could have benefited by better editing.
Here are a few examples of the writing in those first 49 pages:
- "While running for office as the greatest American housewife, my mother never let a thank-you note go unwritten. I was reminded of one of Sara's jokes about WASPs: Why don't WASPs attend orgies? Too many thank-you notes to write".
- "A few years earlier one of her neighbors, Tim Winston, hit the lotto, he'd secretly financed a breast augmentation for his girl friend, while his wife, Maureen still worked two jobs."
- "Listen to this this", Regina said one night over the phone. "Straight from the Wall Street Journal, guess on average how much Parisian women spend on lingerie, what percentage of their clothing budgets?" "Five Percent" "Twenty-five percent Cheri, why wasn't I born in France?"
In fairness to the author, I had recently finished a first rate debut novel, My Name Is Mary Sutter: A Novel, so perhaps my bar was raised a tad, but even if that had not been the case, this book just did not work for me.
Review Copy - Did Not Finish - Disappointing
Sorry this didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, this one just didn't seem like it would be my cup of tea. Sorry that you didn't finish it, but that does happen from time to time!
ReplyDeleteThe premise is intriguing, but it's too bad that it didn't hold up.
ReplyDeleteMary Sutter is a phenomenal book!
Glad you liked Mary Sutter. I couldn't leave a comment to your review because the previous review covered the link to click on.
ReplyDeleteMary might end up being one of the bets books I read all year. I was also amazed by Oliveira's research.
I appreciate that you explained why it didn't work for you, Diane. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis one does seem a bit scattered from the pieces you posted. I really enjoy seeing the books that poeple don't finish too!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure that I would like this book, and would probably end up feeling a lot like you did about it. Sorry it didn't work for you. I read Mary Sutter and loved it as well! I can't wait to read your review!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the style of this book is quite different from a conventional novel and it takes a lot of focus and concentration. That said, I read the entire thing and did like it quite a lot; I think it examined a lot of interesting facets of memory as well as relationships. Then again, as someone who has done some memory research and is part of that whole world, there may have been a predisposition for me to enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteYou know, quite a few rexpected bloggers have been featuring this as a highly anticipated release - I guess it just didn't deliver.
ReplyDeleteSteph...I am glad this one worked for you, that is what makes blogging so fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you gave it 49 pages. That is pretty generous I think. I quit on Mrs. Dalloway after 5.
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