Fates and Furies; Lauren Groff
Riverbed Books - Penguin Audio - 2015
Will Damron and Julia Whelan (narrators)
Lotto (Lancelot Satterwhite) and Mathilde were that couple everyone envied: looks, brains, confidence and sophistication. They met at Vassar when they were just 22 and married just a few weeks later. Lotto was born into a wealthy family but, his father's early death left his mother unable to cope and battled mental illness for years to come. Mathilde an aspiring model, was attractive, quiet and reserved and supportive wife. Lotto was loud, welcoming and sexy. His interest was acting but, suffered from episodes of manic depression. His true calling came later as a playwright.
The story is told in two parts - FATES (Lotto's story of their marriage) moved slowly at times for me but, the multiple thread and beautiful writing was so good that I looked forward to turning the pages. I liked getting to see the couple through the highs and lows of their relationship as well as through the eyes of their friends. Lotto was a unlikable character but, a man who loved his wife deeply. As I read I wondered how much Mathilde knew about his past.
FURIES (Mathilde's story) totally caught me off guard. It's true what they say to watch out for the quiet ones. Mathilde had a sad dark childhood. She comes across as loving Lotto but, that love seemed to have a dark, sadistic side and at times she's filled with anger and rage. At times I couldn't believe just how different her story of their marriage was from the one we heard from Lotto.
I loved the structure of this novel and couldn't help thinking about what a fantastic choice this would be for bookclub discussions. If you enjoy beautiful writing, flawed, complex characters and stories about marriage don't miss this one. This is one I'll be thinking about for a long while.
4.5/5 stars
(audio & eBook)
I have heard sort of mixed reviews on this one. So, I am curious, but also nervous it won't work for me!
ReplyDeleteI rarely reread a book but, this is one that I would consider. Now that I know the story, I would refocus on the beautiful writing second time around.
DeleteI'm anxious to read this one!
ReplyDeleteReviews were mixed but, I really like stories about a marriage and knowing there are 2 sides -- always!
DeleteGreat review and it sounds pretty good!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian - yes, this was a good one.
DeleteAgreed on the slow start but worth it in the end!
ReplyDeleteGlad u liked this one Sarah.
DeleteThis book is in my stack so I'm glad to read your review. I like books that come together in the end. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteI really liked it Heather - hope u enjoy it as well.
DeleteThank you for the review. A new one for me.
ReplyDeleteIt was good, hope you try it sometime.
DeleteI love the photo! This sounds like a book I should also read!
ReplyDeleteSusan,she's 13 and was always my favorite: lap cat, sociable etc until about a year ago she started meowing nonstop at 4 am until we got out of bed to feed her. NOW she's not so cute LOL
DeleteI really like the sound of this one. It sounds like a great concept / way to tell a story.
ReplyDeleteEmma, the writing was very good as well.
DeleteI haven't read any book by this author though she's always on my list. I am very curious about this one but I am still not sure about it. Ti's review a few weeks back had me rethinking about this.
ReplyDeleteOhh, I think I missed Ti's review. We tend to read similar books. I hope you try this one.
DeleteYes, it was good.
ReplyDeleteVicki, she's 13 and was always my favorite: lap cat, sociable etc until about a year ago she started meowing nonstop at 4 am until we got out of bed to feed her. NOW she's not so cute LOL
ReplyDeleteI loved this book so much and enjoyed Lotto's story more than Mathilde's, even though it was much slower. There was something sad about him in my eyes. I even named my new puppy Lotto after his character. haha
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure this is one I'll ever read, but I'm intrigued by the storytelling format. I think if you got any two people who are in any sort of relationship to tell their individual stories, I think the results would be fascinating. I don't think any two people see anything in the same light, including relationships.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book without reservation! My review: http://keepthewisdom.blogspot.com/2015/10/fates-and-furies.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for recharging my interest in this one - got it coming up soon for book club and I'm really eager to give it a go.
ReplyDelete