The narrative and characters in this book slowly pull you in, and then subsume you. This book is a masterpiece. Both of ideas and literature.
Here is oThe narrative and characters in this book slowly pull you in, and then subsume you. This book is a masterpiece. Both of ideas and literature.
Here is one of the ideas: "Things started going wrong, as far as Zhaanat was concerned, when places everywhere were named for people--political figures, priests, explorers--and not for the real things that happened in these places--the dreaming, the eating, the death, the appearance of animals."
Here's an example of the literature: "For a moment Zhaanat's face was exalted by ferocity, but then she slowly shifted her gaze to her daughter, and Patrice thought she was seeing her own face, lighted from below by a mirror of clouds and water. Yet it was only a bowl of soup that her mother was holding out to her, strong with bear meat and steaming hot."
Demon Copperhead is a unique creation, a memorable fictional character, and the ultimate underdog. His life is hard, and at times reading this story fDemon Copperhead is a unique creation, a memorable fictional character, and the ultimate underdog. His life is hard, and at times reading this story felt like a burden. But the language and the insights, the dashes of humor, and a faint glimmer of hope pulled me forward to an understated but lovely ending and a feeling of gratitude to Kingsolver for giving us this story....more
This is a gracefully written book with characters I will remember forever. The plot may be predictable, but the journey is the point. In the incrediblThis is a gracefully written book with characters I will remember forever. The plot may be predictable, but the journey is the point. In the incredibly satisfying epilogue we see the narrator decades after the events in the story, and as he reflects on what that summer meant to him and his family, we the reader reflect on the themes of the story and what they mean to us. (The audio version is beautifully narrated.)...more
It took me a while to embrace the "voice" of the main character of this book, Cathy Williams, but soon her story, her adventures, her spirit, swept meIt took me a while to embrace the "voice" of the main character of this book, Cathy Williams, but soon her story, her adventures, her spirit, swept me up, the way all great stories do. The historical truth behind this story makes it an even more worthwhile read. Thanks to Sarah Bird for a terrific book....more
The framing of this story as catalogue notes from a photography exhibit as a way of telling Lillian's life story was intellectually satisfying but madThe framing of this story as catalogue notes from a photography exhibit as a way of telling Lillian's life story was intellectually satisfying but made it more challenging to emotionally engage in the story. This is especially true because we have a mixture of voices--the daughter, letters from a friend, Lillian's diary, and others. I enjoyed the story, but found it easy to put down after fifteen minutes or so of reading. And then you hit the point where Lillian becomes ill and suddenly the story becomes gripping. The ending hits hard and fast and really underscores this hard truth: loneliness and isolation are the high price of being a creative genius--especially if you are a woman and a mother....more
Very worthwhile read written in a beautiful, classical narrative voice. Through her main characters-a doctor and a musician-Allende personalizes the hVery worthwhile read written in a beautiful, classical narrative voice. Through her main characters-a doctor and a musician-Allende personalizes the history of the Spanish Civil War and the 20th century political upheaval in Chili....more
This is a great story to listen to on audio, as the narrator (Marin Ireland) does a fabulous job! It's fun, it's heartwarming, and the author's charmiThis is a great story to listen to on audio, as the narrator (Marin Ireland) does a fabulous job! It's fun, it's heartwarming, and the author's charmingly weird and original descriptions and metaphors really add to the enjoyment....more
Secrets and lies and long-held grudges underpin the complex relationships in this family. Join them as they sit shiva for their father. This novel is Secrets and lies and long-held grudges underpin the complex relationships in this family. Join them as they sit shiva for their father. This novel is a great book club choice...lots to discuss!...more
I'm a huge fan of Diane Chamberlain and I think The Dream Daughter is one of her best. No other writer I know is able to create such strong narrative I'm a huge fan of Diane Chamberlain and I think The Dream Daughter is one of her best. No other writer I know is able to create such strong narrative drive and suspense while at the same time fully engaging the heart and sympathy of the reader....more
This book had a lot of buzz, it made several lists of "best books of 2019." I found it an easy read, but the characters were frustrating, the love stoThis book had a lot of buzz, it made several lists of "best books of 2019." I found it an easy read, but the characters were frustrating, the love story thwarted by poor communication mostly. ...more
For a Western woman it is difficult to comprehend the lives of the Afghan women in this novel. The story is captivating in parts and also frustrating For a Western woman it is difficult to comprehend the lives of the Afghan women in this novel. The story is captivating in parts and also frustrating in parts, perhaps like the country itself, as it is portrayed here by Nadia Hashimi. The story ends with notes of grace and hope but also leaves me profoundly grateful to be a Canadian. ...more
Loading...
