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3.11 AVERAGE
3.11 AVERAGE
So interesting to read a book that is contemporary American fiction, but could easily pass for Modern British lit. I loved the short, jostling chapters, and the allusions to other pieces of literature. It made me aware of the strong influence of literature like Tess of the D'urbervilles" and " A Dolls House", and "An American Tragedy". Somehow this wasn't derivative, just part of a genre that I know well.
Ephron is an amazing writer. I am always drawn into the world she creates. Her stories break my heart as well though. This book is about an affair and the issues between the three people involved. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. Luckily the book is a quick read. A Cup of Tea breaks my heart though... Ephron does a great job of making each character complex enough that to pick a side is almost unthinkable. Though I have to admit, while I was sad for everyone, I really felt the worst for Rosemary and Jane. Each for very different reasons...It's also interesting that Ephron briefly touches the idea of homosexuality in the early 1900s.
Ephron is a skilled writer, no question. Socialite Rose "rescues" Eleanor, then sends her on her way. Philip, to be wed to Rose before he departs for Europe as an officer, falls for Eleanor. Affair. Wedding of Philip and Rose. Departure for Europe. Pregnancy. Is Philip dead? Rose doesn't know. A friend reveals Eleanor's with child. Philip, surprise, returns, intent on leaving Rose for Eleanor. Mayhem. Bye bye Philip.
Some nice details of high society women on the eve of WWI. Paced well. Not a major winner, despite reviews to the contry. Or perhpas I'm just cranky because US Airways screwed up my return home.
Some nice details of high society women on the eve of WWI. Paced well. Not a major winner, despite reviews to the contry. Or perhpas I'm just cranky because US Airways screwed up my return home.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would when I read the blurb - I thought the story would be more subtle somehow. However, I always say that if you don't like any of the characters yet still enjoy the book then that's a sign that it's a really good book. I'm also partial to a good bleak ending, and questions left unanswered.
Although it did have some finely 'sculpted' details used for characterization (e.g. the two women were made very vivid each in their corresponding shop - Rosemary in the antiquity shop and Eleanor in the hat shop - just by the way they touched things), the novella is gravely underdone. The middle of the book made me cringe with how badly the actual love affair was handled by the writer: every punch-line was predictable, the dialogues and descriptions of feelings devoid of subtlety or originality - it was hard to believe I was reading about the same characters that were so alive in the beginning.
This book was a random pick for a read on the bus, so, no hard feelings from me.
This book was a random pick for a read on the bus, so, no hard feelings from me.
Definitely an engaging read—some characters a bit flat. She created vivid imagery.
I bought and read this when it first came out, which I see was 20 years ago, so no wonder I have no memory of it other than not liking it much. But I was willing to give it another chance, my opinion has been known to change for better or worse upon a second reading. Unfortunately I found this to be a gigantic yawn. First, it's not a WWI story, the war is just used as a gimmick. The characters are cardboard cutouts with no particular personality. Well, I guess Rosemary is supposed to be unsympathetic because she's rich and spoiled. I didn't give a fig about any of them. I may have had a vague memory of the ending, but it was still completely predictable. And silly. At least it is very short and didn't take up too much time.