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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
I love Ann Patchett normally, so this book was really a great disappointment. I can't quite put my finger on it. The story made me uncomfortable, and her first person narrative from the voice of a black man in the south seemed a little off. I can't explain it, but I don't recommend this book.
First stop from the Smokeys to New Orleans was Ann's bookstore in Nashville. I picked up this book because the setting along the Mississippi resonated with a trip that really started at the Natchez Trace (or maybe Parnassus). I've been to and through Memphis many times... And sense of place is so important in life and these stories.
Rarely do I give a book 5 stars. Ann's characters were effortless, especially in a time when our country continues to reel from the senseless deaths of our black family. The dichotomy and tension between white and black were timely this summer... But on my travels I saw the contrary.
We are One Nation. When we strip away labels people become PEOPLE and honoring their humanity and dignity becomes all the easier.
Deep South- that is your gift to me... That no matter the political strife, when it comes to day to day interactions, we still honor and respect each other. That is my hope and dream for us and I believe it is the seed for our future.
Thank you Ann for your books and bookstore! I do look forward to reading more of your books. Which treat is lurking next? Bel Canto!
Rarely do I give a book 5 stars. Ann's characters were effortless, especially in a time when our country continues to reel from the senseless deaths of our black family. The dichotomy and tension between white and black were timely this summer... But on my travels I saw the contrary.
We are One Nation. When we strip away labels people become PEOPLE and honoring their humanity and dignity becomes all the easier.
Deep South- that is your gift to me... That no matter the political strife, when it comes to day to day interactions, we still honor and respect each other. That is my hope and dream for us and I believe it is the seed for our future.
Thank you Ann for your books and bookstore! I do look forward to reading more of your books. Which treat is lurking next? Bel Canto!
Umm, not her best. Read Bel Canto or The Magician's Assistant instead.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't love this book as much as I loved State of Wonder. To me, Taft felt more than occasionally like a "contemplating your navel" book. It was beautifully written with well-drawn characters, but... I struggled to really relate to the story. And I certainly didn't love the ending. When I heard Ann Patchett speak, she said a difference between commercial fiction and literary fiction was the reader's experience. With commercial fiction, readers all experience it in basically the same way. Literary fiction, on the other hand, leaves much more to the reader's imagination and leaves the wanting to know more or to construct more. Although I buy that analysis, I find the "wanting more" at the end of Taft was a bit too much. It was a very unsatisfying conclusion. As I complete this review, I find myself changing my rating from 4 stars to 3. Although this book is beautifully written, it just didn't grab me.
I've loved most of her novels but somehow Taft didn't grab me quite as powerfully. She still is a remarkable prose writer, but I didn't quite buy the narrative voice this time.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Meh. Usually I love everything Ann Patchett writes but this one just didn't do it for me. Taft is not a bad book by any means, but it wasn't my favorite. I really didn't care about Carl and Fay and I couldn't get into the imaginary memories of Taft and his family. I liked what I considered the main story line about John Nickel and would have liked more about him.