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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
One oft favorite books of all time. I have reread it numerous times. The quirky characters are so real and well drawn they feel like friends. I love the aunt. The story is heartwarming without being cloying. And the writing, oh the writing. When Annie Proulx is in her groove, this book sings.
Very enjoyable. Loved the main character's from victimhood to selfhood. Entwined is a haunting and delicate sea mysticism that works nicely with the plot as a whole. Also interesting look at small town journalism.
I was a bit leery at first of this story, written about a big oaf of a man name of Quoyle, who (like most people who are shunned from childhood, even in their own homes) is a social misfit, an outcast, friendless. My leeriness came from the stark setting, the odd language of boats, shipping, fishing. I needed a dictionary almost every other page.
But I was drawn in before too long by the beautiful writing of Annie Proulx. She weaves the story patiently, skillfully, revealing Quoyle as more than a hapless victim.
Sure, he does fall in love and marry a seeming nymphomaniac who bears two daughters with him then proceeds to abuse him and have sex with other men in the house they still share, while he is in the next room.
But after she's gone, and even before, his love for his daughters transcends every bad thing in his life, and gives his life meaning.
Quoyle's return to his family's roots, in a barren shelf of Newfoundland, was totally fascinating in every detail of its culture- from the food, the use of language, to the landscape. Full of rich details.
Best of all was the unfolding story and how it turned out to be about love, in a surprising unfolding, given the beginning of the story.
But I was drawn in before too long by the beautiful writing of Annie Proulx. She weaves the story patiently, skillfully, revealing Quoyle as more than a hapless victim.
Sure, he does fall in love and marry a seeming nymphomaniac who bears two daughters with him then proceeds to abuse him and have sex with other men in the house they still share, while he is in the next room.
But after she's gone, and even before, his love for his daughters transcends every bad thing in his life, and gives his life meaning.
Quoyle's return to his family's roots, in a barren shelf of Newfoundland, was totally fascinating in every detail of its culture- from the food, the use of language, to the landscape. Full of rich details.
Best of all was the unfolding story and how it turned out to be about love, in a surprising unfolding, given the beginning of the story.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Very slow beginning/build, but the ending was well wrought; the writing original and in service of the story, with clever moments and expertly employed. Might have have given it a 3.5 if I could.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love it. Her way of writing is aggressively unique—I’ve never read anything like this. It was a little slow but I got so lost in the context and the setting. Great winter read!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Winter reading challenge continues! On a different platform, but still counts.
Unlike some of my other challenge reads, The Ship News, is a bit more 'literary' as its category is Won an Award and its award is none other than the National Book Award. So a beach read, this is not!
But despite its, at times, wordy prose and poetic descriptions, I enjoyed this book. Its main character, Quoyle, is a bit of an unfortunate man who is bumbling through life, constantly covering up his massive chin and trying to find his way in the world. The major event that completes changes his life is marrying Petal, a narcissistic bully who has lots of boyfriends, and having two daughters. Their whole meeting was a blink and you'll miss it paragraph, perhaps highlighting the actual substance of Petal compared to the damage that she left behind. Her death was abrupt, but clearly came at a good time
Quoyle and his daughters travel with Quoyle's aunt to return to their home of Newfoundland which truly seems like a world away. Quoyle gets a job at the local newspaper and tries to integrate himself into Candian fishing life. There is a whole cast of characters, all with rich and slightly traumatic backstories The couple with the yacht was particularly crazy
I could see how this book won its prize, as the writing was very good (even if all the boats, knots and maritime references got a little heavy handed). It offered some interesting commentary on our fraying social contracts and connection, which seems relevant 30 years after its publication. In that regard, it sort of reminded me of John Steinback.
By the end of the book, you found yourself wanting things to work out for Quoyle and his family and rise up against their circumstances and outlook.At the end, Quoyle and Wavey finally sorted out their issues and got together which was lovely. But that was perhaps topped by their realization of a healthier and happier type of love, that they did themselves deserve, even if it took some time. It was very Perks of Being a Wallflower- you accept the love you think you deserve
Unlike some of my other challenge reads, The Ship News, is a bit more 'literary' as its category is Won an Award and its award is none other than the National Book Award. So a beach read, this is not!
But despite its, at times, wordy prose and poetic descriptions, I enjoyed this book. Its main character, Quoyle, is a bit of an unfortunate man who is bumbling through life, constantly covering up his massive chin and trying to find his way in the world. The major event that completes changes his life is marrying Petal, a narcissistic bully who has lots of boyfriends, and having two daughters.
Quoyle and his daughters travel with Quoyle's aunt to return to their home of Newfoundland which truly seems like a world away. Quoyle gets a job at the local newspaper and tries to integrate himself into Candian fishing life. There is a whole cast of characters, all with rich and slightly traumatic backstories
I could see how this book won its prize, as the writing was very good (even if all the boats, knots and maritime references got a little heavy handed). It offered some interesting commentary on our fraying social contracts and connection, which seems relevant 30 years after its publication. In that regard, it sort of reminded me of John Steinback.
By the end of the book, you found yourself wanting things to work out for Quoyle and his family and rise up against their circumstances and outlook.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'll admit it took a little while for the story to really sink its claws into me, but once it did I really loved this story. I share the author's fascination with single-economy small towns, having grown up in one. The writing is exquisite, as choppy, rich, and beautiful as the surf.