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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I read the occasional literary best seller, national book award winner thing and often come away disappointed. Prolux has moments of absolutely beautiful writing, stunning imagery and great insight into the human psyche that made me want to finish the book and see what happened to these characters. Unfortunately it walks hand in hand with too cute by half moments, devoting to the 'literary novel' beat patterns and club you over the head metaphors. It's worth the read, but frustrating.
Weird writing style. Often leaves out the subject of sentences. Interesting for the narrative voice, but sometimes distracts, and often creeps into the characters' voices too. Storyline scattered, characters a bit over the top at times. But a great sense of place.
The Shipping News was delightful. It was wrought with excitement, emotion, and surprises. The characters grow on you, and you're undeniably drawn into the lives of these Newfoundlanders!
This was beautifully nicely written character with well done character however I found myself wondering away a lot. I wish I could’ve been tugged more into the story.
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:
Yes
This book was brilliant! The reading experience was meditative and felt like I was floating on water among the words.
I finally did it: I FINALLY read this book, after YEARS of trying. I have checking this book out of the library at least 7 times, failing to make it more than 20 pages. I bought it on a whim at a used bookstore without looking at the first page or back cover, and opened it to see Quoyle’s name and crumple into despair. Still, the money was spent, so I thought I’d try again.
In the past, I found Quoyle so unlikeable, yet pitiable, and the description of his impoverished state so familiar to my own early upbringing, that I was too uncomfortable to keep reading, despite Proulx’s interesting, unique style. This time, having recently enjoyed several of her novels, I gritted my teeth and forced myself through to the midway point of the book - and discovered that not only does Quoyle become wonderfully likable, but that I was utterly drawn in by, and curious about, Killick-Claw - and all of the complex characters living there.
No spoilers here, just encouragement to all the reluctant readers of this book.
In the past, I found Quoyle so unlikeable, yet pitiable, and the description of his impoverished state so familiar to my own early upbringing, that I was too uncomfortable to keep reading, despite Proulx’s interesting, unique style. This time, having recently enjoyed several of her novels, I gritted my teeth and forced myself through to the midway point of the book - and discovered that not only does Quoyle become wonderfully likable, but that I was utterly drawn in by, and curious about, Killick-Claw - and all of the complex characters living there.
No spoilers here, just encouragement to all the reluctant readers of this book.
Newfoundland, (magical) knots, a lot of cod cheeks, tainted lineages, vaguely lesbian aunt. Made me drinks a lot of tea so I liked it. And the sweet, earnest ending is the most nineties life-affirming non-ironic thing, like those TV commercials for "sounds of harmony" compilations filled with watercolors of the sun's set.
I'll probably forget that I read it tomorrow.
I'll probably forget that I read it tomorrow.
The book grew on me. At first the prose and the storyline itself were difficult for me to manage and I wasn't sure I had enough faith to continue reading. But I did continue and by the end I was really happy I did. I learned to really like Quoyle and his quirky family. I learned to better appreciate the perspective of the Newfoundland-ers. I guess I learned to like the book.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No