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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Really good, although it didn't toss me around quite as dramatically as Close Range's stories did. (Like how the appetizers are almost always better than the main course -- is that really how it is, or am I just not hungry by that point?) I suppose the storyline seems trite: hapless idiot moves to a place full of weatherbeaten authenticity and finds himself there. And the voice I still feel conflicted about: I can't decide whether I think she's trying too hard. Sometimes the determined ferocity of the prose gets in the way of the characters living in the middle of it. But that's appropriate; the raging prose mirrors the weather and cataclysmic events that engulf and dwarf them. I liked that she never compromises Quoyle's bedraggledness, and I love the way the kids talk. ("If you ironed a fish, would it be as big as a rug?") Also I'll never forget the way the drunken mob wanders from Nutbeem's going-away party over to his boat to hack it apart and, as they rip holes in every part of it, sings, "We loves old fucking Nutbeem." Also: "I think I'll try the fried bologna dinner" is an absolutely unforgettable and terrifying line.
challenging
reflective
tense
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 was a reread. It takes time to slip into the world of this book but, once you do, it is captivating.
The book itself wasn't bad, but I really struggled with the writing style.
I loved all the dialect in this one. Especially loved how they called her “the aunt” and just “Aunt”.
Too bleak. Also, I worked at an artist colony, and the gossip was that ol' Annie wasn't the nicest.
Beautifully written. I feel like I know what it's now like to live in Newfoundland. Although, I don't think I would survive on a diet of mainly fish. There are some very colorful and unique characters in this book. I know that Annie Proulx lives in Newfoundland when she is not in Wyoming, so I bet she has the Newfie quirls down pat. Must read!
It wasn't bad, necessarily, but I found it to be very slow. It dragged and just wasn't enjoyable for me personally, but well written, at the very least.
This book has a really unique fragmented writing style that took a few chapters to get used to. For the most part the plot is pretty loose and it was definitely not an easy book to read, but it was entirely worth the required effort and patience. This was above all a tale of survival amidst difficult conditions, both internally/spiritually and within the context of the harsh physical environment of a Newfoundland fishing village. The imagery and descriptive writing was phenomenal (though I can see this not being every reader’s cup of tea) and the main character arcs were satisfying.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes