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toniclark's review against another edition
4.0
[Published in Great Britain as The Picture Book.]
I continue to be amazed by Jo Baker’s writing. This is the third book in a row that I’ve read by her. (I’m working backward in time, having started with Longbourn.)
The novel takes us through four generations (and by the end, the fifth has been born) of a working-class British family, the Hastings, and spans the years from 1914 to 2005. The narrative unfolds from several characters’ points of views, always third person omniscient. Settings, both physical and social, are rendered in fine detail. These characters are very ordinary people living through great historic events. On the surface, their lives don’t seem important or necessary; they could be said not to add up to much. One character reflects that “there is no particular reason for me.” And yet. Their inner lives, so vividly and convincingly portrayed, make this an intense and emotionally engaging read. And ultimately, more satisfying than I expected.
I most enjoyed pondering some of the themes that recur through the generations: Some events are inevitable; some are flukes, just random chance. Life is filled with meaningful moments in the midst of meaninglessness. We are connected even in our separateness. We can cower at fate or stare it down. Like Billie musing on Caravaggio’s “Beheading of St. John the Baptist: “You can’t switch off,” she thinks. “You can’t walk away. You have to look.”
Through much of the book — although loving the read — I felt saddened by the succession of generations. How quickly our names and lives fade, no more permanent or significant than a few words scribbled on the back of a disintegrating postcard. But by the end, I felt uplifted, too, by the realization that it’s the present that matters, that each small happiness we can snatch from the relentless flow of the years is exquisitely important. And that it’s the ever-present undertow of grief and the inevitability of mortality that make such moments all the more precious.
I continue to be amazed by Jo Baker’s writing. This is the third book in a row that I’ve read by her. (I’m working backward in time, having started with Longbourn.)
The novel takes us through four generations (and by the end, the fifth has been born) of a working-class British family, the Hastings, and spans the years from 1914 to 2005. The narrative unfolds from several characters’ points of views, always third person omniscient. Settings, both physical and social, are rendered in fine detail. These characters are very ordinary people living through great historic events. On the surface, their lives don’t seem important or necessary; they could be said not to add up to much. One character reflects that “there is no particular reason for me.” And yet. Their inner lives, so vividly and convincingly portrayed, make this an intense and emotionally engaging read. And ultimately, more satisfying than I expected.
I most enjoyed pondering some of the themes that recur through the generations: Some events are inevitable; some are flukes, just random chance. Life is filled with meaningful moments in the midst of meaninglessness. We are connected even in our separateness. We can cower at fate or stare it down. Like Billie musing on Caravaggio’s “Beheading of St. John the Baptist: “You can’t switch off,” she thinks. “You can’t walk away. You have to look.”
Through much of the book — although loving the read — I felt saddened by the succession of generations. How quickly our names and lives fade, no more permanent or significant than a few words scribbled on the back of a disintegrating postcard. But by the end, I felt uplifted, too, by the realization that it’s the present that matters, that each small happiness we can snatch from the relentless flow of the years is exquisitely important. And that it’s the ever-present undertow of grief and the inevitability of mortality that make such moments all the more precious.
tessisreading2's review against another edition
2.0
I just didn't love it - the first-person present tense, and the overwhelming depressing atmosphere of the narrative. No one is terribly happy or content, really, and we spend so little time with many people and relationships that it's hard to care one way or another about them. It was fascinating to realize that the same author wrote Longbourn, which I loved; I think this book just didn't delve thoroughly enough into any particular person's life for me to feel like they had any real happiness.
kerryquitecontrary's review against another edition
4.0
Not as good as her book about servants but still enjoyable
palliem's review against another edition
5.0
I hate to admit this, but I almost gave up on this book during the first 35 pages or so. It was something I just picked up at the library (I loved the beautiful cover) on a whim, so I didn't feel particularly compelled to finish it.
Then, I decided to give it one more chapter. And when I looked up, one hour and 150 pages later, I was in love.
The book really is just a series of moments covering the course of a century in the Hastings family, but what beautiful and heartbreaking moments they are. The writing is gorgeous, that characterization complex and compelling, and the storyline captivating. A novel that will stick with the reader long after the final page.
Then, I decided to give it one more chapter. And when I looked up, one hour and 150 pages later, I was in love.
The book really is just a series of moments covering the course of a century in the Hastings family, but what beautiful and heartbreaking moments they are. The writing is gorgeous, that characterization complex and compelling, and the storyline captivating. A novel that will stick with the reader long after the final page.
gretel7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Rather tedious, overly descriptive, not an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Cursing, War, and Death of parent
meghanmarion's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads.
I found the plot of this story to be very interesting. Sometimes it felt slow, but there was something about the writing that continued to pull me in. Not sure if this book was my favorite, but I definitely loved the author and her writing.
I found the plot of this story to be very interesting. Sometimes it felt slow, but there was something about the writing that continued to pull me in. Not sure if this book was my favorite, but I definitely loved the author and her writing.
canadianbookworm's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-undertow.html
mariah_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Extremely melancholy, and the writing was hauntingly beautiful.
florapost's review
5.0
I loved the format of this book-- dipping into a family's life every few years made it feel epic, yet not bogged down. The author had a remarkable way of describing simple things, like the "inky black" of a dog's coat. I loved this one.
momrec's review
3.0
This book flowed well through the generations. Even though it typically only covered a short period of time for the main characters you understood them well. Great descriptive language. Thought provoking book. Will look for others by this author.