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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
This book about a woman who "walks away from it all" the ending was a disappointment.
Ladder of Years tackles a weighty topic - an unappreciated wife/mother who, in an attempt to start her life over again free of her daily obligations, suddenly walks out on her family. Tyler writes it as a kind of fairy tale (an old wife's tale, maybe?), happening in a world where a missing person can start a new life undiscovered without leaving her home state or even changing her name.
Even if you can suspend your disbelief of that setup it's hard to really care about the protagonist, who seems to have selfishly traded one predictable life for the comfort of a different, but just as predictable, life. Tyler keeps the story moving along at a good pace, so I never felt like I wanted to give up on the book, but I can't say it was a very satisfying read. A so-so novel from a great novelist, Ladder is my least enjoyable of Tyler's books so far.
Even if you can suspend your disbelief of that setup it's hard to really care about the protagonist, who seems to have selfishly traded one predictable life for the comfort of a different, but just as predictable, life. Tyler keeps the story moving along at a good pace, so I never felt like I wanted to give up on the book, but I can't say it was a very satisfying read. A so-so novel from a great novelist, Ladder is my least enjoyable of Tyler's books so far.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
One of the few books I have read twice as an adult.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love Anne Tyler's books, but this one was such a let down for me. We see our main character on the cusp of embracing a new life and learning to make her own way in the world, just for her to return to her unhappy and unsatisfying life. I wanted so much more for her and was thoroughly disappointed by this book.
Woman leaves her family to start a new life. Then she goes back.
emotional
funny
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
Anne Tyler writes family drama with perfection as she makes ordinary individuals' lives extraordinary. I was a late convert to her work, so in sadly putting down this absorbing novel, I am relieved to know that I still have many more to read.
This is the story of Delia Grinstead, who at 40 is tired of her roles in life as mother, wife, and sister. She seems to simply exist, essential to everyone else's functioning but not recognised as an individual. On a summer day family trip to the beach, she simply walks off and hitches a lift to a new time where her personality quickly is appreciated.
I loved this book, which was very gentle, but every word expresses so much about the turmoil of life .
I'm looking forward to picking up my next Anne Tyler very soon.
This is the story of Delia Grinstead, who at 40 is tired of her roles in life as mother, wife, and sister. She seems to simply exist, essential to everyone else's functioning but not recognised as an individual. On a summer day family trip to the beach, she simply walks off and hitches a lift to a new time where her personality quickly is appreciated.
I loved this book, which was very gentle, but every word expresses so much about the turmoil of life .
I'm looking forward to picking up my next Anne Tyler very soon.
I read this book 30 years ago when it came out and decided to bring it on vacation to the beach. Tyler’s writing is so sharp. Her characters are such real people. I loved this book more than I thought possible.