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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I appreciated Anne Tyler's narrative about a woman wishing to consider an alternative to a life she believed had been foisted upon her. I was also glad Tyler did not paint Delia's family as "the bad guys." Rather that Delia's decision to leave her family was an exploration of self and an examination of her capabilities. The narrative felt both relatable and honest. I was disappointed in the ending, when Delia presumptively returns home under the exact circumstances in which she left, as if her year away had changed nothing and no one, including Delia herself.
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Delia up and abandons her family—her grouchy husband, selfish children, and annoying sister—and sets up a new life in a nearby town, in the process learning who she might have been if things had been different. While we watch her journey and root for her and her new life, it seemed to me that I was never really sure what she had wanted to gain from her departure and what she would do with her new life and persona. Although it felt like in the end she learned nothing, still can't express herself, and disappointed a new slew of people, that seemed plausible and in character to me. I kind of wish there was a second book so we could see what happens to Delia next.
slow-paced
An enjoyable enough read but no depth to any of the reasons Delia left and felt pretty let down by the ending. Intriguing premise but execution didn't do it for me.
This book was one of the staff recommendations at Borders this week and since they had those 25% off coupons out I picked it up. I thought it was a pretty good story. I think it would make a good tv movie. Probably not enough action for a big screen movie.
2009 Summer Challenge category: book recommended by library or book store
2009 Summer Challenge category: book recommended by library or book store
Was intrigued by the premise but very disappointed by the end.
While I can't say that I related to the main character Delia, I could relate to the feeling of wanting to get away from it all and questioning what/who I've become (as motherhood and the daily grind of adulthood have worn me down). Her journey is one of self-discovery (or perhaps invention).
As I read this book I found myself vicariously fulfilling a hidden wish to just up and quit my life and start over again some place nobody knows me. Delia manages to make a decent second start for herself. I wonder how often that really happen?
hopeful
reflective
tense