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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
I have a hard time explaining this, but this is maybe the worst book I've read? I read it on the strength of the blurbs from Jonathan Franzen and Meg Wolitzer, two of my favorites.
The best way I've been able to describe it is this: have you ever had a dream where you're doing something that should make you happy--maybe it's your wedding, or seeing a long lost friend or family member or pet--but you can tell there's something sinister that prevents you from enjoying it? And the tension, that this should be such a happy event, mixed with the threatening aura, makes the whole experience worse? This is what that book felt like to me.
The best way I've been able to describe it is this: have you ever had a dream where you're doing something that should make you happy--maybe it's your wedding, or seeing a long lost friend or family member or pet--but you can tell there's something sinister that prevents you from enjoying it? And the tension, that this should be such a happy event, mixed with the threatening aura, makes the whole experience worse? This is what that book felt like to me.
One of my measures of a book is whether before putting it down for the night, I have the urge (that I almost always successfully fight) to flip ahead a few pages and see how things will progress. This was one of those books.
A pleasant, well-wrought yarn that if not quite transcendental, uses the novel form to successfully investigate questions around small town renewal and if one really can go back again. A swift, easy read that might be best tackled if you're traveling to your hometown on a family visit.
I agree with other reviews - very similar to Richard Russo but characters not necessarily people you are invested in. Good plot abs well written.
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is one of those books where there is no hero and people aren’t either good or bad but human. It reminded me a little of reading Raymond Carver or Anne Tyler.
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Absorbing, great description of a dying America
I bought this novel by chance(!) when I joined Kindle Unlimited for a 2 month trial. Who knew this book would contain excellent writing, fascinating characters and a view of a dying upstate New York Town with a vision for its future, and the lives and loves of its inhabitants? Tom Barbash is so good I wonder how come I haven't read anything of his before this. Highly recommended.
I bought this novel by chance(!) when I joined Kindle Unlimited for a 2 month trial. Who knew this book would contain excellent writing, fascinating characters and a view of a dying upstate New York Town with a vision for its future, and the lives and loves of its inhabitants? Tom Barbash is so good I wonder how come I haven't read anything of his before this. Highly recommended.