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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Although her stumble through certain epiphanies about herself, her husband and children was a delight, l can't quite understand why I disliked Joan.
For life is a desert, and liminal space, and the conclusions we draw there are not fit for reality. It is a fourth dimension, that is fractured and distorted when we try to ascribe it the characteristics of the defined. And so they are abandoned, and we walk the lone streets of our psyche, with the sense that something important has been left behind. Like a mist that was once refreshing to experience, but leaves a residue that is not easily stomached, but we are loathe to scrub away.
Because rawness, my dears, is a pain unlike any other. It is both a memory of what once was, a reminder of what should be, and truly at its core, a thing that should not be forgotten and yet often is.
Sleep well my darlings, but beware of the desert, for once you reach it, you would be hard pressed not to lose your soul. But that might be a good thing, depending on how hard you work to find it again.
Because rawness, my dears, is a pain unlike any other. It is both a memory of what once was, a reminder of what should be, and truly at its core, a thing that should not be forgotten and yet often is.
Sleep well my darlings, but beware of the desert, for once you reach it, you would be hard pressed not to lose your soul. But that might be a good thing, depending on how hard you work to find it again.
It seems strange that a book in which almost nothing happens can be so enjoyable. While it wasn’t a cheery read, it was thought provoking and gripping. Next time I’m feeling too proud of myself, I’m gonna read this book again
This was heavy duty! I read it during January, 2020, but didn't get around to reviewing it. Now in the context of the COVID- 19 lockdown, this books keeps coming to mind. It was a very difficult read to be honest. I just kept marvelling at her stupidity, but also correcting myself because most of us are at least in some way just like her. Even now, alone with my thoughts, I can't help but think of all the times I've failed myself and by extension, my family and friends. But I guess the difference here is that I try to be self- aware and try to (even though I may fail) become a better version of myself. I think the most important thing in this process is forgiveness and self-love, along with self-responsibility (as Bell Hooks says in All About Love-New Visions [b:All About Love: New Visions|17607|All About Love New Visions|bell hooks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387754966l/17607._SY75_.jpg|270045]). Absent in the Spring is just about growing up. When living a sheltered life, it's easy to be perfect. But growing up, we all falter. And just accepting this is a task, which is why we don't take remedial measures and try to hide our shortcomings.
These words of Miss Gilbey ring so true: "And now, just a special word. No lazy thinking, Joan, my dear! Don’t just accept things at their face value – because it’s the easiest way, and because it may save you pain! Life is meant to be lived, not glossed over. And don’t be too pleased with yourself! Think of others, my dear, and not too much of yourself. And be prepared to accept responsibility.’ She didn't do that and ruined the lives of her entire family by different degrees. At the end I was soooo hopeful that she'd come clean and make all their lives better and was so disappointed that she didn't. But over the last few months I have realised that despite being aware of our follies, we still choose to revert to our former selves, because the change is so daunting and difficult and full of pain. It's difficult to understand, but it's important to remember that change will lead to a way happier outcome. And this is something I'm going to carry with myself. Like Miss Gilbey says, "Pain and suffering will come. They come to all... And if you do not know that [pain] Joan, then it will mean that your path has veered far from the true way."
My review: https://theblankgarden.com/2018/10/18/review-absent-in-the-spring-agatha-christie-mary-westmacott/
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
mysterious
reflective
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:
Yes
Really really good -- and amazing how Christie took what could have been tedious and just bloomed it out. This is my first Westmacott and it reminded me of psychological suspense along the lines of Shirley Jackson. It's going to stick with me for a while.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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