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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
Comes on like a simple read. Ends up feeling very enlightening as to human nature and our capacity for forgiveness and redemption.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An incredible book. Beginning 'Abide with me' was the start of an emotional journey. It. Was the only Elizabeth Strout book, that I was yet to read. So, I had great expectations of the story. It is slightly different to her other books, as it is not about the characters of Shirley Falls. However, it was good to hear the town mentioned. This book seemed more intense and sad than other Elizabeth Strout books. I fully engaged with Tyler's journey of discovery and growth and was rooting for him and his daughters. Close to the end of the book, I didn't want it to end. But, feel it did complete its intention. Overall, a wonderful book of hope though grief.
Oh my, I had a hard time with this book the fist time I read it. It was long and meandering and I didn't care for the characters. Not one bit. And I gave up on it. But a year later I found myself in the library looking for a book to read and found myself standing in front of it on the stacks. Not finding anything else, and facing a car trip, I checked it out. And this time I loved it. It's sad and dark, filled with people and their actions that make you cringe and uncomfortable. But it's also hopeful and strong and leaves you cheering for a happy ending. Is there a happy ending? I don't know if you can say yes, but I'm equally sure you cannot say no.
I had trouble with a slow start, even with the fine writing. By the last third, I was very much into the story. I thought the ending was nearly perfect and very moving. I'm glad I stuck with it.
emotional
reflective
sad
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
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In the year since Tyler, a minister in a small town, lost his wife, his 5 year old daughter has become mostly mute, his mother has started setting him up with random women, and the nosy townspeople continually gossip about him and each other. It’s hard not to like Tyler, and easy to understand his struggles. I really enjoyed the different points of view and unexpected twists and turns in this book, and was rooting for Tyler and his daughters throughout.
Wow. I wasn't really invested in the book - a dull and dreary misery seemed to pervade. But then the moment of shame, of grace, and of grieving and all that followed....
I will have to reread this in the future to process it.
I will have to reread this in the future to process it.
