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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
Similar to Keija Parssinen's first book (Ruins of Us), the writing in this novel is exquisite, the setting offers a captivating glimpse into a new world, and the plot keeps you turning page after page until, before you know it, are done and have to say goodbye to the world of the novel. A good, absorbing, fast-paced read that will leave you wanting to know more -- about the plight of oil refinery towns, the obsession with high school sports in small towns, mass hysteria, and more.
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So, this book, along with a few others I've read recently, fall into the Iowa Writer's Program collective - Keija Parssinen went there, and what I'm starting to notice is that the novels that come from IWP are really, truly, excellent at using language to create atmosphere. Parssinen paint Port Sabine, Texas, with its yellow heat and odor, it's religious fervor, and its persecuted girls with vivid, enriching imagery. Mercy Louis is an interesting character, as is Illa and the first two thirds of the book are wonderful and engaging. The last third is a bit rushed, but this is still worth a read.
The Unraveling of Mercy Louis is one of those books that is incredibly hard to categorize…which is a good thing in my view! It’s a mash-up of coming of age, suspense, sports, economic tension, Southern culture (it’s set in Texas, but feels more like Louisiana), and religion gone wrong…all gorgeously written. It completely surprised me and I loved it, mainly because it included five things that I’m a total sucker for…
To continue reading this review, visit my blog: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/fiction/im-a-sucker-for-the-unraveling-of-mercy-louis-by-keija-parssinen/
To continue reading this review, visit my blog: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/fiction/im-a-sucker-for-the-unraveling-of-mercy-louis-by-keija-parssinen/
Among the items on Mercy Lewis' list of life instructions is "Be twice as good as other girls." And that's not the most challenging item on the list. Mercy is responsible, hardworking, a good friend, reliable. Early in the novel, I found myself admiring Mercy Louis, a rising senior who is a basketball star in the a dying Texas town. She has so many positive qualities. And yet, the pressures on Mercy are intense; her grandmother is battling the devil for Mercy's soul and her coach is urging Mercy toward a championship season that will surely yield a college scholarship. Toward the end of Keija Parssinen's well-written, fast-paced novel, I realized that all of the girls in Port Sabine face intense pressure. They are being held accountable for not only their own sins, but also the sins of their mothers. (Fathers and boys are mostly off-the-hook in this town.) Reading The Unraveling of Mercy Louis reminded me of and reinforced the notion that we place unrealistic and inappropriate burdens on young people, particularly young women. That I care about Mercy and her friends is an indicator of the well drawn characters in Parssinen's novel. The Unraveling of Mercy Louis offers strong narrative, beautiful writing, and compelling characters in a story that is timely and important.
This book was excellent! I will look for more from this author. I loved the strength of the women.
This was strange and creepy in a totally believable way.