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A review by jeansbookbag
Ducks, Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While this book was quite different than anything I've ever read before, I did enjoy it. It's definitely a style that will not work for everyone, but if you're going to try it I definitely suggest going into it with a completely open mind, and try not to let pre-conceived notions about the style or length effect your reading/listening.
I do find it interesting how many people take umbrage with the fact that this is classed as "experimental" and that people who like it need to read other experimental novels to learn what "good/great" experimental fiction really is; in particular James Joyce and David Foster Wallace. I do have to wonder how much of that particular criticism would come up if this book was not written by a woman and from the POV of a middle-aged woman, because honestly it feels very experimental to me to read 1,000+ pages of the inner monologue about a woman and her day to day life and anxieties.
I do think if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something different, this is worth giving a shot, but I can also understand why it won't work for everyone.
I do find it interesting how many people take umbrage with the fact that this is classed as "experimental" and that people who like it need to read other experimental novels to learn what "good/great" experimental fiction really is; in particular James Joyce and David Foster Wallace. I do have to wonder how much of that particular criticism would come up if this book was not written by a woman and from the POV of a middle-aged woman, because honestly it feels very experimental to me to read 1,000+ pages of the inner monologue about a woman and her day to day life and anxieties.
I do think if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something different, this is worth giving a shot, but I can also understand why it won't work for everyone.