Scan barcode
A review by electrolite
The Pleasures of Men by Kate Williams
2.0
The second star is only because Williams made me finish this so I could get some closure on the plot.
I am sure Williams is an able historian. Her notes regarding research and the rich descriptions of the setting and time speak to this. But, otherwise this book doesn't have much going for it. Williams breaks up the narrative by continually changing the narrative voice and perspective. However, the tension that this should bring becomes frustration as the reader struggles to recall who said what, when, what is real and what is a dream etc. Her attempts at delving into the psychology of her characters, while appreciated, are often tedious. The greatest problem here is that the work lacks coherency, a solid center to hold the work together. While reading this I kept thinking that Williams was trying to do too much both in terms of plot and style.
I am sure Williams is an able historian. Her notes regarding research and the rich descriptions of the setting and time speak to this. But, otherwise this book doesn't have much going for it. Williams breaks up the narrative by continually changing the narrative voice and perspective. However, the tension that this should bring becomes frustration as the reader struggles to recall who said what, when, what is real and what is a dream etc. Her attempts at delving into the psychology of her characters, while appreciated, are often tedious. The greatest problem here is that the work lacks coherency, a solid center to hold the work together. While reading this I kept thinking that Williams was trying to do too much both in terms of plot and style.