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A review by sable_weisman
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
4.0
I finally did it: I FINALLY read this book, after YEARS of trying. I have checking this book out of the library at least 7 times, failing to make it more than 20 pages. I bought it on a whim at a used bookstore without looking at the first page or back cover, and opened it to see Quoyle’s name and crumple into despair. Still, the money was spent, so I thought I’d try again.
In the past, I found Quoyle so unlikeable, yet pitiable, and the description of his impoverished state so familiar to my own early upbringing, that I was too uncomfortable to keep reading, despite Proulx’s interesting, unique style. This time, having recently enjoyed several of her novels, I gritted my teeth and forced myself through to the midway point of the book - and discovered that not only does Quoyle become wonderfully likable, but that I was utterly drawn in by, and curious about, Killick-Claw - and all of the complex characters living there.
No spoilers here, just encouragement to all the reluctant readers of this book.
In the past, I found Quoyle so unlikeable, yet pitiable, and the description of his impoverished state so familiar to my own early upbringing, that I was too uncomfortable to keep reading, despite Proulx’s interesting, unique style. This time, having recently enjoyed several of her novels, I gritted my teeth and forced myself through to the midway point of the book - and discovered that not only does Quoyle become wonderfully likable, but that I was utterly drawn in by, and curious about, Killick-Claw - and all of the complex characters living there.
No spoilers here, just encouragement to all the reluctant readers of this book.