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A review by awebofstories
California Golden by Melanie Benjamin
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Grade: C+
Everything about the title and description of this book screams summer, so it made sense that I would pick it up for a summer read. What could be more fitting than a trip back to the 60s and California surf culture?
Melanie Benjamin is an established historical fiction writer, but this is the first of her books that I've read. There was plenty to like about this book. Benjamin brought the world of surfers, beach movies, hippies, and communes to vivid color. This era was slightly before my time, so the picture I had in my mind was the Brady Bunch special where they went to Hawaii. I don't think Benjamin changed my view much, but she made it more interesting.
Surfing has never been an activity that garnered much of my attention. However, the way Benjamin describes it, made me take notice. She describes the feel of the boards, the tension of the water, and even refers to a wave as a dragon; I found this an incredibly effective metaphor. While this didn't tempt me to try the sport, it kept me interested in the story.
I really enjoyed Mindy as a main character (and not just because we share a name). I understood her desire to be important to her mother and her feelings of responsibility regarding her sister. I rooted for her, even when she repeatedly got the short end of the stick from others.
But, as much as I enjoyed Mindy, I had problems with Ginger and an even stronger aversion to Carol. I didn't find Ginger believable. I could see how she hungered to be wanted and loved. However, the way it is expressed in this book made no sense. Many other destructive behaviors would have fit the bill and wouldn't have required some suspension of disbelief. However, what happens in the book was a disconnect between her experience and what she said she wanted.
Then we get to Carol. I get the inner conflict of wanting one life and then finding yourself a mother and a wife and that life out of reach. However, that isn't an accurate description of Carol's situation. Plainly, Carol is a sociopath. I don't say that because she resented motherhood and the sacrifice of her own wishes. I say that because she lacked any sort of empathy towards anyone else. I found her deeply disturbing, yet that wasn't the nail in the coffin for me. Unsurprisingly, Benjamin attempts to, if not redeem, at least excuse Carol's behavior. That not only fell flat, but I found myself angry at Benjamin and this book that the attempt was even made.
I can't hide the fact that I was disappointed with this book. It had the elements to be an excellent summer read, but its flaws just ruined my experience reading it. While the successes of this book keep the possibility of reading more from Benjamin open, I do not feel that I can recommend this book.
I received an electronic copy of the book from Delacorte Press through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Everything about the title and description of this book screams summer, so it made sense that I would pick it up for a summer read. What could be more fitting than a trip back to the 60s and California surf culture?
Melanie Benjamin is an established historical fiction writer, but this is the first of her books that I've read. There was plenty to like about this book. Benjamin brought the world of surfers, beach movies, hippies, and communes to vivid color. This era was slightly before my time, so the picture I had in my mind was the Brady Bunch special where they went to Hawaii. I don't think Benjamin changed my view much, but she made it more interesting.
Surfing has never been an activity that garnered much of my attention. However, the way Benjamin describes it, made me take notice. She describes the feel of the boards, the tension of the water, and even refers to a wave as a dragon; I found this an incredibly effective metaphor. While this didn't tempt me to try the sport, it kept me interested in the story.
I really enjoyed Mindy as a main character (and not just because we share a name). I understood her desire to be important to her mother and her feelings of responsibility regarding her sister. I rooted for her, even when she repeatedly got the short end of the stick from others.
But, as much as I enjoyed Mindy, I had problems with Ginger and an even stronger aversion to Carol. I didn't find Ginger believable. I could see how she hungered to be wanted and loved. However, the way it is expressed in this book made no sense. Many other destructive behaviors would have fit the bill and wouldn't have required some suspension of disbelief. However, what happens in the book was a disconnect between her experience and what she said she wanted.
Then we get to Carol. I get the inner conflict of wanting one life and then finding yourself a mother and a wife and that life out of reach. However, that isn't an accurate description of Carol's situation. Plainly, Carol is a sociopath. I don't say that because she resented motherhood and the sacrifice of her own wishes. I say that because she lacked any sort of empathy towards anyone else. I found her deeply disturbing, yet that wasn't the nail in the coffin for me. Unsurprisingly, Benjamin attempts to, if not redeem, at least excuse Carol's behavior. That not only fell flat, but I found myself angry at Benjamin and this book that the attempt was even made.
I can't hide the fact that I was disappointed with this book. It had the elements to be an excellent summer read, but its flaws just ruined my experience reading it. While the successes of this book keep the possibility of reading more from Benjamin open, I do not feel that I can recommend this book.
I received an electronic copy of the book from Delacorte Press through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and War