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A review by honorsenglishdropout
Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty by Ramona Ausubel
2.0
I wanted to enjoy this book so badly. The writing is painfully observant of the small things, but I felt detached from the characters and overarching themes. I know the taste of the air but I don't know who Fern is. I know the feeling of late summer, but who is Edgar beyond a hypocritical wannabe hippie?
I wish I cared more about the characters and their journey - but I found them all spoiled and listless. Real, true pain - the motif of Vietnam and Native Americans - are written about from a distance that is muted by the often superfluous problems of the main characters.
That being said, I love authors who describe the world in which we live with such clarity and insight. Those small, inconsequential, yet universal truths are hidden within each paragraph. A favorite of mine - "Fern was sure that there existed here the girl who cut everything at home: coupons, bangs, jean shorts."
I wish I cared more about the characters and their journey - but I found them all spoiled and listless. Real, true pain - the motif of Vietnam and Native Americans - are written about from a distance that is muted by the often superfluous problems of the main characters.
That being said, I love authors who describe the world in which we live with such clarity and insight. Those small, inconsequential, yet universal truths are hidden within each paragraph. A favorite of mine - "Fern was sure that there existed here the girl who cut everything at home: coupons, bangs, jean shorts."