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thrifty_librarian 's review for:
The Borrower
by Rebecca Makkai
This is a book about an accidental child abduction by a well-meaning, but naive, librarian. I loved reading about Ian, a precocious 10-year-old who reads voraciously. I also liked Lucy the librarian, but that was a little more difficult, given that she doesn't even know what she thinks of herself. The characters, even the ancillary ones, are drawn well, and I found them believable. As others have said, the plot is not super believable, but it makes for an interesting read, and the author does a good job of keeping the reader dialed in.
I (for the most part) liked the questions posed in this book. What role is it appropriate for an adult to play in a child's life? How much do we really know about the people around us? When we are trying to help, are we, really? Be warned, though - some people will find this book preachy, and others may be offended (Ian is taken to classes to ensure his heterosexuality, which Lucy takes serious issue with). I was not offended because it is clear that though Lucy thinks her view on things is the correct one, it is clear that she knows very little about Ian's real life (or anyone else's), and there really may be no dragon for her to slay.
Certain segments of the narrative are structured to read like specific children's books, which I enjoyed. Some were repeated (such as If You Give a Mouse a Cookie). I also liked the writing style in general.
This is a unique read for lovers of library books and quirky adventures.
I (for the most part) liked the questions posed in this book. What role is it appropriate for an adult to play in a child's life? How much do we really know about the people around us? When we are trying to help, are we, really? Be warned, though - some people will find this book preachy, and others may be offended (Ian is taken to classes to ensure his heterosexuality, which Lucy takes serious issue with). I was not offended because it is clear that though Lucy thinks her view on things is the correct one, it is clear that she knows very little about Ian's real life (or anyone else's), and there really may be no dragon for her to slay.
Certain segments of the narrative are structured to read like specific children's books, which I enjoyed. Some were repeated (such as If You Give a Mouse a Cookie). I also liked the writing style in general.
This is a unique read for lovers of library books and quirky adventures.