A review by katymaryreads
Ducks, Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann

challenging emotional funny reflective tense slow-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

There were times I thought I'd never get through this book, and for the first six months or so, I took it very slowly, a few pages a week. Then I decided to knuckle down and try and get through it, and I'm glad I did. The flight if ideas, stream of consciousness is hard work at times, and the lioness interludes are a bit of a relief, a palate cleanser. I found myself skimming at times, and then something would bring me up short - whoa! It made me laugh, it made me sympathise with the narrator (I keep trying to give her a name, but I haven't found one that fits). I both loved and hated the ending. I almost want to go back to the beginning and read it again to see what I missed the first time through- but maybe not straightaway. Recommended if you want something challenging and different.