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A review by ldv
Guests on Earth by Lee Smith
3.0
After just beginning this book, I saw [b:Z A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|15994634|Z A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald|Therese Anne Fowler|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396815892s/15994634.jpg|21763986] at the library and checked it out. Intrigued by the references to Zelda F in [b:Guests on Earth|17433973|Guests on Earth|Lee Smith|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1368230391s/17433973.jpg|24290951], I thought more background on this pivotal but backdrop character might give me more insight or weight for this book. It did, indeed. Infact, I recommend reading the two books together, starting with this one, then going through Z: A Novel and back and forth a bit. While the parts of Zelda's life featured in Guests on Earth are only briefly referenced in Z: A Novel, having the history of Zelda's life in firm grasp makes Guests on Earth a richer novel, and vice versa, because where Z: A Novel goes vague, Guests on Earth can fill in the gaps a bit.
Guests on Earth revolves around a young orphan who ends up in this mental institute for most of her life. While her mental illnesses are minor in comparison to others at the home, it does give some perspective on how treatments used to go, while at the same time giving an interesting snapshot into the life and times of the novel, and dabbling with the Fitzgeralds, a couple in the background. Music, art, and horticulture are also given a bit of a spotlight for their therapeutic roles.
The novel is not overly profound or unusual, but it is pleasant, the characters interesting and realistic, and the writing is strong.
This book would make a good book club selection.
I received my copy through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
Guests on Earth revolves around a young orphan who ends up in this mental institute for most of her life. While her mental illnesses are minor in comparison to others at the home, it does give some perspective on how treatments used to go, while at the same time giving an interesting snapshot into the life and times of the novel, and dabbling with the Fitzgeralds, a couple in the background. Music, art, and horticulture are also given a bit of a spotlight for their therapeutic roles.
The novel is not overly profound or unusual, but it is pleasant, the characters interesting and realistic, and the writing is strong.
This book would make a good book club selection.
I received my copy through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.