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A review by sssnoo
The Call by Yannick Murphy
4.0
I am sad about the low-star reviews from people who did not finish this book. Because it is an original, insightful, almost poetic portrayal of everyday life in a family. Some readers seem turned off by the writing style which they perceive as gimmicky. However, I think it is anything but. The protagonist is a large animal veterinarian. I'm also a vet, and the style of writing felt comparable to a clinical note-taking method with SOAP as the acronym. I don't know if that is what the author intended, but the rhythm of the thought process her writing style evokes resonated with me as a veterinarian. It felt comfortable and familiar, even though it wasn't objectively close to replicating SOAP.
On top of this, the interrelationship of the people, pets, clients, and townspeople was poignant and resonated with my heart.
Plus - the veterinary medicine substance in the book was accurate and well written. The author's husband is a vet and must have reviewed her writing. Well, it is veterinarian approved.
Like many readers, I wasn't sure I liked the style of the writing for the first 50 pages or so, but the rhythm grew on me and I liked it by the end. It works for this book, IMO. It feels a lot like reading medical record notes, and that is very appropriate for giving the reader the experience of seeing the world through the eyes of the main character/narrator of the book.
I may up adjust this rating to 5-stars, but I need to ruminate for a while. My grading curve has become tougher over the years. This book is somewhere between 4 and 5.
****Spoiler below****
The kidney transplant section of the story was surprising and wonderful to read. I am a living kidney donor and the description of the process/experience was as close to reality as I've read in fiction. Bravo to this author.
On top of this, the interrelationship of the people, pets, clients, and townspeople was poignant and resonated with my heart.
Plus - the veterinary medicine substance in the book was accurate and well written. The author's husband is a vet and must have reviewed her writing. Well, it is veterinarian approved.
Like many readers, I wasn't sure I liked the style of the writing for the first 50 pages or so, but the rhythm grew on me and I liked it by the end. It works for this book, IMO. It feels a lot like reading medical record notes, and that is very appropriate for giving the reader the experience of seeing the world through the eyes of the main character/narrator of the book.
I may up adjust this rating to 5-stars, but I need to ruminate for a while. My grading curve has become tougher over the years. This book is somewhere between 4 and 5.
****Spoiler below****
The kidney transplant section of the story was surprising and wonderful to read. I am a living kidney donor and the description of the process/experience was as close to reality as I've read in fiction. Bravo to this author.