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A review by lilyreadsandposts
The Temporary by Rachel Cusk
2.0
Browsing a bookstore in Vancouver I happened upon a shelf of Rachel Cusk's books, each one more tantalising than the last. I read every blurb, wondering which one to read, liking all -- eventually picking this one, since it was the first one on the shelf I'd seen.
Unfortunately, Cusk and I have not started out well. I have high hopes for the future of our relationship, though, as I later found out that The Temporary was one of her first books. I have great faith in her later work (and praying this faith is not misguided because I really loved the sound of those other blurbs) and am excited to read more from her.
It is with great regret that I rate The Temporary 2 stars, because for most of the book I thought it would be three. The novel was overwritten, but I had no problem with that -- like with my forage into Henry James, who many critique as overwritten, I scarcely noticed it. When I compare The Turn of the Screw's writing to the writing here in The Temporary, I must admit I do prefer the former. The Temporary was... very bland.
I am not opposed to unlikeable main characters, and enjoyed both of the protagonists. I thought the plot was a bit loose, the ending a bit too ambiguous, and all in all I either missed the point of the book entirely or there wasn't one at all. I prefer to think of it being the latter.
Unfortunately, Cusk and I have not started out well. I have high hopes for the future of our relationship, though, as I later found out that The Temporary was one of her first books. I have great faith in her later work (and praying this faith is not misguided because I really loved the sound of those other blurbs) and am excited to read more from her.
It is with great regret that I rate The Temporary 2 stars, because for most of the book I thought it would be three. The novel was overwritten, but I had no problem with that -- like with my forage into Henry James, who many critique as overwritten, I scarcely noticed it. When I compare The Turn of the Screw's writing to the writing here in The Temporary, I must admit I do prefer the former. The Temporary was... very bland.
I am not opposed to unlikeable main characters, and enjoyed both of the protagonists. I thought the plot was a bit loose, the ending a bit too ambiguous, and all in all I either missed the point of the book entirely or there wasn't one at all. I prefer to think of it being the latter.