Scan barcode
A review by sarahgudeman
Dear Life by Alice Munro
3.0
I'm generally a fan of short stories, but didn't find myself enjoying more than one or two of these. Some - myself included - are probably inclined to call many of these stories depressing even.
Now worth noting that I am not the kind of reader who is just looking for masterful prose or tight writing structure. I'll admit that I am all about the story.
So even though there were some highlights in the book overall, I think the short story format works against the content in some ways here. Not really a fan, which based on the other reviews, makes me feel a little shallow.
(Though in all fairness to the book, I'd never have read the description and thought I'd enjoy it to begin with... That's the fun if book club though.) I fell asleep several times while reading - and actually had to push myself through. But it was a quick read, and skillfully done. Just not an experience I'd look to replicate.
Now... After our book club I actually liked this more than I realized. Huh. I guess I learned something new about myself in the process. Mission achieved Alice Munro.
Now worth noting that I am not the kind of reader who is just looking for masterful prose or tight writing structure. I'll admit that I am all about the story.
So even though there were some highlights in the book overall, I think the short story format works against the content in some ways here. Not really a fan, which based on the other reviews, makes me feel a little shallow.
(Though in all fairness to the book, I'd never have read the description and thought I'd enjoy it to begin with... That's the fun if book club though.) I fell asleep several times while reading - and actually had to push myself through. But it was a quick read, and skillfully done. Just not an experience I'd look to replicate.
Now... After our book club I actually liked this more than I realized. Huh. I guess I learned something new about myself in the process. Mission achieved Alice Munro.