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A review by trusteebee
Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler
4.0
Other reviewers have encapsulated the plot, so won't go into detail about it. Basically, it's the story of what happens to a woman when one day she just decides to walk away from her life, and what she finds.
I did enjoy this book; there were times, in fact, where I couldn't put it down. The beginning was slow, and a tad out of place - the main character, Delia, has an affair that never really goes anywhere. I suppose it's the impetus for her moving, but it still seems like that part of the book is out of place, somehow. There was enough within her own psyche and the dynamics of her marriage to have her make the move without bringing in a character who didn't stay throughout the book.
Once Delia leaves, I find the book really compelling. It contains all the trademarks of a great Tyler read. There is quirky characters, funny moments, poignant moments, beautiful imagery, budding romance. This is where I couldn't put it down. Everyone in the book is so well drawn that I could picture them. I empathized with them. I thought I understood them.
Until the ending, which, as other have mentioned, is the weak link of the novel. I was so frustrated by the ending that I nearly tossed the book across the room in frustration. And I'm STILL not even sure I understand which life Delia chose (although I can guess), and, more to the point, WHY.
The one last thing I will say about the book, because I want to end on a positive note, is that a few of my friends are now interested in reading this, and I think when they do it will lead to some interesting discussion. The one good thing about a Tyler novel is that she always leaves you with something to think about. So while I wouldn't read it twice, and it's not on par with Breathing Lessons or Accidental Tourist, it is better than, say, Tin Can Tree or Earthly Possessions. It's worth reading.
I did enjoy this book; there were times, in fact, where I couldn't put it down. The beginning was slow, and a tad out of place - the main character, Delia, has an affair that never really goes anywhere. I suppose it's the impetus for her moving, but it still seems like that part of the book is out of place, somehow. There was enough within her own psyche and the dynamics of her marriage to have her make the move without bringing in a character who didn't stay throughout the book.
Once Delia leaves, I find the book really compelling. It contains all the trademarks of a great Tyler read. There is quirky characters, funny moments, poignant moments, beautiful imagery, budding romance. This is where I couldn't put it down. Everyone in the book is so well drawn that I could picture them. I empathized with them. I thought I understood them.
Until the ending, which, as other have mentioned, is the weak link of the novel. I was so frustrated by the ending that I nearly tossed the book across the room in frustration. And I'm STILL not even sure I understand which life Delia chose (although I can guess), and, more to the point, WHY.
The one last thing I will say about the book, because I want to end on a positive note, is that a few of my friends are now interested in reading this, and I think when they do it will lead to some interesting discussion. The one good thing about a Tyler novel is that she always leaves you with something to think about. So while I wouldn't read it twice, and it's not on par with Breathing Lessons or Accidental Tourist, it is better than, say, Tin Can Tree or Earthly Possessions. It's worth reading.