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trishafrance 's review for:
A Gate at the Stairs
by Lorrie Moore
I thought the humour was dark and razor-sharp but fun and witty at times. I liked the main character and enjoyed the contrast of her perceptive, playful innocence with her employer/mentor(?)'s jaded, sour cleverness. All this word play was overwhelming at times but displayed such agility with and love of language that I was very, very impressed.
About two-thirds through the book things take a sinister turn indeed. I was able to put myself in the young shoes of Tassie aided by the memory of my own youth. How would she cope with these various dissapointments, realizations and traumas? With time and great difficulty as we all do I suppose.
I liked the author's respectful and un-clichéd vision of youth. There's a lot about religion and prejudices and just how we negotiate difference and convention. These are issues that this sensitive observant heroine registers and considers....in fresh ways, sometimes.
Concerning the last paragraph, I still ask myself, Is it possible that she would have had coffee with that monster? horrors! Is this what constitues a victory?
I'm still contemplating the title: There ARE many kinds of 'gates'in the novel...and a certain amount of trespassing too.
About two-thirds through the book things take a sinister turn indeed. I was able to put myself in the young shoes of Tassie aided by the memory of my own youth. How would she cope with these various dissapointments, realizations and traumas? With time and great difficulty as we all do I suppose.
I liked the author's respectful and un-clichéd vision of youth. There's a lot about religion and prejudices and just how we negotiate difference and convention. These are issues that this sensitive observant heroine registers and considers....in fresh ways, sometimes.
Concerning the last paragraph, I still ask myself, Is it possible that she would have had coffee with that monster? horrors! Is this what constitues a victory?
I'm still contemplating the title: There ARE many kinds of 'gates'in the novel...and a certain amount of trespassing too.