A review by erinray82
Butterfield 8 by John O'Hara

3.0

I feel rather divided about this book. I believe that I didn't enjoy it more because it lacked something that let me emotionally connect to the characters in a consistent way. It was choppy in that regard. It was very matter of fact, very linear. There were spells where I would read steadily, following along and trying not to be bored to tears. And them, I'd just fall in, like an unexpected drop off in a swimming pool. I'd find myself deep into some truly beautiful writing. It would be descriptive, it would be profound, and in those moments I truly felt like I knew these characters and new them well. In those moments I could identify. And then I would be jolted out, like some abrupt and jarring rescue, and I'd go about linearly again, taking in nothing but facts about the Depression, prohibition, and the practiced manner in which men and women spoke to one another in the 20s and 30s. I found the speech both lovely and infuriating. The language was elevated, practiced, witty in a way it isn't now, thoughtful and evocative in a way I can't perfectly explain. Women were coy and manipulative, even in language. Men were heavy handed and spoke above women, but had blaring moments of protectiveness that made them seem like gentlemen. On the other hand, nobody really says what they mean, or rarely, if ever. It's all about reading between the lines... a task I found amusing on the good days, annoying on all the others.