kerrydrake 's review for:

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

4.0

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There have been a handful of books I just can't fathom enjoying after reading the synopsis. Lo & behold, after I by accident get ahold of the book and begin reading I am engaged and wonder about my reticence to read aforementioned book..... This book was much like that for me. It was on my periphery, and I couldn't imagine what would be compelling about it after reading the summary. But, with library book of "The Marriage Plot" in hand, after starting to read first pages, I found myself quite engaged. Yes, some parts are trite (but, college kids in the late 80's --of which I was one-- were often so), but most importantly this book singlehandedly provides the clearest, best descriptor of manic depression that I've ever read in a work of fiction. This in itself raises this book in marks for me. So misunderstood, so difficult, so sad, so amazing..... our minds, depression, and the toll for the survivors and their loved ones. Perfect insight into why one might putz with meds, might be incredibly incredibly smart while suffering mental anguish....

And, if you think on another level about Victorian novels re. marriage vs. the modern day and what the book is self-reflexively doing---well then, you have yourself your English Thesis right there, no?

Read it fast and furiously, and have patience and regard for the few flaws it might have exhibited.