As who-dun-its go, this is okay. There's a shed ton of melodrama and interjections of sudden twists, and the plot is unique. The writing is decent witAs who-dun-its go, this is okay. There's a shed ton of melodrama and interjections of sudden twists, and the plot is unique. The writing is decent with many descriptive passages about intense emotions and such. Characters are a bit flat to me; the twin sisters, one good, one evil, is a hoary trope that doesn't quite fit this narrative. I mean, how does someone who's known twins for his entire life mistake one for the other? I dunno.
I would recommend this for a weekend read, or a beach afternoon. It's kind of fun, but nothing special....more
This little slip of a book spends nearly 275 pages explaining why Andy, a 30-ish comedian, is so devastated by the breakup with Jen, an accomplished bThis little slip of a book spends nearly 275 pages explaining why Andy, a 30-ish comedian, is so devastated by the breakup with Jen, an accomplished business executive. His mewling and whining exhausted me.
Miraculously, around page 276, Jen appears to explain herself. This part is refreshing. It is genuine. It is a much better story than that of the baby man Andy. Jen is a real character, fully developed, reflective of some deep thought from Alderton. This is the best part of the book. The rest is twattle.. ...more
One thing you can count on in Rooney’s books is intensely developed characters who interact in genuine ways. In this novel, two brothers are stuck in One thing you can count on in Rooney’s books is intensely developed characters who interact in genuine ways. In this novel, two brothers are stuck in old patterns of expectations and behaviors that no longer serve either. This plot reveals the sometimes uncomfortable moments in a filial relationship, and these moments hurt.
The language is so lilting and generous, with the placement of adverbs close to the subject of the word rather than the more brutal way of American writers placing them at the end of the sentences. Somehow for me, this choice softens the sound and flow of the prose.
I give this a four because it starts so slowly and strangely. But I loved it....more
Excepting Alice Munro, no one writes of ordinary people and their concerns better than Strout.
Amy and Isabelle are daughter and mother who cannot seemExcepting Alice Munro, no one writes of ordinary people and their concerns better than Strout.
Amy and Isabelle are daughter and mother who cannot seem to align themselves in a comfortable relationship for reasons that escape them both. They work at odds; Amy is a truculent sort of girl, unforgiving of her distant mother’s decisions.
Isabelle holds some secret that prevents her from loving her daughter fully, and of course it is resolved by the end, as does not always happen in real life. But it is satisfying for the reader.
The prose is smooth and homely, especially the descriptions of the supporting characters like Fat Bev. I always find myself identifying the Fat Bev or Donna in my own life when engrossed in a novel as relatable as this. I enjoyed it very much and will proceed to another Strout novel asap.
This book is so creepy, sad and compelling. I was raised very Catholic, but this poor woman bought into a belief system of such cruelty and submissionThis book is so creepy, sad and compelling. I was raised very Catholic, but this poor woman bought into a belief system of such cruelty and submission that I felt completely irreligious in comparison.
Tia is a bright, curious woman who chooses to become enmeshed in a marriage of religion with abusive men I charge of her. I want to understand but I can’t.
Read this and shiver with fear for her and the possibly millions of women like her....more
Porn, murder, vengeance, drugs� it’s all here in taut, exciting language that creates a vivid and surprising picture of modern NigWhat a ride this is!
Porn, murder, vengeance, drugs� it’s all here in taut, exciting language that creates a vivid and surprising picture of modern Nigeria.
Read this novel by a wonderful, challenging writer, a new African voice that demands to be heard....more
What a powerhouse! This novel is plain,in that it observes genuine people and their relationships with each other in ways that are gentle, horrible anWhat a powerhouse! This novel is plain,in that it observes genuine people and their relationships with each other in ways that are gentle, horrible and sometimes painful, but the people are real. Their choices are real.
All of the characters ring with authenticity, especially the two pairs of brothers. These shine like the rough diamonds they are, curious and kind, friendly without pushing. I loved the, all.
The language, like the title, is plain, almost Lutheran in its simplicity.
Can’t say enough about this slim volume of goodness and hope....more
As a person who lived her young life in Florida during the 60s, I was swept away by the truth in this stunning novel. From 1960 to now, I’ve participaAs a person who lived her young life in Florida during the 60s, I was swept away by the truth in this stunning novel. From 1960 to now, I’ve participated in and been witness to the denigrating land and culture of Florida. When I moved there in 1960, our neighborhood streets were made of crushed shell. Every house had at least three school aged kids, and we played in the sand spur filled lot across the street. We caught torn bugs and lizards, and most homes had no heat or AC. The schools certainly didn’t.
Now, in 2025, when I visit my family there, we regretfully sigh through our old neighborhood, ow filled with stupidly large, overcooled homes that lack any personality or reflection of what Florida was. This novel supposes that nothing will change, and that eventually Mother Earth will have her revenge.
When she does, no one should be surprised.
The book is written tersely, insistently, echoing the ecological tragedy that will bring us all to our knees....more
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