This is a bit of an unusual book- admittedly I did not read the previous ones where the characters were introduced- but I loved it and didn’t feel likThis is a bit of an unusual book- admittedly I did not read the previous ones where the characters were introduced- but I loved it and didn’t feel like I needed to read her previous books to appreciate the ebbs and flows and meanderings of the narrative. It’s a sweet story- albeit with some sad and dark plot elements- and about a quarter of the way through, I got it. It’s about ordinary people, the connections they make, and the ups and downs of their lives. Ultimately, it’s about the power of the people that we choose to have in our lives and how that informs who we are. From Lucy on page 197: “‘My point is that every person on this earth is so complicated. Bob, we’re all so complicated, and we match up for a moment- or maybe a lifetime- with somebody because we feel that we are connected to them. And we are.’� So gorgeous and profound. Then from page 225 at the end of another storytelling session between Olive and Lucy: “‘So what is the point of this story?’� Olive replies, “‘Lucy Barton, the stories you told me- as far as I could tell- had very little point to them. I don’t know what the point is to this story!� ‘People,� Lucy said quietly, leaning back. ‘People and the lives they lead. That’s the point.’� ...more
Engaging story for sure. The Marcellus chapters were my favourite. Writing was amateurish, bordering on cringey in some places, and the characters cliEngaging story for sure. The Marcellus chapters were my favourite. Writing was amateurish, bordering on cringey in some places, and the characters cliched. I’m getting a little tired of reading about characters who are 70 and portrayed as declining and about to pack it in. So incredibly inaccurate and offensive. I really liked Tova though, although the way she is so cavalier about leaving her Cat behind is a deal breaker for me. Bizarre considering her connection to Marcellus. The writing in the book definitely did not sing in any way....more
It’s been a very long time that I’ve found a book that I can’t put down and finish within a few days. It rattles around in my head while I’m walking tIt’s been a very long time that I’ve found a book that I can’t put down and finish within a few days. It rattles around in my head while I’m walking the dogs, driving, and working. I carry it around to grab a few pages between other responsibilities. I have lived inside of this book and Jaouad’s elegant words as she shares her story. It’s more than a book about someone’s unimaginable struggle with cancer and their efforts to rebuild their lives afterward. It’s about shared experiences of trauma, relationships, connections we make with others, times we’ve been hurt and hurt others, and love. It’s about guilt and shame over how selfish we are while trying to navigate challenge after challenge. It’s about trying in vain to figure out who we are and who we want to be. More than anything else, Jaouard’s story reminds us that all of our stories matter. It’s unfair to judge her story or her choices. Instead, I feel incredible gratitude to have found her story that helped me remember that we all have one, unique and flawed and messy and beautiful. ...more
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