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Krystal's Reviews > The Weekend
The Weekend
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Firstly, this book is really depressing.
It's about old people, and as a 34 year-old who likes to complain about being old while secretly appreciating that I've still got a fairly long life ahead of me, this was a terrifying glimpse of a future I DO NOT WANT.
I'm gonna be straight up: getting old scares the crap out of me. But it scares me more to think that I could wind up like these old ladies, full of regrets and missed chances. Still waiting for my big break. Having forfeited true love. Wishing for times long past. THIS IS MY NIGHTMARE.
This book revolves around three friends - Jude, Wendy and Adele- who come together one weekend to clear out the house of their fourth friend, Sylvie, who has recently passed. We come to learn quite quickly that perfect Sylvie was sort of the glue who held them all together, and made them feel better about the lives they lived. Without her, they're starting to fall apart and their friendship is being tested.
These are very real characters. This is not a book about action, or about unexpected occurrences, or even second chances - it's just about life, and how sometimes it can get away from you faster than you realise. It's about three perfectly ordinary old women who are STILL trying to make sense of the world.
Like I said: depressing.
Yet at the same time there is realness here, and you know they're flawed but you also know they're stronger than they realise and they are going to be okay. I never really liked any of them, but I was definitely rooting for them because they are resilient and fiercely loyal. Remember back in the day how you'd talk smack about your siblings (perhaps you still do) but then one of your friends would insult the same sibling and you'd have none of it? 'Only I get to talk smack about my siblings!' That is the vibe with these three. I kinda liked that.
I wonder how older readers will receive this one. Will the way these characters talk about their aches and pains, their bodies, their memories, resonate? Will it be considered more humourous to those who relate? I once saw this movie, Something's Gotta Give, with my mum and my aunt, and it was about old people (and their sex lives) and it scarred me for life. I found it horrifying. But my mum and my aunt loved it, so much so that they STILL rave about it. I feel like this book might be a bit like that. Like, for me, it's a terrifying possibility of a future I don't want, but for others it may just be a comical, insightful story about ageing. Anyone wanna weigh in on that for me?
This is one of those rare times that I didn't really like the story or the characters all that much, but I really enjoyed the writing. I connected to it, and I felt honest feelings reading about these people. And Finn! OMG FINN! I am a dog person but I actually despised this stupid, pathetic dog, and I despise myself for despising him. So it's that kind of book, folks.
There's some really interesting ideas here but ultimately it's about friendship and solidarity, and figuring out what's important in life. It may have been depressing, but it's certainly inspired me to try and live a little harder.
With thanks to A&U for my ARC
It's about old people, and as a 34 year-old who likes to complain about being old while secretly appreciating that I've still got a fairly long life ahead of me, this was a terrifying glimpse of a future I DO NOT WANT.
I'm gonna be straight up: getting old scares the crap out of me. But it scares me more to think that I could wind up like these old ladies, full of regrets and missed chances. Still waiting for my big break. Having forfeited true love. Wishing for times long past. THIS IS MY NIGHTMARE.
This book revolves around three friends - Jude, Wendy and Adele- who come together one weekend to clear out the house of their fourth friend, Sylvie, who has recently passed. We come to learn quite quickly that perfect Sylvie was sort of the glue who held them all together, and made them feel better about the lives they lived. Without her, they're starting to fall apart and their friendship is being tested.
These are very real characters. This is not a book about action, or about unexpected occurrences, or even second chances - it's just about life, and how sometimes it can get away from you faster than you realise. It's about three perfectly ordinary old women who are STILL trying to make sense of the world.
Like I said: depressing.
Yet at the same time there is realness here, and you know they're flawed but you also know they're stronger than they realise and they are going to be okay. I never really liked any of them, but I was definitely rooting for them because they are resilient and fiercely loyal. Remember back in the day how you'd talk smack about your siblings (perhaps you still do) but then one of your friends would insult the same sibling and you'd have none of it? 'Only I get to talk smack about my siblings!' That is the vibe with these three. I kinda liked that.
I wonder how older readers will receive this one. Will the way these characters talk about their aches and pains, their bodies, their memories, resonate? Will it be considered more humourous to those who relate? I once saw this movie, Something's Gotta Give, with my mum and my aunt, and it was about old people (and their sex lives) and it scarred me for life. I found it horrifying. But my mum and my aunt loved it, so much so that they STILL rave about it. I feel like this book might be a bit like that. Like, for me, it's a terrifying possibility of a future I don't want, but for others it may just be a comical, insightful story about ageing. Anyone wanna weigh in on that for me?
This is one of those rare times that I didn't really like the story or the characters all that much, but I really enjoyed the writing. I connected to it, and I felt honest feelings reading about these people. And Finn! OMG FINN! I am a dog person but I actually despised this stupid, pathetic dog, and I despise myself for despising him. So it's that kind of book, folks.
There's some really interesting ideas here but ultimately it's about friendship and solidarity, and figuring out what's important in life. It may have been depressing, but it's certainly inspired me to try and live a little harder.
With thanks to A&U for my ARC
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Reading Progress
October 20, 2019
– Shelved
October 20, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
October 20, 2019
– Shelved as:
aussie-authors
October 20, 2019
– Shelved as:
freebies-and-gifts
October 20, 2019
– Shelved as:
literary-fiction
January 25, 2020
–
Started Reading
January 28, 2020
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-47 of 47 (47 new)
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Luvtoread wrote: "Terrific review, Krystal! Sigh! We all have to get old someday! This sounds really good!!😊"
Thank you! It was a pretty good read, I do recommend! The getting old bit though ... I mean I guess it beats the altternative. *sigh*
Life is messy, and so is growing older. This book is very honest about that.
Robyn wrote: "Life is messy, and so is growing older. This book is very honest about that."I think the honesty was what I liked so much about it! It didn't try for 'happily ever after's.
and this is just a very narrow part of their lives, triggered by being with certain people - it's not all desolate and dour - it can be good!
Noreen wrote: "and this is just a very narrow part of their lives, triggered by being with certain people - it's not all desolate and dour - it can be good!"Yes, true! I will eagerly await all the good things and prolong 'getting old' for as long as possible!
Sounds a bit like my life, at 71
Janice wrote: "Sounds a bit like my life, at 71"Hopefully not the 'regrets' part, Janice! Would love to hear more of your thoughts on this story.
Krystal - in fact they aren't actually old, just getting close. They are still all active and living reasonably full lives. However, they are really starting to feel the effects of not being young any more!
Leeny wrote: "Krystal - in fact they aren't actually old, just getting close. They are still all active and living reasonably full lives. However, they are really starting to feel the effects of not being young ..."Very true! It's a matter of perspective, I suppose - I'm in my 30s and considered 'old' by my nephews and nieces now so it's nice to remind myself I'm not quite this old yet. XD
SF wrote: "Hi Krystal. As a 60-something, I read this book and was shocked how it portrayed older women. Nothing like my friends or myself. We are all having fun, enjoying retirement and emracing the freedom ..."That sounds very reassuring! Thank you! :)
These days, most people don’t get old until their 80s. But it still depends on the individual and their mental and physical health. It’s hard to avoid tragedy but those people who have managed to keep their friends and family around them are the luckiest ones. They have the best of it. Many of us lose family and friends due to many reasons. It’s not an easy time but it is what it is and we must struggle, find things we like to do and accept that we all will end.
Madeline wrote: "These days, most people don’t get old until their 80s. But it still depends on the individual and their mental and physical health. It’s hard to avoid tragedy but those people who have managed to k..."Very true, Madeline. I guess it's through struggling that we learn to appreciate all the little things.
Thank you for your candid remarks Krystal. I got the book yesterday, and as a just turned 70 year old male who had an unexpected heart attack in May, I am strangely looking forward to reading it. Your comments struck a nerve with me because at age 36 I found myself anticipating a future I did not want: I was in a marriage that was unfulfilling and totally sick and dysfunctional, I was in a career that while I was successful in it, I had ended up in it out of necessity rather than choice, and I was living in a boring city and part of the country that I didn't want to be in (Des Moines, Iowa). So over the next three years I rolled the dice and took the big gamble: I quit my job, moved to Nashville to get my Ph.D., started a new career, and got divorced. All this took years during which all of my fears about rolling the dice came to pass: my new career got off to a rocky start, my heart got broken in a new relationship, I used up my retirement fund...well, you've got the picture. But...everything worked out. I had a rewarding second career, I got remarried to the love of my life (20 happy years and going strong!) and I am still working on a semi-retired basis. So my advice Krystal, do what you need to do, roll the dice, and "try and live a little harder." p.s., I'll check back in to you after I've read the book and let you know how an older reader received it.
David wrote: "Thank you for your candid remarks Krystal. I got the book yesterday, and as a just turned 70 year old male who had an unexpected heart attack in May, I am strangely looking forward to reading it. Y..."David, your comment absolutely warms my heart. I'm so glad you made that decision to roll the dice and it all worked out for you! THAT is the kind of life I want to find! I appreciate your sound advice. It's not an easy thing to find the courage to change things but I do feel I'm making more of an effort with it these days. Thank you for your timely words.
I look forward to your thoughts on the novel. :)
As an “older reader�, i must reply that this book flat out bored me. I didnt identify with it at all.
Sherrie wrote: "As an “older reader�, i must reply that this book flat out bored me. I didnt identify with it at all."Sorry to hear that Sherrie! I appreciate the feedback!
Krystal, my friend wants me to read this book...actually not looking forward to it because , I am 71.....and in total denial. I still feel like 40, and most of my friends feel the same. Just enjoy life as it comes! (Except for 2020 which is the pits!) Time flies, but the good thing is we are not like our mothers! I thought my mom was old at 60! Not that way now!
Debbie wrote: "Krystal, my friend wants me to read this book...actually not looking forward to it because , I am 71.....and in total denial. I still feel like 40, and most of my friends feel the same. Just enjoy ..."I think perhaps it's the looking into an uncertain future that is the scary part - fear of the unknown! I am glad to hear you still feel like you're 40. :) What's the secret to staying young at heart?
Currently reading and finding it tough going. I’m 72 and pissed off with the meaness of these women. Would hate to think that any of my friends talked or felt like these females do. And the bloody dog needs to go to dog heaven. There’s a huge waiting list at our library for this book and I think it’s time that someone else got to be depressed.
Angela wrote: "Currently reading and finding it tough going. I’m 72 and pissed off with the meaness of these women. Would hate to think that any of my friends talked or felt like these females do. And the bloody ..."That's good feedback, thank you! They are a bit nasty, aren't they! I hope my friendships will be stronger at that age. And love your comment about time for someone else to be depressed haha
And the last few lines were so good!
Bec wrote: "And the last few lines were so good!"I confess, I don't remember the last lines! But it certainly left me feeling rather contemplative when I put it down.
This book made me lol. I’m 56 so not young, not old. The characters were frustrating and at times lovely and other times pitiful. Choose your friends wisely is a thought that popped into my head.
Kelley wrote: "This book made me lol. I’m 56 so not young, not old. The characters were frustrating and at times lovely and other times pitiful. Choose your friends wisely is a thought that popped into my head."I think that is great advice! I think good friends will always make you feel young, no matter how old you are!
Hiya Krystal! When I read The Weekend I could see some people I know in its pages... however more people are living happily . Truly we are all the same age in our minds our whole adult life. It's only the body that creaks .
Lori wrote: "Hiya Krystal! When I read The Weekend I could see some people I know in its pages... however more people are living happily . Truly we are all the same age in our minds our whole adult life. It's o..."Thanks for your comment, Lori! I love that idea of being the same age in your mind. I'm in my mid-thirties but still feel like I'm in my 20s! If only the bodies could just reflect the age we feel that would be perfect lol :)
Yes I found it depressing too, but I also found it to be at it's core about true friendship. I am 57 and have some friends in their 60s. We have been friends for nearly 40 years. I think at the end the message is that we see the faults in our friends, we remember them as young people and grieve for that lost easy friendship. We see them aging which reminds us that we are too. But in spite of all that or maybe because of it they are our family and will always be part of our lives because we have been through everything that life throws at us together.
JK wrote: "Yes I found it depressing too, but I also found it to be at it's core about true friendship. I am 57 and have some friends in their 60s. We have been friends for nearly 40 years. I think at the end..."40 years! What an incredible friendship! And such wonderful words, JK. I do agree that this book is a very real reflection of honest friendship and I am happy to hear your take on it! May you and your friends remain so for many more years to come! :)
I am 73, perhaps the same generation as the three 'Gracies' in this book. I can tell you Krystal, getting old is no fun but nothing like described in this book. Mostly it depends on keeping up spirit and being friendly and stopping complaining, which you do anyway, because it does not help. And, thank God, aging comes gradually. You don't even notice in the beginning. By the time it downs on you, is too late...Then you take it as it comes...
Sue wrote: "I am 73, perhaps the same generation as the three 'Gracies' in this book. I can tell you Krystal, getting old is no fun but nothing like described in this book. Mostly it depends on keeping up spir..."I like what you say about the pointlessness of complaining! Keeping high spirits makes sense! My age is going up in number every year but I don't at all feel like I'm 'growing up'!
Great honestly felt review ! Made me smile.
Claire wrote: "Great honestly felt review ! Made me smile."Thanks Claire! It's led to some great discussions which has been fun. :)
Krystal, I'm older -- not quite where the book characters are -- but I think the key to happiness (if there is one) is honest self-acceptance. Choices in life necessarily mean that other things are *not* chosen, and when you get older, you start to wonder, 'what if I had...' That's a recipe for misery. You work with what you have, is all I can say. You accept the choices *you* made. Running around blaming others is another recipe for misery.
I think you're on the right track, even in recognizing the possibility of ending up where some of these characters are (a possibility they didn't consider at your age). You seem capable of honest self-assessment. That, IMO, is the key to being satisfied, content and, yes, happy. Good luck!
Lisa wrote: "Krystal, I'm older -- not quite where the book characters are -- but I think the key to happiness (if there is one) is honest self-acceptance. Choices in life necessarily mean that other things are..."Thank you, Lisa - some great words of wisdom, there! Self-acceptance definitely seems to be a common thread in every single self-help book I've read, that's for sure. But certainly something you have to work at, I think. Thanks for your feedback. :)
I'm in my mid sixties, so these characters are just that bit further along the ageing journey. I know these women, they're in my gym group, my neighbourhood, the community centre. And yes I found it a bit terrifying also because I'm entering the same time of reflection on past mistakes and choices and opportunities lost. It just makes me want to grab any chance to keep up my learning and new things in life... I still found it an uneasy read. I also didn't like any of the characters much!
Krystal I read your review with interest and compassion. I am not quite the same age as the characters but not far from it. I found the book incisively honest and close to the mark of so many aspects of the life experience of older women. I don’t use the work depressing but rather saddening in its assessment. Please don’t be scared of aging. It is what it is, and it will happen and each individual’s experience seems to depend on our willingness to look at ourselves honestly (no easy task).
I am the chronological age I am and accept that but I also feel like myself at around 20. I can vividly remember my own mum when in her eighties saying she can’t “understand� her reflection in the mirror as she feels and has always felt 18.
Aging seems to be knowing and accepting yourself, celebrating that inner version of yourself you cherish and not giving a shit about what you see outside and also not caring what others around you think. It is actually quite fun and powerful to carefully watch observe the reactions of others, especially younger folk of any gender, as that gives a very instant and spot on assessment of character.
Enjoy the ride Krystal, this is life, embrace it.
Cate wrote: "I'm in my mid sixties, so these characters are just that bit further along the ageing journey. I know these women, they're in my gym group, my neighbourhood, the community centre. And yes I found i..."It's quite interesting that, even while it was an uncomfortable read in places, it seems its quite motivating! Makes you want to grab life by the horns, which is not such a bad thing. :)
Judy wrote: "Krystal I read your review with interest and compassion. I am not quite the same age as the characters but not far from it. I found the book incisively honest and close to the mark of so many aspec..."Judy, your comment gave me such a big smile. It's been about four years since I first wrote this review and I am seeing more often that it's the people who accept themselves that are having the best time. I'll take your advice to heart. Thank you for commenting!
Such an insightful and honest review! You make me want to read this book, and yes, I'm older, nearing 70, which is hard for me to believe! I'll get back to you someday...after I've read the book!
Nelda wrote: "Such an insightful and honest review! You make me want to read this book, and yes, I'm older, nearing 70, which is hard for me to believe! I'll get back to you someday...after I've read the book!"Thanks, Nelda! If you get around to it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you for this well articulated review. The saddest part to me was not about their regrets but how they treated one another. The entire book I was thinking oh dear god may me and my girlfriends never be like this to one another and may I do whatever it takes to be kind and loving to them. I felt terrible for Finn the entire story and wanted to scoop him up and let him sit on the couch with me or sleep next to me instead of out on the porch. I kept wanting Wendy to say fuck you to her friends my dog is old and he will be inside with me.
Shelby wrote: "Thank you for this well articulated review. The saddest part to me was not about their regrets but how they treated one another. The entire book I was thinking oh dear god may me and my girlfriends..."Completely understand that sentiment! Finn really broke my heart!
I love how your honesty in your review has drawn so many interesting responses. I’m a mid 50s male and I loved this book.
Peter wrote: "I love how your honesty in your review has drawn so many interesting responses. I’m a mid 50s male and I loved this book."I've really loved reading all the comments and hearing the feedback from others who have read this book! It's one of my favourite reviews because of how many people have shared their thoughts with me. :)
How dreadful to read a book about OLD people 🥹
Paula May wrote: "How dreadful to read a book about OLD people 🥹"I hope I conveyed through the rest of my review that this was a bit of a tongue-in-cheek introduction! These women have stayed with me and I've immensely enjoyed the feedback from other older readers. The older I get, the more feelings I have about age and all it entails lol
This sounds really good!!😊