Streamlining
I’m consolidating all of my blogs into one. I’ll be continuing to post book reviews on gwenonichi.
Please update any links and follow me there. Thanks!
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
This novel is entertaining and well written, but it isn’t compelling like “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” After the incident with the kitten (around this novel’s half-way point), I found the story predictable. However, I think Niffenegger has a great ability to make the unreal, real. And the character, Martin, is very well developed.
So-so
The Original of Laura by Vladimir Nabokov
The word “fragments” in this book’s subtitle is meaningful. This isn’t a novel, but some pieces of one. It’s special: it’s a—rather confusing—glimpse into how genius Nabokov created one of his masterpieces. His unique style and spectacular smarts ring out. I have the hardcover edition, which is also a wonderful piece of design.
Probably only for Nabokov fans and wanna-be writers
Little Black Book of Stories by A. S. Byatt
Even when trapped on a plane with nothing else to read or do, I couldn’t make myself finish this book. The stories weren’t believable and the tone, trying to be reminiscent of fairytales, was annoying.
Don’t do it
Ahab’s Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund
I picked this up because I loved Naslund’s “Abundance.” Up until page 100, I was really liking “Ahab’s Wife.” The language is wonderful and creates a tone so seemingly appropriate for the time. However, Una, the main character, is a little too glorious and indomitable to be believable. And when the other characters started chiming in (like Ahab’s fire speech), I couldn’t take the over-the-top deluge anymore.
Ugh
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Finally I read the classic tale of revenge. It’s a good story. I really liked that serialization made Dumas use modern devices, like referring to the story, itself and the reader. Although the whole thing is way too long (since he was being paid by the word) in my opinion, it has a decent pace.
Go for it, if you’re patient
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
This memoir is an act of bravery and a testament to good storytelling. I couldn’t put it down.
Yes!
You Don’t Love Me Yet by Jonathan Lethem
This was my first Lethem read and I have to say, I was disappointed. Reviews of this book claim it’s ironic and smart, but I found the language too elevated and caught up in itself, adding a seriousness the story didn’t deserve. This is an intellectual fail at trying to make and bolster a “High Fidelity.”
Avoid
New Zealand Stories by Katherine Mansfield
I remember loving “The Prelude” in university. I returned to Mansfield because Woolf considered her great competition. This edition presents Mansfield’s works in the order she wrote them, emphasizing her experimentation. These stories are beautiful. They shift time and show a great restraint with and respect for language.
Worthwhile
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
Wonderful words introduce truly unique characters and magically tie their seemingly disparate, captivating stories together. This book is a treat and one of the best I’ve read in a long while.
A must!
