I've enjoyed Susan Minot in the past, but this outing felt like something of a slog. There was some beautiful, original writing, not unusual in the chI've enjoyed Susan Minot in the past, but this outing felt like something of a slog. There was some beautiful, original writing, not unusual in the character study that this is, But someone with as much intelligence and empathy would not make some of the stupid choices that Ivy, our heroine, makes. As other early readers have noted, Ivy is a 52 year old newly divorced woman, living in a Greenwich Village flat, supporting herself and her 8 year old son by writing. She has a great reputation as a writer, is given assignments that result in paychecks during which she is working on another book to publish. When she becomes besotted with a love affair with a much younger man, she continues earning. But when he snaps his fingers, she capitulates and stresses if he doesn't pay her but mere attention. I just couldn't warm up to either her or her lover, in fact he's really something of a jerk. In fact, despite all their pluses, neither is not very interesting at all. And so page after page of descriptions of booty calls and child care simply wore me down. You can see how this will pan out long before it ends. 2 ½ stars rounded up because of those lovely phrases that cropped up now and then....more
This very short novella from one of my absolutely favorite writers is a welcome addition to the growing list of anti-Trump administration works that hThis very short novella from one of my absolutely favorite writers is a welcome addition to the growing list of anti-Trump administration works that have surfaced lately. There have been many takes on the atrocity that currently inhabits 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but Anthony Marra has found a way to approach it in his thoughtful, measured way, unhysterical and potent. He says much in very few words.
Merged review:
This very short novella from one of my absolutely favorite writers is a welcome addition to the growing list of anti-Trump administration works that have surfaced lately. There have been many takes on the atrocity that currently inhabits 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but Anthony Marra has found a way to approach it in his thoughtful, measured way, unhysterical and potent. He says much in very few words....more
When Ali Smith is at the wheel, a reader knows to strap in for a wild ride. This dystopian excursion into the dangers of a world increasingly being taWhen Ali Smith is at the wheel, a reader knows to strap in for a wild ride. This dystopian excursion into the dangers of a world increasingly being taken over by the proliferation of screens. This is not necessarily the effect of AI, which we are constantly being warned against. But the alienation thanks to the current trend of the lure of a handheld device and its hold over the user. The threat of lithium and its ability to disfigure as its natural supply depletes causing a rise in the harvesting by slaves from outmoded items. The takeover by a regime that in another time would be called fascistic. The abandonment of family. This is a disquieting novel that holds too many truths to be considered totally fictitious....more
I don't know what it was about this book, but Ilana's story just never came to life for me.I don't know what it was about this book, but Ilana's story just never came to life for me....more
When I chose this book, I didn't realize it was a sequel. That didn't make a difference with my enjoyment. Enough reference was made to the earlier MiWhen I chose this book, I didn't realize it was a sequel. That didn't make a difference with my enjoyment. Enough reference was made to the earlier Mike Brink outing that this could work as a standalone. However, had I known it was futuristic with an AI villain, I don't know if I would've picked it up. Still, there was enough material about intricate puzzles to keep me intrigued. Also, it served as a sort of travelogue on Japan which is always interesting....more
If there ever was required reading on true crime, this would top the list. In alternating chapters, Grisham and McCloskey present cases of justice misIf there ever was required reading on true crime, this would top the list. In alternating chapters, Grisham and McCloskey present cases of justice miscarried resulting in the unwarranted incarceration of ten innocent people, many of which were railroaded into confessions after being beaten down in "interrogation" nightmares. Anyone who thinks that tv and literature depictions of police procedure is an accurate depiction should read this. What enraged me the most was the blind eye cast by authorities who would overlook exonerating material, sure that they "had their man." Hence the rush to judgment. It took me a while to read as I had to put it down occasionally since it was so strong and disturbing, but don't let that stop anyone from what is a well written, involving page turner....more
This is old fashioned storytelling at its finest. Reminiscent of the beloved (at least to me) Delderfield sagas of a previous generation, Alan HollingThis is old fashioned storytelling at its finest. Reminiscent of the beloved (at least to me) Delderfield sagas of a previous generation, Alan Hollinghurst examines British mores through the lens of a most interestingly flawed and attractive narrator, David Win. Biracial and gay, he is the recipient of kindness on the part of a wealthy family who are patrons of the arts, thus allowing Hollinghurst to do a deep dive into many areas that have shaped Britain's aesthetic and political history. Immersive and informative at the same time....more
This is the second police procedural by Higashino that I have read, and whereas the whodunnit aspect is not as intricate as in other nationalities, thThis is the second police procedural by Higashino that I have read, and whereas the whodunnit aspect is not as intricate as in other nationalities, the inclusion of Japanese culture and personality makes for an intriguing experience....more
The abuse of indigenous women and children is given a fresh approach by Marcie Rendon, herself a member of the White Earth Nation. This therefore is aThe abuse of indigenous women and children is given a fresh approach by Marcie Rendon, herself a member of the White Earth Nation. This therefore is a subject close to her heart, a fact that is evident on every page. Quill, a loving wife and mother who has lived on the Rez her entire life, finds herself involved in the disappearance of one young woman, causing her to be more alert than ever while on the trail training for the Boston Marathon. Tribal ties, conditions and traditions are brought to light but this is definitely a novel of the current day, given the consistent texting between the characters and seemingly unending cups of coffee. I definitely plan on reading her earlier books....more
Liane Moriarty has a knack for creating huge casts and hanging stories off of them. Most of the time it works, especially when there is a mystery invoLiane Moriarty has a knack for creating huge casts and hanging stories off of them. Most of the time it works, especially when there is a mystery involved. Although I found I enjoyed this book, saw it through to its finish, I found thanks to its structure that it was weak. As others have stated, a woman makes her way down the aisle of a plane midflight, pointing to each fellow passenger and declaiming both the method of each one's death and the age at which they'll die. Normally I would avoid such material, but being Moriarty, decided to give it a chance. The bulk of the book is formed by chapters alternating between the other passengers and Cherry, the "Death Lady" herself. While I found the individual stories compelling, I became bored with Cherry's story and with her. Hence the mediocre rating....more
Rachel Kushner should be a household name. But she is a recognizable force in the literary world with numerous prestige nominations (the current book Rachel Kushner should be a household name. But she is a recognizable force in the literary world with numerous prestige nominations (the current book is longlisted for the Booker), and approbations from such heavy hitters as George Saunders ("I'll read anything that she writes)." Her curiosity is far ranging, and her heroines are fearless. Kind of like her. "Sadie Smith," heroine/narrator of Creation Lake, operates under the radar and we never learn her true identity while delving deeply into her motivations and behaviors. Never mind. Through "Sadie's" infiltration of an eco terrorist group in southwestern France we explore such diverse subjects as Neanderthal dreaming and conceptual art, the rise of homo sapiens, the creation of megabasins that constitute a form of fracking involving water table and river destruction, celestial navigation. Her facts are well researched and woven into a spy thriller that contains the kind of page turning propulsive energy we've come to expect from Ms. Kushner. Can't wait to see where she takes us next....more
John Banville started the Quirke series under the name of Benjamin Black, crafting well thought out mysteries in the setting of 1950's Dublin, featuriJohn Banville started the Quirke series under the name of Benjamin Black, crafting well thought out mysteries in the setting of 1950's Dublin, featuring a pathologist with troubles of his own. As he expanded to include DI St. John (Sinjin) Strafford, he dropped the nom de plume and went back to using his own name, that of a Booker prize winner of extraordinarily literary novels featuring deep psychological insights not only of the major characters, but secondary ones as well. Giving the reader pleasure and satisfaction and a total immersive experience. Such is the case here. Those who have complained that they didn't realize this was part of a series should not blame the book or the marketing. Those of us familiar with Banville can rejoice with every installment. After all, the backstories are what make these series so enjoyable....more
Utterly intriguing, requiring the reader to pay attention as it skips around in a unique structure. The "great man" here is a well known author whose Utterly intriguing, requiring the reader to pay attention as it skips around in a unique structure. The "great man" here is a well known author whose daughter has fleshed out what she thinks of their relationship in the form of a play that is being performed during pandemic times. Tension, not all of it on stage, propels the central characters as well as those playing their counterparts. I was somewhat nonplused in that he was always referred to as "Sophia's father" and his ex, "Sophia's mother." By not giving them names, Jo Hamya has reduced their roles so as to only be relevant as they pertain to Sophia. ...more
Roddy Doyle has communication down pat. His last book, Love, featured two Dubliners, both men, on a pubcrawl. Here, he shifts to women, adding to a seRoddy Doyle has communication down pat. His last book, Love, featured two Dubliners, both men, on a pubcrawl. Here, he shifts to women, adding to a series he began some time ago. Mother Paula and daughter Nicola find themselves in Covid lockdown, and while there are earlier books featuring Paula, this could work as a standalone. ...more
Fiona McFarlane's Highway Thirteen is a thriller like no other. Through a collection of linked stories, she lays out the effects on numerous lives fosFiona McFarlane's Highway Thirteen is a thriller like no other. Through a collection of linked stories, she lays out the effects on numerous lives fostered by the actions of one serial killer, a central figure that never appears as a character, but whose reach is seemingly limitless. The victims themselves also are not all presented, nor with few exceptions, their bereaved loved ones. Sometimes the connections are tenuous, only revealed at a story's end. One story was so evocative, so brilliantly wrought, reminded me of Harold Pinter's play Betrayal. The fact that they could stand alone and still hold their power is evinced by the fact that several have appeared in The New Yorker among other publications. The order in which the stories are presented was curious at first, dates being given with the titles. Which could lead a reader to read them chronologically if they choose. But the seemingly random order in which they appear gives the proceedings more of a sense of being woven together. I'm definitely going to look up her earlier work....more
This is an audio version of the 2021 edition of Transit of Venus, originally published by a master of English composition, Shirley Hazzard. Although IThis is an audio version of the 2021 edition of Transit of Venus, originally published by a master of English composition, Shirley Hazzard. Although I read it over 30 years ago, this edition read by Juliet Stephens adds depth and furthers my appreciation of Hazzard's craft. There is an enlightening forward by Lauren Groff, who counts it as one of her favorite novels, a perfect novel, and who has read it at least 4 times, adding her insights. Also, at the end, a real treat. Chapter 3 read by Ms. Hazzard herself. ...more
The dissolution of a marriage that seemed doomed from the start. This rang too true not to have been experienced first hand. The author has a talent fThe dissolution of a marriage that seemed doomed from the start. This rang too true not to have been experienced first hand. The author has a talent for writing about damaged family units, but this one contained too much sensory detail, and elimination of real data (e.g., names of the 3 family members were either eliminated or codified), to be fully fictionalized. The biggest liar here is the narrator, lying to herself even in this first person account. Claiming she envisioned a long marriage with this man, walking slowly and carefully together into old age. Despite remembering and recounting the numerous examples of his narcissistic self absorption and jealousy of her growing success as a writer. I was reminded more than once of Nora Ephron's Heartburn. Without the recipes....more
Sarah Moss is a unique writer, and so it comes as no surprise that her memoir would also be unique. Told mostly in the second person, with unflinchingSarah Moss is a unique writer, and so it comes as no surprise that her memoir would also be unique. Told mostly in the second person, with unflinching honestly and generous detail, she remembers everything about growing up, giving an account of food disorders from the beginning wherein despite assurances from the school nurse that she is not overweight for her frame, she is constantly being reviled as too fat, food and other indulgences being held up as evil. There is also quite a bit of abuse from the "owl," which she calls her father, making this a study of life under a paternalistic system. I particularly liked the deep analyses of books that influenced her, mostly 19th century works such as Jane Eyre and the works of Laura Ingalls. This is the second author biography I've read recently, and find the way their novelistic style influences their memoirs....more
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