Okay, I don’t quite know where to begin with this one, so I’m
going to keep it short and sweet. No, strike
that, let’s say short and simple because sweet definitely is not the correct term
to use here – no warm fuzzies hiding inside this book jacket.
First, let me say that this is the author of The Lovely Bones, so I was eager to read
another book written by her. And although
I felt unsettled reading this book, I do respect the author and her craft. That being said, this book deals with some very
difficult topics, namely matricide (killing one’s mother), mental illness and suicide,
so definitely not light reading. It is a
fast-paced book starting immediately with “the act”. The entire book takes place over a 24 hour
time span during which the narrator takes you through childhood, bringing
you to her current day calamity. I will
say that I liked the explanation the main character’s father used when
describing her mother as the almost moon, meaning that she was almost whole,
unlike the moon which is always full even if we don’t always see it.
A reviewer of this book likened Sebold’s writing to Edgar
Allan Poe, and although it has been many, many years since I’ve read Poe, I’d
have to say from what I remember, that it’s probably an accurate description. Words
that come to mind for me after reading it are:
disturbing, haunting and yes, well-written. I suspect that some will abhor this book
while others will find it successful. Should you choose to read it, I’ll leave that
up to you.
Now, on to the exciting part of finishing a book -- what do
I read next? Something a little more
lighthearted perhaps? Well, let me see
. . .
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