Sara H. (pianoducky) reviewed on 7/23/2010 + 16 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

This book is essentially a group of short stories linked around the title character. The moral lesson of the book is pretty clear--don't judge others because their back stories and secrets are what make them do what they do, whether it's turn to alcohol or adultery. Sometimes this comes through in an elegant manner, sometimes this moral seems to hit you over the head (like in "Starving"). The book was an enjoyable read, kind of like finding out all the gossip you ever wanted to know about the people in your own extended circle. However, I felt like some of the stories got a little formulaic in their telling. Strout loves to start off with a dramatic statement or event without telling us what set it off. It's an effective technique when used sparingly, but it happened so many times in the book it got a little tedious and does kind of force the reader into the corner of having to re-read what happened to see how it all went together. I don't mind reading things a second time if it is warranted, but felt manipulated into reading the entire book through twice. Luckily, it was a good read and Strout writes beautifully, I just got a little tired of having to backtrack so much to get the full picture.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details