Rick T. (abbooks) reviewed on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
For me the first part of this novel is historical fiction light. The first part of Leeway Cottage spans the American Great Depression. The novel skips over how the Brant family was affected by the depression. I wanted more specific details about the depression from the various characters' viewpoints.
In a sentence or two the father of Annabee, the heroine, of Leeway Cottage turns from an nice guy into an alcoholic and then promptly dies. His transformation and death felt too abrupt for me.
Similarly, in 1941 when Laurus is in London working with CarlJohan Bruhn, a man Laurus 'has come to regard ... with profound affection.' is dead within five pages. I wanted to get to know this fellow Bruhn. But no, Bruhn is dead by the end of the chapter.
Candace, Annabee's mother is painted broadly as a self-centered and uncaring mother. The love-hate relationship between Annabee and her mother seems somewhat superficial. I wanted both characters to have a bit more depth and complexity.
Annabee, now named Sydney, is said to have 'enjoyed the war ... there was plenty to like.' This characteristic of the heroine is odd and unearned.
Gutcheon doesn't seem to own this material. I suspect she may have relied on an assistant to help with the research for this story.
I read 130 pages and decided to stop because I didn't care about what happened to any of Gutcheon's characters.
In a sentence or two the father of Annabee, the heroine, of Leeway Cottage turns from an nice guy into an alcoholic and then promptly dies. His transformation and death felt too abrupt for me.
Similarly, in 1941 when Laurus is in London working with CarlJohan Bruhn, a man Laurus 'has come to regard ... with profound affection.' is dead within five pages. I wanted to get to know this fellow Bruhn. But no, Bruhn is dead by the end of the chapter.
Candace, Annabee's mother is painted broadly as a self-centered and uncaring mother. The love-hate relationship between Annabee and her mother seems somewhat superficial. I wanted both characters to have a bit more depth and complexity.
Annabee, now named Sydney, is said to have 'enjoyed the war ... there was plenty to like.' This characteristic of the heroine is odd and unearned.
Gutcheon doesn't seem to own this material. I suspect she may have relied on an assistant to help with the research for this story.
I read 130 pages and decided to stop because I didn't care about what happened to any of Gutcheon's characters.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
