Henry and Rachel
by Laurel Saville
A Tale of Two Viewpoints (9/8/2013)
I am not finished with the book yet but my impression so far is mixed. The concept is very interesting. Basically the story of a relationship told from the viewpoint of the two participants. The fact that these two people are so incredibly different really makes one think about one's own relationships. These two characters were brought together from one brief and unexpected sexual encounter. They knew very little about each other and came from totally different backgrounds. After several years of refusal, Rachel finally agrees to marry Henry but there is no explanation as to why she changed her mind. While they spent a few uneventful years, after Henry plays a trick on Rachel in an attempt to make her come around to his ideas of child-rearing, Rachel decides to take all but her oldest child, James, and leave Henry for New York.
While there is a part of me waiting to find out the answers to some of the questions I have about these characters, I am finding the it starting to be very slow going. I will continue the book but find myself wishing the story would pick up the pace.
With or Without You: A Memoir
by Domenica Ruta
Not another Glass Castle (12/17/2012)
While I admire Domenica Ruta's way with words, this book did not hold my interest. Humorous at times, rather disgusting at others, ultimately it felt like just another story of a horrific childhood that went on way too long. At first the story seemed somewhat fascinating but it didn't go anywhere except to more of the same. At three quarters through the book, I fought hard to finish it. I kept waiting for the "aha" moment that taught a profound lesson but it never seemed to come. Yes, she finally found sobriety and that is terrific but it came too late in the book for me.
All Woman and Springtime: A Novel
by Brandon W. Jones
All Woman and Springtime (3/29/2012)
All Woman and Springtime begins with the story of two young women, Il-Sun and Gi, living at the Home for Orphan Girls in North Korea. Part I describes how both girls arrived at the orphanage, the daily rigors of their lives as seamstresses and the overwhelming fear of living under the North Korean regime ruled by "the Great Leader Kim Il-sung". It is made clear how both girls long to escape their oppressive lives.
Without giving more away, Parts II through IV follows their lives to South Korea and the United States where they unwillingly become involved in sex trafficing.
There are marked changes in style through the story, perhaps done to highlight the abrupt changes the girls go through as the story progresses. There are some very explicit descriptions of mental, physical and sexual torture throughout the book but they are necessary to the telling of the tale.
While the ending of the story seems a bit contrived all in all, this is a very readable book. I would be willing recommend it to others.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
by Katherine Boo
Very worth reading (2/14/2012)
People may be scared away by the description of the subject matter of this book. Am I really in the mood to read a sad, gut- wrenching story about these poor souls in The slums of India?
My advise to those people is "Try it". From the very first I was drawn into these characters and their community. It is fascinating to read about how they survive such horror and still retain (for the most part) their willingness to look to the future and keep on trying.
I guarantee the stories and characters in this book will stay with you long after you have finished it.
All the Flowers in Shanghai: A Novel
by Duncan Jepson
Flat (11/16/2011)
When I received this book, I was curious to read it but I was immediately put off by the cover and the title. I was afraid I had received poor imitation of some of the better books with the same setting.
But after putting it off for several weeks, I plunged in and discovered that I still held the same feelings. The story line itself might have been interesting but for some reason the minute details really slowed down the pace of the novel. Perhaps the fact that Duncan Jepson is a filmmaker and a lawyer makes prone to details but it doesn't always work in this book.
The characters and their motivations are somewhat confusing. When Feng had her first child she gives it away because she is angry. But I never really understood why she wanted her baby daughter to be raised in poverty. Then suddenly she gives in to enjoying the wealth and position of her family but it is never really clear why this transition took place.
I struggled through this book and would be hesitant to recommend it.
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