I read this book in Jeff Franklin's History of the English Novel II class, in one of the best years of reading I ever had. Not sure why it wasn't showI read this book in Jeff Franklin's History of the English Novel II class, in one of the best years of reading I ever had. Not sure why it wasn't showing up on Goodreads in my tally. But I want to re-read it....more
A fulfilling dual memoir: Susan Faludi writes about her transgender father's life and how she (Faludi's father before the decision to identify publiclA fulfilling dual memoir: Susan Faludi writes about her transgender father's life and how she (Faludi's father before the decision to identify publicly as a woman) crafted her own persona as survival mechanism during the Holocaust. It's also a history of Hungary and its cruel treatment and eradication of its Jewish citizens throughout the lead-up and duration of World War II, and of the resurgence of violence spurred by homophobia and Antisemitism in the present. The psychology of identity, both as mob-think and self-expression of gender, are the book's focus. But familial memory and forgiveness are central, as well.
There's much to parse in this sometimes infuriating relationship between father and daughter, who were estranged for many years and reconciled late in Faludi's middle age. The political becomes personal and shapes the lives of everyone involved....more
This is such an immersive and beautiful story of two families who come to terms with the accidental death of a child. I don't want to say anything morThis is such an immersive and beautiful story of two families who come to terms with the accidental death of a child. I don't want to say anything more, but if you loved The Round House, I imagine you'll love this one just as much.*
*I didn't even notice there weren't quotation marks. This is not an issue in the story, which would not have retained that sense of myth and folktale that permeates the novel had they been imposed. Just go with it. It's not important....more
I have normal reading experiences where I am engaged with a book and happily going through the pages or the screens till I get to the end, sometimes dI have normal reading experiences where I am engaged with a book and happily going through the pages or the screens till I get to the end, sometimes distracted or sometimes wishing the end would come sooner so I could move on to something else that's waiting on a shelf. But with The Round House, I experienced a rare jolt of pleasure that sustained itself from the first page to the last. Erdrich's electric prose, her very careful building of character, plot, setting, and most of all, rich emotion: these separate pieces of writing craft come together to tell Joe's story. I'm not going to say anything about what's inside, but if you want to be pulled deeply into the narration and feel Joe's joys and sorrows as you read along, try this one....more
I loved reading this novel, which is about two women who tell stories through film-making, and of another woman who calls men to talk, anonymously, maI loved reading this novel, which is about two women who tell stories through film-making, and of another woman who calls men to talk, anonymously, making discrete worlds that bloom within the intimate cocoon of a phone line connection. All three characters have the ability to draw people into their worlds.
Technology and the language of film play a big role; the telephone before the internet as a conduit to communication: I can relate to being alive during this very specific time, where my own sensibilities were in alignment with the characters. But I don't think you need to have been a teen in the 1980s to immerse yourself in Meadow's or Carrie's or Jelly's worlds, and there are many conclusions to be drawn about today's culture from the questions raised about our recent past. ...more
I would need to read this book a second time to fully put all the pieces of this fractured reality/fiction/hybrid text together, but what I gathered oI would need to read this book a second time to fully put all the pieces of this fractured reality/fiction/hybrid text together, but what I gathered on the first pass, I enjoyed....more
This is my first five-star book of the year; I know it received some acclaim last year but not enough. It's a memoir of an artist, woman, daughter, moThis is my first five-star book of the year; I know it received some acclaim last year but not enough. It's a memoir of an artist, woman, daughter, mother, wife, and friend, all roiled up in one beautiful eye for relevant human experience captured by camera. Mann's gorgeous photos illustrate her points and pull us into her mind, which surprisingly questions the role photography plays in erasing true memory. I've never read anything like this and I'm charmed and sad to be finished. She is unafraid, nothing is held back....more
This is a beautiful collection of stories, most based on the author's life, that gives grace and dignity to even the worst afflictions. There is so muThis is a beautiful collection of stories, most based on the author's life, that gives grace and dignity to even the worst afflictions. There is so much love (and some regret and terrible sorrow) that rises to the surface of the page. Recommended....more
One thing I love about these stories is that you could not possibly guess where they're going from the first pages. There are twists and emotional swiOne thing I love about these stories is that you could not possibly guess where they're going from the first pages. There are twists and emotional swings and shifts in time, big and small--complete mastery of what the characters are thinking and might not be saying. I am in awe of the power of McCracken's imagination and ability to show despair, cruelty, and love....more
Not sure if this is a high three or a four, so I'm opting to boost its ratings. There is a subset of my goodreads friends and followers who might likeNot sure if this is a high three or a four, so I'm opting to boost its ratings. There is a subset of my goodreads friends and followers who might like this collection of stories where--alert--not that much happens in any of the stories, but Heiny, through her characters, is so damned entertaining that all the infidelities and romantic qualms are kind of joyous to read. She does remind me a little bit of Laurie Colwin and maybe Melissa Banks--all the main characters are younger (than me) women who are getting through life one day at a time. So give it a try if this is in your wheelhouse....more
This novel has it all: love, the extraordinary pull of deep memory, suffering, extreme judgment, loneliness, and a severe landscape that touches everyThis novel has it all: love, the extraordinary pull of deep memory, suffering, extreme judgment, loneliness, and a severe landscape that touches every thought. I don't know why I never read this before now, but maybe as I step into middle-age and its constant compulsion to look to the past for solace, it was the right moment. ...more
This is an exceptional novel about sisters and love. I stayed up too late so I could finish and those characters are going to live on my my dreams lonThis is an exceptional novel about sisters and love. I stayed up too late so I could finish and those characters are going to live on my my dreams long past tonight.
This Rumpus interview with the author sheds some light on using autobiographical elements in fiction. It will spoil the book, so maybe wait until you've read the novel itself first: see the interview here ...more
Kind of narrative poetry. Kind of expository essay. Kind of thought experiment. Kind of annoying wife. Kind of adorable daughter. Kind of annoying yetKind of narrative poetry. Kind of expository essay. Kind of thought experiment. Kind of annoying wife. Kind of adorable daughter. Kind of annoying yet lovable wife. Kind of sympathetic husband. Kind of needs some re-reads to totally absorbed. Kind of wonderful....more
More people should read this novel about a young woman, Irma, and the complications of her life as a Mennonite in exile in Mexico. She's constrained bMore people should read this novel about a young woman, Irma, and the complications of her life as a Mennonite in exile in Mexico. She's constrained by her father and then a husband, but when a film crew arrives in the village to make a crazy avant garde movie, her involvement in the filming changes her life. It is simply written, yet full of emotion and intellect. Recommended. I will be reading more Miriam Toews....more
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