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Angela M is taking a break.'s Reviews > Float Up, Sing Down
Float Up, Sing Down
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by
3.5 stars
I loved Laird Hunt’s beautiful novel Zorrie which gave me a favorite character , and also Neverhome, which is thought provoking and moving. There are a couple of others that were just okay, but because of those two novels I thought I’d give this collection a try. I have to admit I was tempted to put it aside after reading the first few pages focusing on how Candy forgot to buy the paprika for the deviled eggs and how much she enjoyed dollioping the mayonnaise. But then the townspeople began to come to life and there’s more than just forgetting the paprika going on . It’s not an in your face telling, but a more subtle one like when we quietly learn what happened to her friend Irma .
It’s a day in the life of the people of this small town in Indiana, connected to each other as is the case in many small towns. While Candy is stressing over her paprika, Turner is stressing over not having his zinnias in . But there’s more that this retired custodian is interested in than his flowers. It was sweet. Gladys has had it with her husband and seeks solace by hiding in the cornfields. There are a total of 14 stories told from the points of view of 14 of the town’s residents, some of whom are part of each other’s narrative. I loved that Zorrie makes an appearance.
I can’t say that I connected with all of the characters, but still think it was worth reading. I’m hoping that Hunt writes more characters like Zorrie or Ash in Neverhome .
I received a copy of this book from the Bloomsbury through Edelweiss.
I loved Laird Hunt’s beautiful novel Zorrie which gave me a favorite character , and also Neverhome, which is thought provoking and moving. There are a couple of others that were just okay, but because of those two novels I thought I’d give this collection a try. I have to admit I was tempted to put it aside after reading the first few pages focusing on how Candy forgot to buy the paprika for the deviled eggs and how much she enjoyed dollioping the mayonnaise. But then the townspeople began to come to life and there’s more than just forgetting the paprika going on . It’s not an in your face telling, but a more subtle one like when we quietly learn what happened to her friend Irma .
It’s a day in the life of the people of this small town in Indiana, connected to each other as is the case in many small towns. While Candy is stressing over her paprika, Turner is stressing over not having his zinnias in . But there’s more that this retired custodian is interested in than his flowers. It was sweet. Gladys has had it with her husband and seeks solace by hiding in the cornfields. There are a total of 14 stories told from the points of view of 14 of the town’s residents, some of whom are part of each other’s narrative. I loved that Zorrie makes an appearance.
I can’t say that I connected with all of the characters, but still think it was worth reading. I’m hoping that Hunt writes more characters like Zorrie or Ash in Neverhome .
I received a copy of this book from the Bloomsbury through Edelweiss.
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Reading Progress
June 6, 2023
– Shelved
June 6, 2023
– Shelved as:
to-read
March 26, 2024
–
Started Reading
March 30, 2024
– Shelved as:
edelweiss-reviews
March 30, 2024
–
Finished Reading
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Laysee
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Mar 31, 2024 03:35AM
I’m glad this turned out to be a fairly decent collection of stories and you continued despite Candy agonising over paprika (!). Splendid review, Angela.
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Thanks, Laysee. I’m glad I hung in there because there was more to Candy’s story than the paprika !
I liked Zorrie too! Thanks for putting this one on my radar. Great review, Angela!
Nice review, Angela. Rare to like a book enough without connecting with the characters. You've interested me in this author though, but I'll try the ones you liked.
Sujoya, thanks so much.
Rosh, thanks . I found some of the same writing which I enjoyed in the novels that I read . I also think he did a fair job of creating the small town feel , so deserving of 3+ stars. I definitely recommend the two novels.
Lovely review, Angela. Your review reminded me that I have Zorrie on my TBR. Sounds like that would be the better place to start.
Antoinette, thanks ! Yes, I definitely would start with Zorrie.
Beautiful and thoughtful review, Angela. I still need to meet those characters in Zorrie and Neverhome.
Jennifer , thanks so much . Both are great characters’
Angela, I love those rhythms of everyday life that it sounds like Hunt has captured so well here. And it's good to know that your perserverence paid off.
Thanks , Lisa. Not my favorite of his, but I will continue to read what he writes .
I had to laugh over this "Candy" and her paprika :D Glad there ended up being more substance to this than absent spice ;) Terrific review, Angela :)
Lovely review, Angela! It was sweet to read about more Laird stories! Kobo had this on sale recently, but I avoided it because it was marked "Young Adult". Would you agree it's aimed at a younger audience?
Jodi , thanks ! I think the YA is a misnomer . I didn’t think any of the stories as YA. Go figure !
Angela M wrote: "Jodi , thanks ! I think the YA is a misnomer . I didn’t think any of the stories as YA. Go figure !"Oh wow! If it's still on sale, I'm going to buy it, then! THANK YOU!!!
Great review, Angela!I sure loved Zorrie!
