Curtis Sittenfeld, 2023 Another novel that doesn’t have much to do with mothers, but if there are any concerns about returning to that topic — not to worry. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming shortly. In the meantime, I have to rave about the first novel I’ve read by Sittenfeld. Quick summary: SallyContinue reading “Romantic Comedy”
Tag Archives: book review
Groundskeeping
by Lee Cole, published 2022 This is a writer’s novel, and as such I am going to critique it as a writer. Still, I do think it has broad appeal and explores a unique place. How many books have you read that take place in Kentucky? I don’t think I’ve read any before Groundskeeping. OwenContinue reading “Groundskeeping”
The Book of Mother
Violaine Huisman, 2018 I have to admit first and foremost that this novel hit extremely close to home, and may shadow my review. It is beautifully written with complex characterization and an engaging plot — I can understand why it was nominated for the International Booker. But I found the characters very frustrating. The bookContinue reading “The Book of Mother”
Run
Ann Patchett, 2007 Run is Ann Patchett’s fifth novel, published after the success of Bel Canto. It’s the story of several families linked in ways they don’t know, that come together one night in Boston after attending a talk by Jesse Jackson. Tip and Teddy are brothers, born to Tennessee and adopted by Doyle andContinue reading “Run”
February Round-Up
The Amateur Marriage, Anne Tyler, 2004I Feel Bad About My Neck, Nora Ephron, 2006Beside the Sea, Veronique Olmi, 2001 (tr. Adriana Hunter) I’m slowly making my way through Anne Tyler’s backlist, hoping I can make it last the rest of my life because each one of her books is such a joy to read. ThisContinue reading “February Round-Up”
Beloved
Toni Morrison, 1987 This is a novel widely regarded as one of the best ever written. I whole-heartedly agree. Not only is the story itself incredibly moving, every single character is compelling and well-developed, the sense of place and history is more vivid than any novel I can recall, and the prose is absolutely stunning.Continue reading “Beloved”
The Men
By Sandra Newman, published 2022 I stumbled on this book while perusing Libreria near Shoreditch. While it isn’t exactly about motherhood, it caught my attention because it’s probably one of the most conventional versions of a feminist dystopia you can imagine: all the men in the world – poof! – disappear. At first the worldContinue reading “The Men”
Animal
By Lisa Taddeo, published 2021 I don’t think I’ve ever used the phrase “tour-de-force” but it’s what comes to mind with this book. I initially had a difficult time getting into the novel because the narrator is a bit strange and probably a mentally ill. Joan is a bit like Eleanor Oliphant except that sheContinue reading “Animal”
Goodbye, Ramona
By Montserrat Roig, 1972; translated 2022 by Maria Cristina Hall and Megan Berkobien I had the pleasure of discussing this book with one of the translators, Maria Cristina Hall, at the invitation of its publisher Fum D’Estampa Press. Until this year, I had not heard of Montserrat Roig, and as this is the first translationContinue reading “Goodbye, Ramona”
I Lock My Door Upon Myself
‘Oh–but I didn’t really want them, I thought you did.’ By Joyce Carol Oates, 1990 This book had escaped me, although I’m a big fan of Joyce Carol Oates, until Mother Tongue magazine shared it on Instagram. It’s the story of Calla, told by her granddaughter in mythical-like tangents that keep you turning the pagesContinue reading “I Lock My Door Upon Myself”
Monica Cardenas 