Helpful Score: 2
I just can't appreciate the weirdness of this book.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a very unique book. There were many sentences in the book which struck me and that I enjoyed very much (such as Mees' observation that her dog smells like popcorn), but I found the story difficult to follow. The short chapters describe a large number of different characters, and the narrative jumps from character to character even within the brief chapters. Perhaps if I had been able to read this book in one sitting I would have enjoyed it more. However, the novel is well-written and oddly touching.
Helpful Score: 2
Eclectic, wonderfully written with intriguing characters. A delightful read!
Helpful Score: 1
I had trouble getting into this book, and it didn't hold my attention, despite the "magical realism." Characters were good, though.
About men and women and obdurate girls, cats and corn and lichen and dogs, death and miracles. A story of Mees and her friends, an the worldy and otherwordly forces taht come into play in their town over the course of a summer.
This was certainly an interesting book. Truly, it was beautifully written and captured what seemed to be an entire town for the early summer. The meanderings about the nature of the world somewhat slowed down the action and because it didn't really delve too deeply into any of the characters' lives, it didn't seem like a very modern book. I did like the sections that followed the P.O.V. of the dogs in particular. While I did enjoy it, I don't think I would pick up just any of her other books, but I suppose I would keep an eye out for them... without any sense of urgency, however.
It reminded me, somewhat, of Leif Enger's writing, but only in the careful construction of sentences.
It reminded me, somewhat, of Leif Enger's writing, but only in the careful construction of sentences.
Author Mary Gordon says of this entrancing novel, "The Thin Place" combines elements that ought to be unmixable:it is metaphysically exploratory, psychologically questioning, and full of suspense. It is the work of a writer at the top of her form"
In gift condition. Excellent read - the characters are wonderful and things tie together in subtle, subtle ways. Even the animals in the book have a voice. Different and interesting.
Just couldn't get into this book. Three different stories going on.
I kept putting it down and by the time I picked it up again, I had forgotten the details of the stories. Its probably a pretty good book.
I kept putting it down and by the time I picked it up again, I had forgotten the details of the stories. Its probably a pretty good book.
British readers will know what I mean when I say that this is a Marmite book. Like the notorious British savoury spread, you either love it or you hate it.
I love this book. (Marmite, too. Not sure if that means anything ...) I love the beautiful prose, and sharp descriptions. I love the omniscient point of view, in which (among others, and in no particular order) people, dogs, beavers, carp, a moose and (memorably) lichen on a stone are given their say. I love the sharp insights into human nature. I love the slow burn. I love the misdirection.
For what it's worth, this is one that I will cheerfully read again, and again and again. Don't know about you. What do you think of Marmite?
I love this book. (Marmite, too. Not sure if that means anything ...) I love the beautiful prose, and sharp descriptions. I love the omniscient point of view, in which (among others, and in no particular order) people, dogs, beavers, carp, a moose and (memorably) lichen on a stone are given their say. I love the sharp insights into human nature. I love the slow burn. I love the misdirection.
For what it's worth, this is one that I will cheerfully read again, and again and again. Don't know about you. What do you think of Marmite?
