Helpful Score: 4
I have to say, I have quite enjoyed being able to tell my husband - as we are 30 days to the Presidential election - that instead of watching the politicos duke it out on cable news with him, I would rather "go read about the Plague". :)
Overall, an interesting book. I loved the main character/narrator. The details of the time, the illness itself, the mining and farming techniques and the human behaviors during such a time were interesting, fascinating. The details of the illness itself, while gross, did not disturb me.
The part that ruined the book for me was the "sex scene". It was just too... gratuitous - not necessary, made to reveal a detail that could have been revealed another way. It was too out of character for the two involved, especially when you look at him and what motivated him to do what he did. I feel that could have been left out and she still could have ended up the way/where she had based on the child. (I am trying hard not to write a spoiler!)
I also found the ending, though "nice" a little too unrealistic, and after reading the author's note, I kindof felt like she forced that ending for the narrator based on her own work and interest. Too contrived. Nice, but contrived.
I am interested to read the author's non-fiction now. She is a good writer and creates wonderful description. It was a beautiful read, for a book about the Plague.
Overall, an interesting book. I loved the main character/narrator. The details of the time, the illness itself, the mining and farming techniques and the human behaviors during such a time were interesting, fascinating. The details of the illness itself, while gross, did not disturb me.
The part that ruined the book for me was the "sex scene". It was just too... gratuitous - not necessary, made to reveal a detail that could have been revealed another way. It was too out of character for the two involved, especially when you look at him and what motivated him to do what he did. I feel that could have been left out and she still could have ended up the way/where she had based on the child. (I am trying hard not to write a spoiler!)
I also found the ending, though "nice" a little too unrealistic, and after reading the author's note, I kindof felt like she forced that ending for the narrator based on her own work and interest. Too contrived. Nice, but contrived.
I am interested to read the author's non-fiction now. She is a good writer and creates wonderful description. It was a beautiful read, for a book about the Plague.
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