I read this novel earlier in the year. I did like the writing but not the topic. Child abuse is just so sad.
This book was also a recent book group read and the members seemed to have liked it more than I did.
All of them admired the crisp writings and insights. They also considered the possiblity that the Grandmother allowed all her grandchildren to be abused to pay the cheap rent, because all the adult children are messed up in one way or another.
Many members also thought that the narrator, Veronica, was also abused because she diassociates during intercourse, has the long drives without any real reason, and cares about her children, but not as much as a mother normally does. Her torment and breakdown also confirmed their idea of abuse.
The style of writing, through the memories, is masterfully done. What memories are real and what are invented to protect the soul and mind of Veronica?
The novel ends with no real closure. As in real life.
4 comments:
The whole point of the novel is Veronica's warped memory and sense of time. That she couldn't recall the flow of events contributes to this seemingly incoherent, vague, and dream-like narrative. She could only make sense of the patches of memories that she did (passionately) recall, and that was what happened to her little brother that nobody else in the family knew. It's not an easy book to like but the writing is definitely first-rate.
I like your viewpoint of Veronica.
I might have to revisit this novel. I just didn't care for her too much, but now I am understanding why she is the way she is.
This is one I need to read soon. I am working on her short stories now, which I am enjoying.
I will keep an eye out on your review of her short stories!
For The Gathering, you need to be in the right mood.
Post a Comment