Well I needed to read something light, and this somewhat fit that need. I read it because I have very much enjoyed Kate Quinn. Unfortunately, the combWell I needed to read something light, and this somewhat fit that need. I read it because I have very much enjoyed Kate Quinn. Unfortunately, the combined efforts of Quinn and Chan did not (in my opinion) create a memorable novel. Four women: a young opera singer, a Chinese seamstress, a painter and a botanist come together through the orbit of an evil man. The San Francisco earthquake happens in the middle of the novel. Just because a novel is “light” doesn’t mean I automatically think that it has no merit or that I can’t enjoy it. This one just didn’t measure up for me. ...more
This is the story of two Russian Jewish sisters who flee the brutality against Jews (from the Reds, White and others) occurring in their small hometowThis is the story of two Russian Jewish sisters who flee the brutality against Jews (from the Reds, White and others) occurring in their small hometown after the Soviet revolution. Their plan is to go to the United States, where the young man the younger, dreamier sister has already moved. However, the US has recently closed its borders to Russian Jews and others – so the two sisters decide to go to Cuba. Their trip across the Atlantic is harrowing. When they arrive in Prohibition Era Cuba, they feel as if they have come to another planet! The author so well describes every aspect of life – from food, to drink, to dress, to dance, to culture in general – that is so different from the small Russian village of their youth. The older sister, Pearl, is an accomplished seamstress, and finds work. The younger sister, Freida, floats through life hoping to get to the US and her boyfriend. Of course, they are both taken advantage of and helped as they meet a wonderful variety of characters. Their life is extremely difficult and challenging. I really enjoyed the clarity and variety with which the author portrayed Cuba and its inhabitants at that time. The sisters are finally (separately) smuggled into the US, reunited and find peace. I thought the character of Pearl was very well done. The reader sees her burdens, her caution, her fear and her learning as she adapts to her new life. I particularly enjoyed the way her unspoken thoughts were frequently related in the novel – the reader was able to better experience her mental and emotional reaction to all the challenges she faced. ...more
This novel exemplifies literature as art. The novel consists of four “books” by different authors all about the same stock market magnate and his wifeThis novel exemplifies literature as art. The novel consists of four “books” by different authors all about the same stock market magnate and his wife during the 1920’s (and all, of course, written by Hernan Diaz). The first is a novel of the life of the main characters, the second is a self-serving autobiography written by the main male character, the third is a memoir written by the biographer of the family and the fourth (most wonderful for me) is the diary of the wife. Each of these “books” presents a different perspective on the family and its actions – but this is so much more creatively done that a novel that just has different characters’ points of view. Each of these “books” is its own, unique work, with its own, unique voice – and more importantly, its own, unique telling of the same story. Of course the facts are different, depending on which author is narrating - - so the novel raises the questions of “what is truth?” and “can you change truth (and memory) to fit your desires?”. The main male character is despicable, self-serving and arrogant (I’m trying to use acceptable words!) – but so incredibly well drawn. The main female character is highly intelligent, a victim(?), a schemer(?), a feminist (in her own world) – to say the least, she is complicated, interesting and wonderful. The writing is incredible in all respects. There are a lot of references related to financial and stock market matters and manipulations, and I know this has put some readers off. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am in awe of Mr. Diaz’s writing and creative abilities....more
Edited: This is a novel about the United States - then (1800"s) and now. I enjoyed the story lines and the characters in the two time periods, and I fEdited: This is a novel about the United States - then (1800"s) and now. I enjoyed the story lines and the characters in the two time periods, and I felt that Jonathan Evison did a good job portraying the historical and physical settings. This book is not extremely deep or complex, but it paints an entertaining and tragic picture of the development of the western United States (immigrants from Ireland and China, slaves, Native Americans and the importance of the railroad) as well as a cross section of Americans today (a railroad worker on the day of his retirement, a Native American woman looking for her future, a teenage Black basketball player and his mother, an Asian American professional wife/mother and her family). The "today" characters are all descendants of the 1800's characters. It was a "good read"....more
As others have said - this is not my favorite TC Boyle; however, it paints a very clear picture of psychiatric treatment about 100 years ago. This novAs others have said - this is not my favorite TC Boyle; however, it paints a very clear picture of psychiatric treatment about 100 years ago. This novel made me so extremely grateful for psychotherapy of today! It covers the mental illness of a very wealthy American man and the reactions of his wife to his illness including his mandated seclusion - particularly from women. Boyle also created an excellent character in Eddie O'Kane one of the patient's long time nurses. Interesting, but not a favorite....more
4.5 stars. This novel is about an early woman aviator as well as the actress who plays her in a film many years later. However it is about much, much 4.5 stars. This novel is about an early woman aviator as well as the actress who plays her in a film many years later. However it is about much, much more. It is about abandonment, growing up hard, sibling relationships, romantic relationships (including harmful ones and unrequited ones), flying, treatment of women in the early and mid 1900's, being part of Hollywood in our time, fear, war and death. I'm sure there are more......! The writing is very nice. I liked the benefits and comparisons provided by the two time lines, although I know a number of comments stated that they thought the current timeline story was unnecessary. I know it is a long novel - that did not bother me. I started reading and couldn't put it down. As I said to someone else, this novel won't depress you overload you with heaviness - it is just a good story well told....more
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