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Astrid's Reviews > The Twelve Tribes of Hattie
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie
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After sticking with this book for five chapters, I am giving up. I don't typically enjoy Oprah's recommendations but this one has been so well-reviewed. The writing is good but it reads like a series of short stories about each of Hattie's children. I would rather have more of a plot. None of the characters were relatable or likable to me, especially Hattie. I have no tolerance for a cold, distant mother.
I concur with The Chicago Tribune's review:
"Our great novelists give us fully rounded characters whose lives reflect the limitations, the possibilities and the wonder of the times in which they live. Mathis gives us a one-dimensional portrait of their suffering--and little else."
I concur with The Chicago Tribune's review:
"Our great novelists give us fully rounded characters whose lives reflect the limitations, the possibilities and the wonder of the times in which they live. Mathis gives us a one-dimensional portrait of their suffering--and little else."
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Reading Progress
December 14, 2012
– Shelved
December 27, 2012
– Shelved as:
on-hiatus
Started Reading
January 17, 2013
–
Finished Reading
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Cynthia
(new)
Jan 30, 2013 06:11PM
You are so right! I felt exactly the same about the rave reviews in spite of my never reading Oprah's books. I thought the first chapter was very good but this wasn't about the Great Migration as I've read about it. Third chapter and out.
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I agree. Just because she's going down a painful path does not mean we have to sympathize and categorize her as a good and likable person. This may sound harsh but I feel like she and the people she chose to be close with all worsened her circumstances. It's a sad story but it's just that- a sad story. I'm not finished with the book but so far, I'm not inspired. I give it 3 stars- so far.
I have up too, I tried to like it but gave up halfway through.
I tried to read this book twice. Finally have up and added it to my could not finish shelf.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt this way. I too am shelving this book after 4 chapters.
I agree although I did read the book in its entirety. I enjoyed the writing but wish the characters were more developed and not completely flawed. I liked and related to Hattie until I got to the end. The book left me feeling hopeless and empty. I realized then that Hattie wasn't so likable.
Thanks for these reviews. I considered buying this book based on an interview I read w/ the editor, Jordan Pavlin, but I think I'll pass. No tolerance for "message books."
I didn't like any of the characters in this book. Life was hard, but no one seemed to "rise above."
What was the big appeal over this book then? Was it that it was just in Oprah's Book Club?
No structure no plot. Terrible
I just can't read it, just not appealing to me. why anyway anyone has to relay on Oprah taste? I would never read or don't read book just because it in her club. who cares????? It just one of few books I had to give up.It was not possible to get mimimum of interest in continue reading
Wow, a friend recommended this book to me. I kept reading it and was waiting for something to happen and it didn't, it just ended. I'm so happy to read that others didn't enjoy either
Mschauer wrote: "I agree although I did read the book in its entirety. I enjoyed the writing but wish the characters were more developed and not completely flawed. I liked and related to Hattie until I got to the e..."I think she was not a simpe character. I agree that she was not likable for much of the book, but then she could show strength as well.
To portray the effects of a cold distant mother upon her children was purveyed well. I guess a fictional account of the reality for many black folks of this era is too much for some people to stomach
