Tau Kapow Kapow itibaren 9542 Scherzboden, Østerrike
Once again, Jeanette Winterson writes a gorgeous book that I'm not sure I fully understand. The Powerbook is about storytelling in the digital age.
I don't think I'd have given the book 3 stars if I had quit when I wanted to. The first 3/4 of the book were difficult for me to enjoy. I read for escape, and this one just felt too realistic. Too much like I was spying on a friend's family. But I kept reading. The author said that she chose the topic because most women are daughters-in-law. Of course this is the case for me, and this book made me think about my relationship with my inlaws. I know it was uncomfortable for Anthony and Rachel, but the author did a great job of growing all of her characters - not just the children. Not so much a "life must go on" as "life does go on". It has to, and families have to change with it. I'd love to give another star because this book really did make me look at my own family relationships - those with my inlaws, my sister-in-law conspiracy (there are 5 of us!), my mom (made me think about what it would be like to have my mother as a mother-in-law), and my future mother-in-law-ness. Food for much thought! However, that first 3/4 of the book prevented me from giving it that one more star...
** spoiler alert ** I picked this book out from the "staff picks" shelf at the library. I was intrigued by the cover and the title. I wish there were 1/2 stars instead of just whole stars for ratings. If so I would have given it a 2 1/2. The story line was good but way too long. I kept getting bogged down by it. I actually took a break and read 2 other bboks before I finished this one. THe long and short of it is Kate and Tully meet as young girls in the 70's at age 14. They grow up together and have a 30+ year friendship. And the book takes you through all 30 years. It reminded me of Gorundhog Day the movie. Every situataion with Kate and Tully was basically a repeat. No matter what happened between them, it was always Kate following Tully and Tully letting her down or hurting Kate. Then Kate was always the one to apologize even if it wasn't her fault. I was surprised by the breast cancer twist. The prolouge led me to believe they broke up over a man. The book picked back up in the end with the breast cancer diagnosis. However I feel that there should have been more time spent on that aspect than repeating everything that happened over the 30 year friendship. Also the authors note at the end was a surpise to me too. She talked about the breast cancer awareness in the note like that was what the whole book was based on, even though it wasn't. In some ways it was good but all in all it was just way too long. It was a page turner for me only because I was ready to be through with it. I may try something else by this author later on to give her another chance.