book reviews
I read a disturbing number of books in July (18 titles, most of those in a 2-week period). This happens if you put me in a place where there is no TV, no cell phone service, & no internet. Plus my surroundings were lovely, so I could read a bit, look up & see pretty things, read a bit more, lather, rinse, repeat. I did not object.
It would be nice to jot down at least brief notes about these books, & there's a lot of them, so I'm going to get started.
Mr. Paradise, by Elmore Leonard
Elmore Leonard is a mystery/suspense writer who is noted for being very good at conveying a sense of place, & of having oddball characters, snappy action, & believable dialogue. I haven't read much Elmore Leonard, but if all those things are true then I'm guessing Mr. Paradise is not the height of Leonard's authorial powers.
Which is not to diss the book. You know what this book is? It's good vacation reading. And you know where I was? On vacation. It was a quick read. I was entertained. The story was solidly put together, if a bit odd. I didn't love it because I felt the characters (especially the main female character) were a bit skimpy & the character motivations felt thin. But I'll certainly read more Elmore Leonard to see if any of his other work pulls me in.
The Birth of Venus, by Sarah Dunant
I originally read this book in 2006. My review then reads "Historical fiction set in 15th century Florence. Coming-of-age story about a 14 year old girl who must suppress her natural curiosity and talent in order to survive a rigid society. A little mystery, a little romance, a little politics, and some playing with role of historical figures of that era. Recommended, if you like any of those things."
I remember liking the book - mostly. I sorta remembered its basic premise. But there was something missing from from my memories, which is why, if I liked the book, did I not remember it more thoroughly? What didn't grab me?
Having just re-read it I will tell you that I really like this book... until the end. For most of the book you are drawn into a detailed account of the life & thoughts of a young woman in 15th century Florence. I find it fascinating. But at the end of the book there's a fast-forward high-speed wrap-up of the rest of her life that leaves me feeling cheated. I like the protagonist, I like the supporting characters, & I would gladly have followed them into a much longer saga. So I finish the book vaguely annoyed & very mildly resentful at having had them taken away, especially when other interesting stuff clearly happens to them over the remainder of their lives and I don't get to read about it.
Thinking about this my reaction seems a bit silly. After all, if I like 90% of the book, doesn't that average out to liking the book? Well I do like the book. But I don't love the book because... endings matter. It's the last taste the author leaves in your mouth, & if you aren't savoring it it can change your perception of the whole meal.
It would be nice to jot down at least brief notes about these books, & there's a lot of them, so I'm going to get started.
Mr. Paradise, by Elmore Leonard
Elmore Leonard is a mystery/suspense writer who is noted for being very good at conveying a sense of place, & of having oddball characters, snappy action, & believable dialogue. I haven't read much Elmore Leonard, but if all those things are true then I'm guessing Mr. Paradise is not the height of Leonard's authorial powers.
Which is not to diss the book. You know what this book is? It's good vacation reading. And you know where I was? On vacation. It was a quick read. I was entertained. The story was solidly put together, if a bit odd. I didn't love it because I felt the characters (especially the main female character) were a bit skimpy & the character motivations felt thin. But I'll certainly read more Elmore Leonard to see if any of his other work pulls me in.
The Birth of Venus, by Sarah Dunant
I originally read this book in 2006. My review then reads "Historical fiction set in 15th century Florence. Coming-of-age story about a 14 year old girl who must suppress her natural curiosity and talent in order to survive a rigid society. A little mystery, a little romance, a little politics, and some playing with role of historical figures of that era. Recommended, if you like any of those things."
I remember liking the book - mostly. I sorta remembered its basic premise. But there was something missing from from my memories, which is why, if I liked the book, did I not remember it more thoroughly? What didn't grab me?
Having just re-read it I will tell you that I really like this book... until the end. For most of the book you are drawn into a detailed account of the life & thoughts of a young woman in 15th century Florence. I find it fascinating. But at the end of the book there's a fast-forward high-speed wrap-up of the rest of her life that leaves me feeling cheated. I like the protagonist, I like the supporting characters, & I would gladly have followed them into a much longer saga. So I finish the book vaguely annoyed & very mildly resentful at having had them taken away, especially when other interesting stuff clearly happens to them over the remainder of their lives and I don't get to read about it.
Thinking about this my reaction seems a bit silly. After all, if I like 90% of the book, doesn't that average out to liking the book? Well I do like the book. But I don't love the book because... endings matter. It's the last taste the author leaves in your mouth, & if you aren't savoring it it can change your perception of the whole meal.