English language
Published Nov. 19, 2010 by Harper.
Engaging and disturbing, with a heck of a one-two punch at the end. Not only a good semi-autobiographical family saga, but fascinating coverage of several strands of Native American history in the U.S.
Let me say from the outset, that I wouldn't have chosen this book for my recreational reading--I'm leading two book discussions on it in the spring. My review is based solely on my personal observations and preferences (which I'll work consciously not to inject in the book discussions).
The story is about Irene, Gil, and their three children. Irene discovers that Gil has been reading her diary; so, she decides to write entries that will upset/hurt Gil in the diary he has found, while writing truthful entries in a diary she keeps in a safe deposit box. The entire book is comprised of the hurts (physical and emotional) that Irene and Gil enact on each other and the children. This is why I wouldn't have chosen the book for myself--it's just too traumatic. I'm very protective of my limited and precious reading time.
Let me say from the outset, that I wouldn't have chosen this book for my recreational reading--I'm leading two book discussions on it in the spring. My review is based solely on my personal observations and preferences (which I'll work consciously not to inject in the book discussions).
The story is about Irene, Gil, and their three children. Irene discovers that Gil has been reading her diary; so, she decides to write entries that will upset/hurt Gil in the diary he has found, while writing truthful entries in a diary she keeps in a safe deposit box. The entire book is comprised of the hurts (physical and emotional) that Irene and Gil enact on each other and the children. This is why I wouldn't have chosen the book for myself--it's just too traumatic. I'm very protective of my limited and precious reading time.
Interesting format for the story telling, but that's about it. I found the characters very dry and everything repetitive to the point of no longer mattering.
Interesting format for the story telling, but that's about it. I found the characters very dry and everything repetitive to the point of no longer mattering.
What a fantastic idea, what a sloppy deliverance.
Premise: a wife of a famous Native American painter realizes that her husband reads her diary and uses it to manipulate him by writing things she wants him to read.
It's a dysfunctional marriage and she wants out of it, while he wants to keep the family together by all means. Unfortunately, the story lacks a really strong reason why she wants to break out. Both main characters are unlikable and I found it really difficult to cheer for either side. By the end, it all became a sick game with no possible solution.
The reason I gave 4 stars, beside the promising, though unfulfilled idea, is the ending. It is so surprising that it changed my, until then mostly negative, impression of the book.
What a fantastic idea, what a sloppy deliverance.
Premise: a wife of a famous Native American painter realizes that her husband reads her diary and uses it to manipulate him by writing things she wants him to read.
It's a dysfunctional marriage and she wants out of it, while he wants to keep the family together by all means. Unfortunately, the story lacks a really strong reason why she wants to break out. Both main characters are unlikable and I found it really difficult to cheer for either side. By the end, it all became a sick game with no possible solution.
The reason I gave 4 stars, beside the promising, though unfulfilled idea, is the ending. It is so surprising that it changed my, until then mostly negative, impression of the book.
