I’ve been reading a lot recently – something I used to love to do and was number four on my list of things to do in the rest of 2011. It’s hard to believe it’s only been two months since I made that list…
Anyway, most recently, I finished Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes. I bought it at our monthly library used-book sale for a dollar. It has a little “Oprah’s Book Club” label on the front and I figured that was a good sign I might enjoy a good story and feed my female need for vicarious emotions. Here’s what I thought:
Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sometimes, people just aim too high.
The story and characters were well-crafted, I’ll grant that much – but the book gave off the distinct vibe of an author that was trying too hard for a literary masterpiece. So much was overdone: too many characters with involved story-lines, too much sexuality and crass language, too much abstract literary and poetic allusion, too much.
And yet the really big moments – the emotional pivots and climax of the book – are understated, like the author is trying to trick you. If you’re not reading closely, you’ll miss them. It seems arrogant, like she wants to catch you confused.
I loved the characters, but I am glad to be done with the book.
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