This book is a character study. We follow the main character, Hildy Good, as she narrates about her life as a real estate broker living on Boston's North Shore. She is a flawed character, and we are seeing things from her point of view, so she can be an unreliable narrator, and I often like this as a plot device. We know that her family has staged an intervention because of her drinking and we know that she believes she does not have a drinking problem. The reader needs to read on to discover the truth. I think this may fall in the learning/experiencing category because Hildy is becoming more aware of herself as the story progresses. She is not a stagnant character, but a dynamic one that changes with her surroundings.
This has a setting that is very important as well. Leary describes the town, adds dalect, and fills the town with quirky side characters that really reflect the area in which they live. The audio book was delightful because the actress narrating the work really captured the speech of the area, and the reader really gets a feel for what life may be like in a town with deep historic roots.
The work is slightly literary, the writing style is more important, though, it is not sluggish. There are several plot twists and some suspense that does keep the story moving. I would probably say the pacing for the one would be medium. This is one novel that would probably appeal to several different types of readers for several different reasons. It has many layers to it, and makes it more complex and I think is ultimately successful. I look forward to see what this author will write next.
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ReplyDeleteThis is a great annotation, Doug. I also like it when you have to think about what's being presented by the character and draw your own conclusions. You made me want to read this one.
ReplyDeleteHowdy Doug!
ReplyDeleteTurnabout is fair play - you may want to look into "Sparkles" by Louise Bagshawe. It's similar to "The Good House" in that it is fast-paced, and loaded with a lot of drama in the form of murder and familial interaction. Also: fashion!
Throwing one more out there - "The Nanny Diaries" by Emma McLaughlin. It looks into the life of a put-upon NYU student who is the nanny of a young boy for a wealthy Manhattan family. Its a satirical look into upper class family life, with engaging dialogue that really flesh out the characters.
DeleteDoug, based on your enjoyment of a character study with a twist, you may enjoy A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. THe story spans a single day in the life of a college professor. His life is analyzed and broken down and backstory is filled in through tasteful use of details. The book ends with a minor twist that was necessary for the reader to understand why the story was even being told.
ReplyDeleteDoug, Knowing your love of mysteries you may like Mister Death's blue-eyed girls. It is set in Baltimore, Maryland giving it more of a true crime feel. The effects of the crime on the different characters especially Nora as she grows and develops is similar to the learning/ experiencing of the Good House. This is based on an event in Mary Donovan Hahn's life and takes place in the 1950's.
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