a book by Michael Cunningham and Pulitzer Prize winner.
Maybe I expect too much from books these days. This book tells the story of 3 separate lives, chapter by chapter picking off events and moments in their time. Perhaps the author thought that tying in Virginia Wolfe as one of the main characters would add to it's literary intelligence. And it must have worked, cause someone gave it the Pulitzer Prize after all.
The book has some very well written passages. The details are drawn in, like a fresh sheet pulled up to the chin. But, even with the swift delivery of plot, it still lacks the tying binds that makes it complete. The characters end up a rush dance of conclusion spouting deep philosophical images that are a cheap shot at the reader. Everything is left soupy, too haphazard to feel any defining emotion or closure.
It is a short book, less than 250 pages. It felt more like an extended short story in its lacking the development of character; then stretched into a novel format. It is a good waste of time, easy to start and stop again and again. Something easy to read while waiting at doctor's appointments. It is heavily weighted with depression and suicidal undertones, so leave it at home when visiting your therapist.
written on July 12, 2004