by Sue,
Like ‘A Thread of Grace’,
Lawson’s book also deals with WW2, though, I think, rather more on the
impact on those left at home in Canada than on the battlefield. Reviews
suggest the main thrust is provincial life and family relationships
within that framework. We are promised ‘shocking events’. Were we
shocked, ladies? If so, why? Reviews also suggest that some of the
‘shocking’ events will arise from the relationship between Jake and his
brother Arthur. The blurb tells us relationships are ‘subtly wrought’,
‘complex’ and ‘wonderfully intricate’. So, ultimately, with which
brother do we most sympathise? (I’m hoping this is a useful question.)
It seems, too, Lawson is ‘fluent in the desperate intensity of the
small, individual dramas of respectable people’. Do we agree? And/or did
we enjoy it and if so why
Hello Ladies
ReplyDeleteHow are you both? It’s been a whole year since the baby was born, Katie? Congratulations. I have no idea how you keep ‘all the balls in the air’. Or how time passes so quickly. On the plus side here, there’s sunshine on the garden this morning, Mum and Dad seem a little more comfortable in their new home, and Jay will be back soon. A few weeks ago, I spent four days in London visiting excellent exhibitions, enjoying the daffodils and some gorgeous spring sunshine. Particularly memorable was a lovely stroll by the river from Tate Britain to Westminster. I was very lucky not to be there yesterday when a terrorist attack took place. Referring to last month’s book, there were certainly some threads of grace shown in response to the horror. I don’t know - everything seems so precarious, so temporary.
Permanent features of life in Straun, of course. Now I’ve read the book, I can see that asking with which brother one most sympathises is not a useful question. I think Lawson implies that Jake’s wickedness has much to do with his relationship with his father, whose approval he would have liked. All the same, the reader is set up by the prologue and there’s no way back from there. I did find the prologue shocking. Deliberate cruelty is always shocking. As is its attraction. I was shocked that Laura still found Jake an irresistible force. Reflecting on this, I can see why – fits right in there with Ian’s desire to leave Straun I suppose. Laura hadn’t wanted to come to Straun, she’s not portrayed, in Ian’s eyes, as the ideal mother and had she not been left pregnant . . .
I agree entirely, then, that the relationships are subtly wrought and complex, and that Lawson shows us the desperate intensity of the dramas of respectable people. The constantly changing viewpoints and shifts in time contribute enormously to the sometimes quite awful insights into human emotions. The ‘secondary’ characters contribute hugely to these insights: Pete’s response to Jim Lightfoot’s situation, Dr. Christopherson’s reaction to his wife leaving him, the impact on Cathy of her relationship with Ian . . .
I very much enjoyed the book, appreciated the writing, felt I’d like the author if I met her. However, my questions could have been a lot more useful in promoting discussion of the book. (I don’t think that’s the first time I’ve said that.)
In response to your comments, Katie, I enjoyed the open book month too. If we are to do it again, I promise to write about one or, at the most, two books. I should have put only that number on our site last time. Could have saved the others for next time. Could I consider a poetry anthology do you think?
Take care ladies. Much love to you and your families.
Hello Ladies,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your folks are settling in to their new home Sue, hopefully this will ease some of the worry for you. It will be wonderful for you to have Jay home again as well. Happy belated Birthday to little Lillian, Katie I can see by your photos just how much the children have grown and how beautiful they are, well done you!
I enjoyed ‘The Other Side Of The Bridge’ very much and found it beautifully written and despite all its drama I found it flowed in a wonderful slow cadence. I can’t say I was shocked over any particular incident though that is perhaps maybe more to do with me and feeling rather battered and bruised from all the truly horrific current events. The prologue reminded me of a story my father used to tell of him, his brother and a tomahawk . He carried that scar all his life.
I enjoyed the portrayal of small town life and the sense of drama that always seems to bubble under the quiet surface. I found that very convincing.
I’m sure we all agree our affections lay with Arthur and not the reckless scoundrel Jake. Arthur’s sense of duty and general good personness {?} made me feel very protective towards him. I also enjoyed Ian as a character. So many wonderful characters although I found them easier to keep track of than in our last story.
I am happy we all seemed to enjoy our free choice month. Shall we make it a six monthly thing? Or perhaps more regularly?
Poetry sounds like a wonderful idea Sue.
Should we theme our free choices do you think?
Am I getting too carried away?
love to you and your families
Hello Ladies! I’m so glad you posted about your safety, Sue. I was about to email on the 23rd to see if you were ok but I saw your comment first and was quite relieved! Nancy, I hope your crew is doing well. Hope things are going better for Grace. Lillian’s first birthday was so bittersweet. It’s hard to believe my baby is one already. Benjamin is growing so much too. Franklin and I are doing well; mostly just working. Spring is here but it seems that winter doesn’t want to let go. I started writing my post early and then got waylaid and now I’m last!
ReplyDeleteI found this month’s novel captivating. I found myself curious to see the outcomes of Arthur and Jake’s relationship so I was glued to the book. I did not really find anything “shocking” as the reviews suggested. I had a slight inkling as to what was going to happen between Laura and Jake. I, however, did not foresee the unfortunate ending with Carter.
We definitely agree about our preference for Arthur. I feel Lawson intentionally made him the preferred Dunn brother. I loved his hardworking stoic character. Arthur’s only flaw, to me, was his inability to love Carter. He agreed to take that child as his own and therefore should have loved him as such. I believe that if Carter had been raised as Arthur had, doing chorus and strenuous work on the farm, he would have turned out like Arthur and nothing like Jake.
I think doing the free choice either every six months or once a year would be nice. I’m not sure that I would pick up a book of poetry on my own but if either of you suggests an author/poem/what-have-you, I would be willing to give it a shot! I think I’m a little weak on understanding/deciphering poetry. Themed choices may help put a little structure to our free choice month. I’m not opposed either way.
Much love from the Chong Crew!
Hello again ladies
ReplyDeleteGlad we all enjoyed the book. I'd missed the similarities between the upbringing of Carter and Jake. Thanks, Katie.
A free choice every six months or annually is fine by me. We could try six monthly and if it becomes too onerous we could move back to once a year. Not sure what we mean by themed choices: love, war, horror, fantasy, science fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction . . . . I've probably answered my own question there. Might be a bit restrictive, but we could give it a go.
Don't worry about the poetry, Katie. And thank you for being so open-minded.
Lots to look forward to, ladies.
Love to you both
Sue