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how i live now
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From: Linda Loewe <linda.loewe>
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 17:44:01 +0100
On Fri, 25 Feb 2005 16:50:12 00, McClelland, Kate
wrote:
Well, I am a lone cry in the wilderness, I suppose, but I for one find that the voice - unique as it is - does not make up for the other elements of the novel that I find singularly lacking. To me the symbolism is not effective but heavy-handed (that angel, for example!). There are passages that are certainly well-written, but the Edenic setting sentimentalizes the whole experience of war. A gardener...a nurturer: this idealization of the pastoral corresponds to the frankly schmaltzy ending, neither convincing nor heartening as a satisfying portrayal of the redemptive power of love. And I have serious doubts that anorexia can be cured quite so glibly.
In fact, this novel highlights what I often find problematic: the skill with language that a good stylist can use to cover up a lack of a real attempt to grapple with the subtleties and complexities of human behaviour. Glibness is not truth.
Linda
Received on Sat 26 Feb 2005 10:44:01 AM CST
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 17:44:01 +0100
On Fri, 25 Feb 2005 16:50:12 00, McClelland, Kate
wrote:
Well, I am a lone cry in the wilderness, I suppose, but I for one find that the voice - unique as it is - does not make up for the other elements of the novel that I find singularly lacking. To me the symbolism is not effective but heavy-handed (that angel, for example!). There are passages that are certainly well-written, but the Edenic setting sentimentalizes the whole experience of war. A gardener...a nurturer: this idealization of the pastoral corresponds to the frankly schmaltzy ending, neither convincing nor heartening as a satisfying portrayal of the redemptive power of love. And I have serious doubts that anorexia can be cured quite so glibly.
In fact, this novel highlights what I often find problematic: the skill with language that a good stylist can use to cover up a lack of a real attempt to grapple with the subtleties and complexities of human behaviour. Glibness is not truth.
Linda
Received on Sat 26 Feb 2005 10:44:01 AM CST
