Amanda Vaughan
asked:
Loved the book but found Libby as narrator somewhat jarring. I kept forgetting she was the narrator in fact until her voice intruded. And her omniscience was unexplained - any other thoughts on this aspect? Why not just use 3rd person omniscient for each character?
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Fleishman Is in Trouble,
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Tracy S
It was absolutely jarring, which I think it was totally intentional! She "Trojan-horsed" her way into the story. Brilliant.
Matt
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Martin Rheaume
I agree and I didn't like that in the end, it's basically revealed that Libby is a stand-in for Taffy and she gives this long monologue on what we're supposed to take from the book. It's basically the patriarchy's fault that Rachel is crazy.
EILEEN
It was hard for me to follow due to this mysterious "I". I probably missed a lot due to that issue.
Laura Starzynski
I think her perspective allowed for a much more honest view of the characters. She knew Toby from before. She knew his potential and she sees his great qualities, but also how he has become a terrible person, especially in his marriage. She can also sympathize with Rachel more than anyone because she's been where Rachel is: a woman judged for working and trying to fit into a man's world while also trying to be a mother. 3rd person omniscient is supposed to be unbiased while Libby definitely has a bias, but it's a bias that helps best to uncover the truth because she cares about both Rachel and Toby in different ways.
Lynn
What Tracy S said!
Dubhease
Libby was the only adult character I liked. I did find it hard to figure out who the I was at the start. I wish she'd been in more of the book. She and Adam are a good contrast to Toby and Rachel, or even Seth and Vanessa.
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