Terms of Endearment - Larry McMurty

[Susie]

I just finished Terms of Endearment and it was a big meh. A much loved friend rated it five and I needed to read a book published in the 70’s for my IRL book club so I chose it, but it was average at best. There were several instances of domestic violence that were glossed over and made light of, and every male character was a misogynist. The protagonist was interesting and endearing to begin with, but after 200 pages of developing her character I needed something more meaty. The last 15% delved into a story that I felt should have been the central theme of the book but it was as though it was a poorly thought out, slap dash ending instead. I gave it three, but now that I’ve written this I’m going to go with a two and a don’t bother recommendation.

[[deleted user]]

Good review! The movie was really good! Of course, I saw it so long ago....

[KateNZ]

I’ve never read the book either - I’ll take it off the ‘maybe some day’ list and stick with the film as it sounds like the negative features would really annoy me. I might not have noticed if I’d read it in the 70s but it’s obviously dated badly

[Susie]

Yes, I think it has dated, and I wasn’t able to accept that it was acceptable for the time and place. The 70’s wasn’t that long ago!

[Susie]

*weren’t

[Tracy]

I liked the movie, mainly for the cry factor. I hadn’t planned on reading the book, and that plan will stay the same!

[Susie]

Yes, that plan sounds good!