Ask Again, Yes

[Susan]

I had no trouble getting through Ask Again, Yes, a book about two families living next to each other whose lives are interwoven in several ways. At the heart of the story is the idea that good, lasting relationships require give and take, have ups and downs and, in the long run, are not the stuff of fairy tales. This theme usually resonates with me. I liked the plot well enough and I’d have thought it would support a good story but the characters failed to move me. I never connected with any of them, and their relationships didn’t feel deep or authentic. I wonder if the problem was too many characters with their own POV (I counted at least 5) for a book of this length.

(view spoiler)[ The two families are each headed by NY cops. The wife of one is mentally ill (schizophrenia?) and ends up shooting the neighbor man, disfiguring and disabling him but not killing him. Her son Peter and his daughter Kate, who were born close together, were inseparable childhood friends and in the 8th grade at the time. Peter is left a virtual orphan when his father disappears and his mother is packed off to an asylum. Kate and Peter don’t see each other during high school and college but eventually find their way together again and marry (still young), against the wishes of the families. Peter becomes a cop and battles alcoholism while Kate sticks with him. In the end the families more or less accept the situation and forgive each other. We don’t know whether Peter will win his battle or how close his mother (rehabilitated after years of therapy) will ever get to the families. (hide spoiler)]

[Amy]

This is one of those that is yo-yo ing on my TBR. I keep sort of thinking ditch it! Advice?

[Susan]

Amy wrote: "This is one of those that is yo-yo ing on my TBR. I keep sort of thinking ditch it! Advice?"

I usually like family sagas. I liked, but didn't love this one. But lots of people did, so there it is!