Initially, I was going to give this book a three-star rating primarily based on its subject matter. You know when you are classifying a book with tags on mental illness, serial killer, and family secrets that this isn't going to be a feel good book. However, after reflecting on this thought-provoking novel and the issues that it surfaces, I gave it another star.
This multigenerational saga involves a working-class Catholic family of six from Elmira, NY. The primary narrators, initially, are Myra Lee, the oldest sibling who seems to be the caretaker for the family; Alec, the traumatized son, whose perspective reflects the darker side of the family; and Lexy and Fiona, younger siblings who pursue different paths in life that place them on opposite sides of class and power. Later, the only voices are Myra; Alex; and Ronan, Myra's son, an aspiring playwriter, who struggles, like his estranged father, with mental illness. All narration occurs at varying single days over a sixty year history.
According to an interview with Adam Rapp, Cormac McCarthy was a major influence, which is evidenced in this novel. Although there is no overt violence in this novel, it is still a dark and gloomy work. The plot is well crafted and moves steadily along. Although this is a grim novel there is a ray of hope at the end.
This multigenerational saga involves a working-class Catholic family of six from Elmira, NY. The primary narrators, initially, are Myra Lee, the oldest sibling who seems to be the caretaker for the family; Alec, the traumatized son, whose perspective reflects the darker side of the family; and Lexy and Fiona, younger siblings who pursue different paths in life that place them on opposite sides of class and power. Later, the only voices are Myra; Alex; and Ronan, Myra's son, an aspiring playwriter, who struggles, like his estranged father, with mental illness. All narration occurs at varying single days over a sixty year history.
According to an interview with Adam Rapp, Cormac McCarthy was a major influence, which is evidenced in this novel. Although there is no overt violence in this novel, it is still a dark and gloomy work. The plot is well crafted and moves steadily along. Although this is a grim novel there is a ray of hope at the end.