Well. I had to start this book twice because I just couldn't get in to it. Then somewhere in the middle I couldn't put it down. That crescendo faded fast and finishing it became slow and laborious. I must be missing something. It has gotten great reviews and the endorsement of Oprah, so it must be good, right?
The story centers around Hattie Shepherd who as a young 15 year old girl flees from Georgia to Philadelphia hoping for a chance at a better life. However, that didn't go as planned. She ends up marrying a man who is nothing but disappointing. Her first two babies (twins) die of pneumonia in 1925 leaving Hattie a hard and bitter woman. She gives birth to nine more babies and proves to be a cruel and seemingly unloving mother. The chapters of the book chronicle her children and how their parents, particularly their mother, has made an impact. Some of of the story telling is from Hattie's point of view, and some from her children. I think that is what is going anyway?
I was not so crazy about the story line or the writing style. I found it to be disjointed and it ended as if the author just got tired of writing. I looked more than once to see if the Acknowledgments had some sort of conclusion. No luck. Maybe you will like it more than me but it isn't one I will re-read or recommend. (241 pages)
The story centers around Hattie Shepherd who as a young 15 year old girl flees from Georgia to Philadelphia hoping for a chance at a better life. However, that didn't go as planned. She ends up marrying a man who is nothing but disappointing. Her first two babies (twins) die of pneumonia in 1925 leaving Hattie a hard and bitter woman. She gives birth to nine more babies and proves to be a cruel and seemingly unloving mother. The chapters of the book chronicle her children and how their parents, particularly their mother, has made an impact. Some of of the story telling is from Hattie's point of view, and some from her children. I think that is what is going anyway?
I was not so crazy about the story line or the writing style. I found it to be disjointed and it ended as if the author just got tired of writing. I looked more than once to see if the Acknowledgments had some sort of conclusion. No luck. Maybe you will like it more than me but it isn't one I will re-read or recommend. (241 pages)
I agree with Cindy's take on this book. I just finished it last night and also found it disjointed. By the last chapter I couldn't figure out if the woman speaking was Hattie's daughter or grand-daughter. Interesting plot plan but not well executed. Probably would be a better movie than a book - the actors would help keep it straight - at least you could identify the characters.
ReplyDeleteLinda