I very much enjoyed Ann Patchett's new novel Whistler particularly the allegorical tale about the lovely horse. I can't be the only reader who thought the story was heading towards a romance between the adult Daphne and her stepfather, can I? It took a different twist but I wonder if it might have had a more exciting ending if there had been an illicit liaison.
Perhaps my mind has taken a dark turn after reading Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. It's a twisted satire with very black humour. I'm too old to be following trad wife or homestead vloggers but I got the general idea. For some reason the writing reminded me a little of Donna Tartt. I kept turning the pages but the ending was confusing - presumably to reflect central character's Natalie's psychotic state - not sure that it worked.
I loved Wild Swans - Three Daughters of China when it was first published in the 1991. Can it be that long ago? Jung Chang's new book, dedicated to her mother, was published this year. I started Fly Wild Swans a couple of months ago but just didn't find the same magic in the writing, I will try again. Anyone read it?
8 comments:
I'm eager to read both Whistler and Yesteryear. I had to ask my daughter about the whole trad wife thing as I still have a hard time believing that influencers really influence, etc. Great premise for a novel. I don't know much about Whistler except that I love everything Ann Patchett writes!
I haven't read the new Chang, but I will look out for it. The other two are also on my TBR. And I like the fact that you were reminded of Donna Tartt; I was just thinking about rereading one of hers this summer. I dunno why, but she feels very summery to me (although I know I've read her in all seasons). I wonder why certain books/writers get lodged like that...
Yes I love Anne Patchett, too. I think my favourite novel is The Dutch House. I like her essays as well.
I wish Donna Tartt would write another novel. Three is not enough!
Hi. Yes, I have read & reviewed all three of these books -- yay. It did seem at first that Daphne and her stepfather were having some kind of secret rendezvous ... but luckily then it turned more paternal. I think that an illicit thing would've been too weird. Maybe too much Caro Burke, ha. I learned a bit from Fly Wild Swans and talked about it here ... You might have already seen my reviews of Whistler and Yesteryear. We are on the same reading wavelength! https://www.thecuecard.com/books/fly-wild-swans/
Definitely enjoyed Whistler and I agree that it did seem that a romantic entanglement was in the works at first. However, I'm glad it didn't pan out. As for Yesteryear, that was a bleak novel that kept me intrigued at first, but failed to deliver considering all the raves it has been receiving. I've heard of Wild Swans, but have never read - sounds terrific. And now that you mentioned Donna Tartt, I am thinking of reading her this summer :)
I have Yesteryear on my TBR list...and on hold at my library...but now I'm a little worried I'm not going to like the way it ends.
I loved Whistler, too, though Ann Patchett can do no wrong in my opinion. I'm not sure Yesteryear is for me, so I'm giving it a pass for now. Wild Swans has been on my tbr list since sometime in the 90s (!) and has been on my kindle for almost a decade. I can'r believe it's taking me so long to read it...
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