Sue Miller (1) (1943–)

It took me a bit to decide that I liked this book. I almost never read the "Q & A with the author" at the back of the book, but in this case, I'm glad I did. I was happy to read that Miller had trouble warming up to her own protagonist, and it never occurred to me that it is actually an essential part of the book. It is also a frustration--not with the narrative, but because I think most of us can recognize the places in ourselves that we don't love. In some ways it is a tough book to read, but the slow "wisdom" that "creeps up" on the characters (as one reviewer put it), is perhaps more real than your typical fictional arc.… (més)

i really, really like sue miller's writing. i think this is the third of her books that i've read (while i was gone and the distinguished guest) and her writing is always just captivating. i found this really compelling, but i'm not sure that i actually liked what she was doing all that much, when i think about it. i am not sure why so many things in the first third were introduced; they really seem peripheral. i mean, the leo character wasn't even introduced until a third of the way in. i do think that 1986 was a different time, and i try to keep that in mind when thinking about what worked for me, and what didn't.

anyway, as a concept, this is really interesting, and she writes it well. what happens when you are pitted against your child or your lover, and you have to choose one? at the same time, i didn't really think her reaction, when she heard the issue, had enough doubt in it. she didn't ask to speak to molly so she could hear what she said happened, she didn't question her memories or herself, or really even leo.

definitely, though, a compelling story and concept, and her writing kept me very engaged throughout.… (més)