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Diane Barnes's Reviews > The Long Home
The Long Home
by
by
Well-written .......very moving passages and descriptions of people, locations and nature.
Well-crafted ........plot and characterizations carry the story along perfectly.
I am torn between 4 stars for the writing, and 3 stars because this book made me squirm, and not in a good, conscience stricken way as with a book that teaches me something, but because of the bleakness of the setting and his characters lives. I read some of Gay's short stories a few months ago, but had to give up after the fourth one because they were so dark. I hope the author was not as morose as his books. I wanted to read this for my group, On the Southern Literary Trail, as it was our December read, and I'm glad I did, but it will most likely be my last William Gay book. I know this will rankle with Gay's fans, as he seems to get mostly 4 or 5 stars in reviews, but he's just not my cup of tea.
Well-crafted ........plot and characterizations carry the story along perfectly.
I am torn between 4 stars for the writing, and 3 stars because this book made me squirm, and not in a good, conscience stricken way as with a book that teaches me something, but because of the bleakness of the setting and his characters lives. I read some of Gay's short stories a few months ago, but had to give up after the fourth one because they were so dark. I hope the author was not as morose as his books. I wanted to read this for my group, On the Southern Literary Trail, as it was our December read, and I'm glad I did, but it will most likely be my last William Gay book. I know this will rankle with Gay's fans, as he seems to get mostly 4 or 5 stars in reviews, but he's just not my cup of tea.
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Reading Progress
November 16, 2013
– Shelved as:
to-read
November 16, 2013
– Shelved
November 29, 2013
–
Started Reading
December 6, 2013
–
Finished Reading
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I hate to sound sexist, or coming off like a wimp, but I really think that Gay and McCarthy and a few of the other so-called "grit lit" authors appeal more to men. I don't shy away from unpleasant subjects as a rule, or I'd never read Civil War or World War novels. But evil and darkness of the human spirit are things that I'd rather avoid if I can. I know they exist, but I don't want to descend to that level.
I understand. I do read some crime/mystery novels (I.e. by Kellerman, Sandford) that can be violent but somehow I think the books that are more literary may be more disturbing. Perhaps it's partly due to the quality of the writing, the ability to create real characters.I did have problems with the last Sandford book because of the characteristics of the suspects who were horribly misogynistic. I'm rethinking that series.
Changed your mind, eh?
I certainly did, Howard. About Gay and McCarthy, and others as well.
Diane wrote: "I certainly did, Howard. About Gay and McCarthy, and others as well."Well, I've been told that only a fool never changes his/her mind.
Its pretty bleak Camie. I've changed my mind about Gay, he's a great writer, but that doesn't mean he's uplifting or positive.
Too many other things waiting for me.