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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Review - Anne Tyler's DINNER AT THE HOMESICK RESTAURANT

This was my third book of the author. I did not care for the first two but the comments on my reviews were so positive about the author that I thought I must give her another try.

The characters are not lovable (this was the same for the previous read) - I found it a drag to read and go on reading what a negative character Pearl was. How her children turned out the way they did is a miracle! Pearl was abandoned by her husband and she did bring up her children single handed, but in the meantime she did not allow anyone to forget that it was a tough haul.

So much of bitterness and cold animosity - this is going to be the last Anne Tyler for me. I know life cannot be all froth and lightness but I do not need this in a book. It depressed me.

10 comments:

  1. I loved this book, and Anne Tyler.

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  2. I love Anne Tyler, but this one was not a favorite of mine. Have you read Noah's Compass? Loved it

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  3. I usually enjoy Ann Tyler's books. I haven't read this one though.

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  4. You have been busy with good books lately :)

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  5. That's too bad but not every author beloved by the status quo appeals to everyone. I must say that The Accidental Tourist was my first Tyler book and I loved its quirky, sweet characters.

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  6. I went through a huge Anne Tyler phase in the 80's which started with Dinner At The Homesick Restaurant and ended with The Ladder of Years. I haven't enjoyed her later stuff (something about a marriage? Never did get into it), but I can see why you might have felt depressed upon finishing her books. She's not exactly your 'picker upper'. Yet the idea of getting in your car and just driving as the heroine did in Ladder of Years? Sometimes that's more appealing than I can say.

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  7. You sound like my kind of reviewer! So don't like books that bring me down. Here's hoping your next read will be better! :)

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  8. I haven't read any Tyler, but I also find that I have problems with whiny characters .. that "Woe is me" attitude .. yuck! I have to deal with enough negative people like THAT in real life! :)

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  9. I didn't remember the plot of this book but I do remember enjoying it. But after reading your review, I can't imagine why!

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  10. I've also read 3 of Anne Tyler. I've liked but not loved her novels. I'd like to try another one, but maybe it'll be Noah's Comopass.

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