Monday, October 1, 2007
The Book is In - Let's Start Talkin'
Lorna Landvik has a host of characters in Tall Pine Polka. Her style of writing reminds me of the style of the series about the Episcopal priest and his wife. Landvik's characters are a little extreme but you might think of someone in your own town that is a little "out there". What are your first thoughts?
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6 comments:
I agree. I initially found it a little hard to connect with the characters because they seem almost caricatures of people. Lee and Fenny are the easiest for me to see as actual people and to some extent Slim...sometimes I feel like barking too. When Lee asks Fenny about her dreams and Fenny responds she doesn't have a dream...that really struck a chord with me. I find myself in that place now and found hope in Fenny traveling outside her 'comfort zone.'
I am a little hesitant to trust Big Bill. Any man that breezes into town could just as easily breeze out. He makes me want to warn Fenny to be careful. Although Lee seems vulnerable, Fenny seems innocent. I don't want her to be hurt.
I don't think the writing always flows really smoothly. The story, though a little far-fetched, is enjoyable. It makes you wonder if this is an early book that was published after her success with Patty Janes House of Curl and Your Oasis on Flame Lake, or if an editor chopped it up a bit to make it fit the prerequisite number of pages. I don't want to analyze the novel to death but I think the characters could be developed a bit more slowly, more surprises along the way. For example, the whole story of Lee's ex-husband is told at one time instead of gradually learning about how life has affected Lee's personality.
The story itself is interesting though agreeably far fetched. I think progress is limited to startling occurences in Tall Pine which leaves little time for a slower and more in depth character evolvement. Pete,who seemed to be a comic relief, has a real heart which I think could have added more depth to the relationships between all the others. I cried-AGAIN-when he finally revealed his feelings to Lee. Then I cried because she was going to miss out on soooo much after the chaotic entrance and departure of her ex into Tall Pine society. I think I may finish the book today. Keep me posted on your progress. Got our 2nd book chosen yet?
Overall, I was a bit disappointed in the book. The characters showed very little depth and the connections between them seemed contrived to be "interesting." The fact that Lee and Fenny both had children together with Bill was a stretch to make sure everyone got that little bit of happy ending Landvik supposed her readers wanted. Life just does not always end 'happily ever after.' I'm ready to move on from Tall Pine and read something else. What about you?
The story just became more and more outlandish. I was really disappointed that Pete died. Although Pete was not Lee's idea of "true love", I wanted Lee to be able to at least bask in the warmth of Pete's attention. She needed to be able to have something special all for herself. The story developed in a way that everyone lost, no one had uncomplicated love, if there is such a thing.
This will not go down as my favorite Landvick book. I would not hesitate to try again, as I have enjoyed other books she has written. I would not recommend this book to others.
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