I'm going to keep this one short and sweet because it's been eons since I finished TransAtlantic and I don't have anything intelligent to say about it. I have to admit I didn't give this book my full attention. I listened to it while driving, spring cleaning and doing yard work. Having said that though, I truly appreciate McCann's writing. It's like listening to a bedtime story. His words, they soothe.
"We seldom know what echo our actions will find, but our stories will most certainly outlast us.”
See? Poetry. Much like Let the Great World Spin, this story weaves between past and present, non-linearly, magically tying together each character in an 'aha!' way. I wasn't familiar with any of these historical figures or events, so I know I missed out on quite a lot. I can't help but wonder though, that if the story was more gripping, would I have paid much more attention? Entirely better and more comprehensive reviews can be found on Goodreads.
Usually before I write a review, I read a few other opinions on Goodreads. I like to see who felt the same way I did about a book, but also those who had a different or opposite reaction. I have to say that this time I was totally shocked. Boy, did people hate this book. And I guess if I translated its meaning as literally as some, I would have hated it too. But maybe for me it came along just at the right time and I enjoyed it at surface-level. No need to get in too deep here. I also believe that was the intention of the author. I Take You being her first novel, I'd say Eliza Kennedy accomplished that goal.
Lily is hilarious and wow, can she drink. I have been known to over-imbibe on numerous occasions, but just reading about the quantities of liquor she consumed made me tipsy. Especially for a 27-year old!
"Men? They're not that hot. Not all-around, like women are. Men have random hairs and bad fashion instincts. Odd smells. They never exfoliate. Either they try way too hard, or they don't try at all. Of course, some are lovely, and most have a few good qualities, but sometimes you have to look hard for them. Like in those Where's Waldo? books."
See? Funny! As much fun as I was having reading about Lily's cocktails and sexcapades, the story started to fall apart toward the end. Will's big reveal just kind of cheapened the whole theme of the book. Why can't women have the upper hand just this once?! And that's the second subject that completely offended other readers. Plus, the "important deposition" (two days before her wedding!) was way too drawn-out; it was silly and forced. I would have been happier without it altogether. I'm also not sure her career added very much to the story. It would have been more interesting to continue reading about her childhood.
I do understand why people were offended by this book. And like I said, I typically would be too. But for some reason I enjoyed this little fantasy summer read. It's definitely not something I allow myself to read often, but once in a while it hits the spot.
I received I Take You from Blogging for Books for this review. * * * * *
I'm going to keep this one short and sweet because it's been eons since I finished TransAtlantic and I don't have anything intelligent to say about it. I have to admit I didn't give this book my full attention. I listened to it while driving, spring cleaning and doing yard work. Having said that though, I truly appreciate McCann's writing. It's like listening to a bedtime story. His words, they soothe.
