This isn't to say that I didn't like the novel at all. I believe the way Tóibín constructed an undercurrent of Ellis' transformation and growth was both thoughtful and unique. I also liked that the ending wasn't one-dimensional and left room for thought, but overall the book seemed to be lacking. It was more plot driven than I prefer and lacked the nuances I have come to expect in modern literature. I think this would have been a better read for vacation. But I'm not going to give up on Tóibín yet. I hear The Master is quite different and I'd like to give that one a shot.
Publisher: Scribner, 2009
This was my 1st Toibin book, and I did like it --not perfect but enjoyable all the same for me.
ReplyDeleteDiane, Have you read any Toibin since Brooklyn? Was it similar?
ReplyDeleteHe's a writer I have associated to beat up paperbacks in second hand stores bargain bin. I have somewhat of a mental block to check him out. Plus, I think my mother likes him. Which is another mental block. My mom likes really weird stuff usually.
ReplyDeleteBen, I really was expecting more from him, probably because I had only heard good things. It wasn't all together terrible, just not my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteI actually really liked this book! It wasn't spectacular, but I thought a good read. Maybe I'm weird...glad you're reading Middlesex! It's a little slow (esp. in the beginning) but well worth the read.
ReplyDeleteEmily, Thats for the heads up about Middlesex. I've had it on my TBR forever and I am finally getting to it. I've heard great things!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first Toibin and I didn't like it either. The writing was good, but the plot was too gentle for me. I look forward to seeing if you like any of his other books at a later date.
ReplyDeleteI liked the first half a lot more than the second half. I do want to check out The Master though. It looks good and I'm a bit fascinated by Henry James.
ReplyDeletefarmlane, It's good to hear I'm not the only one. Gentle is a great description for the novel.
ReplyDeleteAvid Reader, Yes I've heard great things about The Master, and it's on the 1001 Books To Read Before You Die List, so I'm thinking it's got to be better than Brooklyn.
For some reason I expected Brooklyn to be character driven rather than plot driven and more about the immigrant experience, not sure why. Thank you for the head's up!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you didn't like Brooklyn - it is a quiet story but well written in my opinion. I do like Toibin - my favorite of his is Blackwater Lightship but the Master is also good (and even more so if you know/like Henry James) - it is very skillfully done.
ReplyDeleteI've never read any Toibin, but good to know this probably isn't the best one to start with!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Toibin yet, but the premise did sound enjoyable. I'd still like to check it out, but will bear your review in mind! Thanks for the heads up honesty! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book yet but I have a copy waiting for me. I have read varying comments so I'm interested to see what I think of it. I had The Master but lent it to someone and, unfortunately, didn't get it back. I've been toold it's quite different from Brooklyn in many ways which interests me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your informative & enjoyable review!