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trin's review against another edition
2.0
Recently, as I was scrolling back up through my list of 2010 books, I came across this title, and it took me several long seconds to produce any recollection of what it was. Good sign, eh?—for both the book and my failing brain. Anyway, I have since managed to dredge up the memory that this is a book about several generations living in the hills of Appalachia, and the generally poor life decisions they make. Yes, one of those. I vaguely recall some pretty, sun-dappled imagery—although I might be lifting that wholesale from the cover image, like when you convince yourself you remember something that happened when you were two that you’ve really only ever seen in a photograph. But in general: several generations, poor life decisions. If you like that sort of thing, you will probably like this, but clearly it’s not a trope that does a whole lot for me.
byp's review against another edition
5.0
I immediately loved these characters and the setting. Greene is like a more readable Faulkner.
ultimatekate's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't realize how much I liked this book until I finished it. It was only then that I realized I had barely put it down for a few days. I think that's due to the engrossing characters as well as the author's style, which does not include many natural breaks.
What I really liked about the book is that it contained one of my most favorite things: multiple points of view. I liked the detective work of piecing together the story using what the characters told us. However, I don't think the character's voices were that well-developed. (To be fair, the characters is "Oscar" were extremely unique and distinct, so I'm probably comparing these characters to those. But still.)
The other aspect I really enjoyed was the descriptions of the actual mountain. Having lived in the city all my life and having only had one camping experience (which occurred when I was four and featured a disgusting pool and mosquitoes as big as my face!), I've never really had the call to get back to nature. I love the idea of it, but not the actual reality of that. However, Greene's description of the mountain and of nature made me want to go visit, if only for a day.
Somewhat related to the book: the cycle of violence is a very real thing. Such a shame.
What I really liked about the book is that it contained one of my most favorite things: multiple points of view. I liked the detective work of piecing together the story using what the characters told us. However, I don't think the character's voices were that well-developed. (To be fair, the characters is "Oscar" were extremely unique and distinct, so I'm probably comparing these characters to those. But still.)
The other aspect I really enjoyed was the descriptions of the actual mountain. Having lived in the city all my life and having only had one camping experience (which occurred when I was four and featured a disgusting pool and mosquitoes as big as my face!), I've never really had the call to get back to nature. I love the idea of it, but not the actual reality of that. However, Greene's description of the mountain and of nature made me want to go visit, if only for a day.
Somewhat related to the book: the cycle of violence is a very real thing. Such a shame.
deanna_rigney's review against another edition
2.0
This is the story of Myra Lamb, an Appalachian woman with stark beauty and a restless streak. This is told from 6 different perspectives, starting with Byrdie, the girl’s grandmother. It definitely had good moments with wonderful descriptive writing here and ...there, and each character had a distinctive and authentic voice, but at times the story seemed to go over into the melodramatic with way too much predictability. This could easily be made into a Hallmark movie or a pop country ballad and I couldn’t take it seriously for this reason.
lawrierl's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! The writing was so beautiful and descriptive. It made me long for a childhood in a place like this.
book_concierge's review against another edition
2.0
Greene examines several generations of a family living in the Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee. I wanted to like this book. It has been on my TBR list for a while and I typically like books that focus on family dynamics and the individual's need to experience the world beyond their childhood framework. I was intrigued by the publisher's blurb – a story that explored family legacies of madness and magic (a healing “touch” that soothes both people and animals). The central character – Myra Lamb – is a woman with “haint-blue” eyes, who seems to bewitch everyone around her just by the force of her being. The plot whirls around Myra but never really settles.
Basically, the book just didn't do it for me. I thought the storyline was too choppy and confusing. The multiple narrators and shifting time frames were at first intriguing but eventually resulted in my losing focus. I kept waiting for the “story” to really take off, and it never did – at least not for me. I was never riveted by the novel and found it too easy to put it aside to do other things.
timna_wyckoff's review against another edition
1.0
Amazon best of Jan
Hmm. I really enjoyed the writing style, but the message seemed to be that true love is so powerful that it causes (and excuses?) really horrible, damaging behavior.
Hmm. I really enjoyed the writing style, but the message seemed to be that true love is so powerful that it causes (and excuses?) really horrible, damaging behavior.
sjruskin's review
3.0
I think some of this story was just a bit too raw and brutal for me. I was cringing listening to it and just expecting the worst. Also, I felt like it just ended without a real conclusion.
jetia13's review against another edition
3.0
book club rejects intrigue me.
this book was ok. the characters were all a little crazy and it wasn't very happy. but the non-chronological storyline was fun.
this book was ok. the characters were all a little crazy and it wasn't very happy. but the non-chronological storyline was fun.
violetcat's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars (Seriously, why don't we have 1/2 star options...)
About midway through this book, I had the thought that if Oprah still had a book club, this is a book she would choose.
About midway through this book, I had the thought that if Oprah still had a book club, this is a book she would choose.