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A review by sterling8
March by Geraldine Brooks
4.0
I'm one of the few who didn't like Year of Wonders, so I approached this book with trepidation. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing. The historical accuracy seemed greater, perhaps because we're talking about more recent history.
March is definitely not a hero in my book. His supercilious ways, his naivete about slavery, his chauvinist attitude toward Marmee, and his insipid vegetarianism did not make me like him. However, he also is possessed of compassion, the capacity to learn, and some courage. I feel that he is ultimately rather selfish and narcissistic, but he was an interesting character.
I think that Brooks took a step back from Marmee's conflicted feelings toward her husband that made the book less interesting. Marmee starts off with resentment and distance, but ends up with the cliche'ed "but then I realized I really love him". Why not explore the more complicated emotions instead? Grace certainly seemed to have no illusions about March, even though she was compassionate towards him.
The writing was beautiful, too. As a character study of a flawed man of his times, I think Brooks did a good job. I'm not sure if much new was said about war, though.
March is definitely not a hero in my book. His supercilious ways, his naivete about slavery, his chauvinist attitude toward Marmee, and his insipid vegetarianism did not make me like him. However, he also is possessed of compassion, the capacity to learn, and some courage. I feel that he is ultimately rather selfish and narcissistic, but he was an interesting character.
I think that Brooks took a step back from Marmee's conflicted feelings toward her husband that made the book less interesting. Marmee starts off with resentment and distance, but ends up with the cliche'ed "but then I realized I really love him". Why not explore the more complicated emotions instead? Grace certainly seemed to have no illusions about March, even though she was compassionate towards him.
The writing was beautiful, too. As a character study of a flawed man of his times, I think Brooks did a good job. I'm not sure if much new was said about war, though.