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Tumbling
Diane McKinney-Whetstone's lyrical first novel, Tumbling, vividly captures a tightly knit African-American neighborhood in South Philadelphia during the forties and fifties. Its central characters, Herbie and Noon, are a loving but unconventional couple whose marriage remains unconsummated for many years as Noon struggles to repossess her sexuality after a brutal attack in her past. While she seeks salvation in the church, Herbie gains sexual gratification in the arms of a bewitching jazz singer named Ethel, a woman who profoundly affects both Noon's and Herbie's lives when she leaves with them, first, a baby girl and then later, a five-year-old named Liz.
When a road planned by the city council threatens to break up this South Philadelphia neighborhood, the community must band together. Unexpectedly, Noon rises up and takes the lead in the opposition, fighting for all she's worth to keep her family and community together.
Tumbling is a beautifully rendered, poignant story about the ties that bind us and the secrets that keep us apart. With striking lyricism, Diane McKinney-Whetstone keenly guides us through the world of community, family, and the human heart.
When a road planned by the city council threatens to break up this South Philadelphia neighborhood, the community must band together. Unexpectedly, Noon rises up and takes the lead in the opposition, fighting for all she's worth to keep her family and community together.
Tumbling is a beautifully rendered, poignant story about the ties that bind us and the secrets that keep us apart. With striking lyricism, Diane McKinney-Whetstone keenly guides us through the world of community, family, and the human heart.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
October 4, 2016
This was really beautiful& warm…
Noon and Herbie’s marriage has suffered and is on the brink of separation but a package that was left at their front door will bring major changes into their lives and the community.
Diane managed to capture the atmosphere of the 1950s in Philadelphia, she brought the characters to life through the love of the community, the power of love and so much more. The book dove deep into the conversation about social issues that really got me thinking, from the culture of slut-shaming to mental illness. The characters made decisions that made them jump out of the pages, it wasn’t always the good and evil trope but we got to see the grey area of the moral spectrum. I loved the loudness of the atmosphere by the description of food, the fashion, music, a deep southern accent that just elevated the book to another level.
I also enjoyed the character of Fannie (Noon & Herbie’s adopted daughter) she is probably one of the best characters ever. Her ability to empathise with others and still manage to stand for her belief and for her loved ones was pretty admirable. I also thank the author for the beautiful description of the Natural African hair,women with strong big legs who feel comfortable in their own skin. Black is beautiful…
If you are looking for a book that features realistic family dynamics, a strong female friendship, beautiful depictions of the 1950s African-American era that touch on racism, emphasises the importance of the community with beautiful writing and amazing characterization this is definitely worth your time.
Thanks for reading :)
P.S. This is an Own Voice novel and if you are looking to read diversely I recommend it :)
Noon and Herbie’s marriage has suffered and is on the brink of separation but a package that was left at their front door will bring major changes into their lives and the community.
Diane managed to capture the atmosphere of the 1950s in Philadelphia, she brought the characters to life through the love of the community, the power of love and so much more. The book dove deep into the conversation about social issues that really got me thinking, from the culture of slut-shaming to mental illness. The characters made decisions that made them jump out of the pages, it wasn’t always the good and evil trope but we got to see the grey area of the moral spectrum. I loved the loudness of the atmosphere by the description of food, the fashion, music, a deep southern accent that just elevated the book to another level.
I also enjoyed the character of Fannie (Noon & Herbie’s adopted daughter) she is probably one of the best characters ever. Her ability to empathise with others and still manage to stand for her belief and for her loved ones was pretty admirable. I also thank the author for the beautiful description of the Natural African hair,women with strong big legs who feel comfortable in their own skin. Black is beautiful…
If you are looking for a book that features realistic family dynamics, a strong female friendship, beautiful depictions of the 1950s African-American era that touch on racism, emphasises the importance of the community with beautiful writing and amazing characterization this is definitely worth your time.
Thanks for reading :)
P.S. This is an Own Voice novel and if you are looking to read diversely I recommend it :)
July 14, 2009
I loved this book! I think I was just charmed by the little girl character.
September 13, 2010
I won Tumbling as a First Reads giveaway, and I was expecting very little from it. The bright and happy cover and jacket blurb (a story about the black experience in Philadelphia in the 40s, somehow linked to the jazz scene) seemed compelling, even though both proved to be somewhat misleading.
Tumbling over-delivered on its promise, but this is by no means a bright and happy story; nor is it much about Philadelphia's 40s jazz scene. Instead, the book revolves around the maternal Noon and the two girls she adopts, plus a tangled web of relationships and personalities that tumble around her.
First off, I truly enjoyed these characters. They were carefully rendered, wounded in their different ways but self-aware. Mostly, they were trying to be loving and gentle with one another, even when they strayed (Herbie), were flighty (Ethel), behaved with shallow self-interest (Liz) or were paralyzed by their own pain (Noon). Even when their choices or acts seemed heartless or cruel, McKinney-Whetstone never failed to remind us--with a light and masterful touch--how human each was, and how the pain they inflicted on others was almost an inadvertent and understandable consequence of their own, greater, pain.
The story really revolves around Noon and around a trauma so deep, so horrific that she has been rendered frigid. The way McKinney-Whetstone tells this story (or doesn't tell it, more precisely) is one of the most successful aspects of the novel. We hear about the experience that shaped every aspect of Noon's life (and also Herbie's; and secondarily, Ethel's) only in oblique references until a pivotal late scene. The narration and plot unfolds to reveal the trauma only gradually, and only as quickly as Noon will allow it to emerge. Very clever.
Instead of presenting this critical event in graphic detail, McKinney-Whetstone lets the consequences of the act show it for what it is. As Noon and Herbie struggle with the devil in Noon's past, which is never fully-known to either of them, the novel becomes almost unbearably intimate; as though one is peeking in a window at an excruciatingly private scene, through curtains that have mistakenly been left open. It is here that McKinney-Whetstone has ripped a page from Toni Morrison's book (or maybe several); although to her credit, the novel never feels derivative or inferior to Morrison's work. It just feels similarly filled with secrets that loom in the shadows, threatening and influencing every aspect of the characters' lives.
There's an honesty to these characters, too. Even though they each do their best to hide their pain and keep their own secrets close, they 'leak' -- at least to the reader. And so, the reader is drawn in ... watching, hoping that each will somehow find the courage to confront their fear, and speak their truth openly, sharing their pain to exorcise it.
These are my favourite novels: those that pull me into the characters to empathize and bond with them, despite their flaws. I came to care about these characters, deeply; I wanted to protect them; I wanted them to find happiness. And this bond makes the ending particularly suspenseful and dramatic (and worth the lag in plot that happens at about the 2/3rds mark).
Recommended.
Tumbling over-delivered on its promise, but this is by no means a bright and happy story; nor is it much about Philadelphia's 40s jazz scene. Instead, the book revolves around the maternal Noon and the two girls she adopts, plus a tangled web of relationships and personalities that tumble around her.
First off, I truly enjoyed these characters. They were carefully rendered, wounded in their different ways but self-aware. Mostly, they were trying to be loving and gentle with one another, even when they strayed (Herbie), were flighty (Ethel), behaved with shallow self-interest (Liz) or were paralyzed by their own pain (Noon). Even when their choices or acts seemed heartless or cruel, McKinney-Whetstone never failed to remind us--with a light and masterful touch--how human each was, and how the pain they inflicted on others was almost an inadvertent and understandable consequence of their own, greater, pain.
The story really revolves around Noon and around a trauma so deep, so horrific that she has been rendered frigid. The way McKinney-Whetstone tells this story (or doesn't tell it, more precisely) is one of the most successful aspects of the novel. We hear about the experience that shaped every aspect of Noon's life (and also Herbie's; and secondarily, Ethel's) only in oblique references until a pivotal late scene. The narration and plot unfolds to reveal the trauma only gradually, and only as quickly as Noon will allow it to emerge. Very clever.
Instead of presenting this critical event in graphic detail, McKinney-Whetstone lets the consequences of the act show it for what it is. As Noon and Herbie struggle with the devil in Noon's past, which is never fully-known to either of them, the novel becomes almost unbearably intimate; as though one is peeking in a window at an excruciatingly private scene, through curtains that have mistakenly been left open. It is here that McKinney-Whetstone has ripped a page from Toni Morrison's book (or maybe several); although to her credit, the novel never feels derivative or inferior to Morrison's work. It just feels similarly filled with secrets that loom in the shadows, threatening and influencing every aspect of the characters' lives.
There's an honesty to these characters, too. Even though they each do their best to hide their pain and keep their own secrets close, they 'leak' -- at least to the reader. And so, the reader is drawn in ... watching, hoping that each will somehow find the courage to confront their fear, and speak their truth openly, sharing their pain to exorcise it.
These are my favourite novels: those that pull me into the characters to empathize and bond with them, despite their flaws. I came to care about these characters, deeply; I wanted to protect them; I wanted them to find happiness. And this bond makes the ending particularly suspenseful and dramatic (and worth the lag in plot that happens at about the 2/3rds mark).
Recommended.
November 12, 2009
I absolutely loved this book! McKinney did a superb job creating characters that the reader can feel like they have known forever and will never forget. She portrays Philadelphia in an impeccable manner, by emphasizing the sense of community amongst the African American citizens, and its rich culture. This the first book that I have read by author Diane McKinney-Whetstone, and I'm sure it will not be the last!
April 12, 2016
Excellent Excellent Read
March 9, 2015
This story of a uniquely formed African American family that takes place in Philadelphia during the 40's and 50's is a deeply moving one. The marriage of Herbie and Noon is made vulnerable by the fact that it is not consummated due to a dark secret in Noon's past. She escapes her demons through church and Herbie does likewise in nightclubs and in the arms of another woman, when she's around and when she'll have him, a woman named Ethel who is everything that his wife is not. Nevertheless Herbie and Noon come to raise two daughters just months apart in age who are left on their doorstep, Fannie as an infant and Liz later on at the age of 5. There are multiple mysteries to unravel from first page to last, many struggles for the family to endure mostly because of the secrets and lies and maintained silences between them. The reader comes to feel strongly for each of the vividly and skillfully etched main characters, rooting for them to find light at the end of their individual tunnels, pulling for them to remain together when fate seems determined to tear their world apart. What a wonderful novel from such a talented writer.
September 17, 2012
Such an awesome story....The way The writer Tied Ethels past into her present activity was just .....Wow! I loved how she viewed her promiscuity as saving That one life that she was unable to do as a child....just an all around great story from a great author I must read more from ms. whetstone
March 22, 2015
Enjoyable read. It is amazing what love can overcome. What a true belief in God can accomplish, when you are set in knowing what you believe is true. This book centers around faith. Faith of characters and true love.
March 16, 2016
I expected to really enjoy this book because of the premise and all of the great reviews. I'm not going to lie here. This book was boring me to death. Outside of discovering Fannie on the porch steps the book took 38 pages for nothing to happen. I wasn't curious enough about Herbie and Noon or Herbie and Ethel or Fannie's possible "seeing eye" to go any further. When I'm in my 80's I plan to revisit this book. During that timeframe I will possibly be in the mood for stories that move at the speed of a 3 legged, blind turtle. I might be in the mood for a book that spends a lot of time describing weather at that point too. I'll see. Not right now though.
May 13, 2013
Even better the third time around. Its a good deep story about marriage, family and community. Very real characters, ones that remind you of your neighbor (Noon), family, that stuck up girl in your high school class(Liz), that bold confident straight shooter(Fannie). Tumbling gives us a look inside their lives and their why's. This is one should be a classic, Diane really wrote a bestseller. Ethel is my favorite, the complexity of her character is a work of art. Only gets better with age, We shall meet again in 5-10 years :)
December 6, 2021
Love. Love. LOVE. Diane McKinney-Whetstone does it for me every single time.
May 27, 2015
The characters in this book were lovable even with their potty mouths. Having spent some time in the Mississippi "country", the language used in this book is fairly representative to what I heard growing up. I don't remember hearing the f word so much though! So, fair warning to those wanting to read this book...there is vulgarity aplenty. I could have done without the "descriptive" sex scenes as well. I realize some information is needed for character development, but felt like I was intruding on some extremely private moments. Too much information for me!
With that said, it is a touching story of family, loyalty and forgiveness. I ached with these characters and appreciated the goodness in all of them. Noon's persistence at showing unconditional love and acceptance to her family and friends was sweet. Everyone needs a friend like Noon. Noon needed a friend like Noon!
With that said, it is a touching story of family, loyalty and forgiveness. I ached with these characters and appreciated the goodness in all of them. Noon's persistence at showing unconditional love and acceptance to her family and friends was sweet. Everyone needs a friend like Noon. Noon needed a friend like Noon!
March 13, 2014
I avoided reading this book for so long because the cover looked really old and boring, I'm so glad I finally looked past that. The saying is true never judge a book by its cover because this book was amazing. Tumbling is a beautiful story that just included everything. From betrayal to heartache, relationships, jealousy, tears and joy. Tumbling is beautiful written and so rich in its description. Tumbling bears some similarities to Sugar by Bernice McFadden but that may just be because I read them quite close to each other and they deal with some of the same themes but even so both are amazing books and well worth the read. This is one of those books where I couldn't tell you who the main character is, there were several and in time you grow to love each one of them throughout their good and their bad. This book was 5/5 and one of the top 5 books i've read.
August 29, 2023
Tumbling is a lyrical and vibrant portrait of life in a very specific time and place. The book is packed with themes of family, intimacy, self-fulfillment, trauma, oppression, and resilience. The African-American community in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s is brought to life with effortless detail. There were a lot of hardships faced by each character, with some shocking violence at times, which could make this a difficult read. I struggled to find a favorite character, finding the difficult choices everyone made quite frustrating and often baffling. There was a lot of sadness, but thankfully there was hope woven throughout the narrative.
*The audiobook read by Myra Lucretia Taylor was incredible, she is a master storyteller.
*The audiobook read by Myra Lucretia Taylor was incredible, she is a master storyteller.
September 5, 2010
A great book that I received from a Goodreads giveaway. It gives an interesting story and glimpse into a culture I know little about, black history in the north (specifically Philadelphia) during the 1940s and 1950s. I loved the jazz the references, especially since I had just taken a history of jazz class. On that note, anyone that reads this book should get a CD full of jazz music to listen to while reading it--but make sure it is jazz by black musicians to get the authenticity. I would recommend this book to anyone willing to read about the love and passions that bring families and communities together, but also can destroy if lit too strong or not enough.
December 11, 2007
this one really held my attention. i read it when i lived in Philadelphia, where it is set. the story is set the within the african-american community of south-philly in the 50s. it's differen, fun and an easy read.
August 25, 2013
It was an enjoyable read, but the ending seemed more than a little kitschy to me. Everything fell right into place like a puzzle piece, which isn't what I anticipated from a book so full of twists, turns, and drama as this.
July 28, 2014
Great book!! This book definitely held my attention, I love all the main characters in this book especially Fannie. She was free spirited, witty and very forgiving to others. This book is a must read!!
January 7, 2008
Pretty darn near as good as Blues Dancing.
March 23, 2010
Okay. I forget how I found this author or why I stopped reading her but I need to go back.
January 14, 2014
I read this book with my Book Club a while back and ejoyed.
Read
October 25, 2016APB Perspective Review :
This books is so worth reading , it's rich and story!
This books is so worth reading , it's rich and story!
January 24, 2022
MTABC truly enjoyed the characters of this book and appreciated the author’s writing style. You can really connect with each character and their story as the author walks you through their experience. We look forward to enjoying more of McKinney-Whetstone’s books.
December 31, 2019
A classic
This is a re-read for me, and I rediscovered that McKinney -Whetstone is a masterful storyteller. I think I'll revisit all of her work.
This is a re-read for me, and I rediscovered that McKinney -Whetstone is a masterful storyteller. I think I'll revisit all of her work.
August 24, 2020
This excellent novel is set in the 1940s and 50s South Philadelphia, which had immediate appeal for me, because it’s where I happen to live (South Philly, that is, not the 40s and 50s. I live in the 1990s. We have email but no social media. It’s great.)
It concerns an African American S. Philly community where the major social structures are the local church and jazz clubs. Rather than attempt to summarize the gestalt effect of the complex narrative that McKinney-Whetstone has woven together, I think it best to just present it as a word collage like this:
I just loved it. I think you will too.
It concerns an African American S. Philly community where the major social structures are the local church and jazz clubs. Rather than attempt to summarize the gestalt effect of the complex narrative that McKinney-Whetstone has woven together, I think it best to just present it as a word collage like this:
I just loved it. I think you will too.
November 13, 2023
“Her baby needed lavenders, and pinks, and lime greens. All Ethel could give her was red.”
💕
Noon with a past incident that prevented her from desiring sex, turning to church and caring from others. Herbie a hard working man who couldn’t get sex from his wife, turned to a blues singer - Ethel, mostly, and eventually a love for the newborn - Fannie, that he found on his way from Club Royale. Fannie, given up as a newborn but loved by Noon and Herbie, had the gift of sight but also turned to making sure that everyone around her was okay. Liz, the little girl that lost both parents in a car fire and raised by her aunt - Ethel and then left for Noon and Herbie to care for.
Then there’s Willie Mann, he grew up working earlier than he should’ve, then turned to sweet talking women in the basement of Club Royale. And last Ethel, a blues singer who witnessed a traumatizing event in her childhood, who turned to caring for men in her own way; that’s how she thought she righted the wrong that her mother committed years ago.
💕
The title tumbling was very fitting to this novel. Everybody was tumbling, trying to cope with their own struggles. Children born and left for a nurturing family to care for. The girls grew up together, learned, lived, and still struggled. But the most important thing here was that they learned that family will remain constant, and love from those that care for you the most will never run dry.
💕
My favorite character was Ethel. One, she was honest with herself and her capabilities when it came to raise a child. Knowing she couldn’t fit motherhood in with her career, she did the best she could. She actually took time in finding a home where she knew love was present, studying Noon from a distance and eventually up close. And in the end, when all truths were revealed she gave Noon and Herbie everything they’d wanted for so long.
💕
Noon with a past incident that prevented her from desiring sex, turning to church and caring from others. Herbie a hard working man who couldn’t get sex from his wife, turned to a blues singer - Ethel, mostly, and eventually a love for the newborn - Fannie, that he found on his way from Club Royale. Fannie, given up as a newborn but loved by Noon and Herbie, had the gift of sight but also turned to making sure that everyone around her was okay. Liz, the little girl that lost both parents in a car fire and raised by her aunt - Ethel and then left for Noon and Herbie to care for.
Then there’s Willie Mann, he grew up working earlier than he should’ve, then turned to sweet talking women in the basement of Club Royale. And last Ethel, a blues singer who witnessed a traumatizing event in her childhood, who turned to caring for men in her own way; that’s how she thought she righted the wrong that her mother committed years ago.
💕
The title tumbling was very fitting to this novel. Everybody was tumbling, trying to cope with their own struggles. Children born and left for a nurturing family to care for. The girls grew up together, learned, lived, and still struggled. But the most important thing here was that they learned that family will remain constant, and love from those that care for you the most will never run dry.
💕
My favorite character was Ethel. One, she was honest with herself and her capabilities when it came to raise a child. Knowing she couldn’t fit motherhood in with her career, she did the best she could. She actually took time in finding a home where she knew love was present, studying Noon from a distance and eventually up close. And in the end, when all truths were revealed she gave Noon and Herbie everything they’d wanted for so long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The writing kept me engaged. Although I thought I knew what was going on, I still wasn’t sure. Made me want to keep reading.
The characters were also developed well enough that some I liked and some I hated.
I will definitely be reading more from Diane McKinney-Whetstone.
The characters were also developed well enough that some I liked and some I hated.
I will definitely be reading more from Diane McKinney-Whetstone.
July 18, 2017
IQ "Fannie listened to Herbie's word spill out and fill the room. She knew she just needed to let Herbie talk. It was best not to interrupt him and remind him that it was damned hard on Noon too, nor would she counter him with how life was filled with pressures and that's not a ticket to go running around. Because actually Fannie did understand. Sometimes she could see through the action clear to the motivation. Sometimes she could sniff the vinegar behind the syrup in somebody's sweet exterior and mannered niceties. And other times, like now, in the face of a person's indictable wrongdoings, Fannie could see see straight through it all, all the way to his true nature" (271)
TUMBLING crawled along for me but it's slow pace allows the reader plenty of time to savor the refined writing style. I felt completely immersed in 1950s Philadelphia and the tight knit community, their struggles with racism and gentrification. Racism is not the central theme of the novel but it serves as an undercurrent, whether it's describing Noon's horrific incident or the battles to save their community from a road being built that would result in their homes being bulldozed.
I was swept up in gorgeously written one liners that described the characters or their emotions and interactions. While I wasn't bored, I also wasn't completely enthralled the entire time which was a disappointing reaction for me since so many people love this book. I recognize why it's such a lauded work, but for me it's not something I plan on re-reading.
Other favorite lines;
"Colored woman act tough, I know, but she's mostly a delicate thing, a very delicate thing" (Ethel, 58).
"The air around the club glittered as if it'd been spiked with silver dust. Herbie inched his tongue out into the air just to taste it, a drop of a dream that he'd never have even in his deepest sleep. [...] This was the closest he would come, a bit of silver dust on the tip of his tongue outside Eden" (Herbie, 129).
"Her voice went from shaking to a thin, straight line, from loud with emotion to deep and quiet where there was neither love, nor hate, just determination" (248).
TUMBLING crawled along for me but it's slow pace allows the reader plenty of time to savor the refined writing style. I felt completely immersed in 1950s Philadelphia and the tight knit community, their struggles with racism and gentrification. Racism is not the central theme of the novel but it serves as an undercurrent, whether it's describing Noon's horrific incident or the battles to save their community from a road being built that would result in their homes being bulldozed.
I was swept up in gorgeously written one liners that described the characters or their emotions and interactions. While I wasn't bored, I also wasn't completely enthralled the entire time which was a disappointing reaction for me since so many people love this book. I recognize why it's such a lauded work, but for me it's not something I plan on re-reading.
Other favorite lines;
"Colored woman act tough, I know, but she's mostly a delicate thing, a very delicate thing" (Ethel, 58).
"The air around the club glittered as if it'd been spiked with silver dust. Herbie inched his tongue out into the air just to taste it, a drop of a dream that he'd never have even in his deepest sleep. [...] This was the closest he would come, a bit of silver dust on the tip of his tongue outside Eden" (Herbie, 129).
"Her voice went from shaking to a thin, straight line, from loud with emotion to deep and quiet where there was neither love, nor hate, just determination" (248).
March 2, 2021
Cozy. I felt like I was wrapped up in the folds of my favourite blanket, on Noon’s green couch, taking my place as her third daughter. That’s how involved I felt with all the happenings in this house on a street in 1950’s Philadelphia. With their front door wide open, Noon and Herbie took in more than just two daughters she raised to be closer to her than her own flesh and blood, each with her own set of challenges.
This story is about people fighting their demons, fighting hard to protect their loved ones from stray bullets of a war of head vs. heart. As a victim of a heinous crime at a young age, Noon lives with her husband Herbie in a marriage that’s never consummated, much to Herbie’s disappointment. Herbie redirects his energy to nightclubs and carries all the attachments (read: Ethel) that lifestyle brings while balancing a family he didn’t expect. The story doesn’t stop there as we get to know Liz, Fannie, Ethel, and Willie Mann – people you come to love, or hate, but understand nonetheless.
The characters are perfectly imperfect, Herbie loyally disloyal, Ethel committedly fleeting, Liz deeply shallow, Fannie quietly outspoken and Noon tenderly fierce and all as equally loving. There are no extravagant affairs, twists and shocks. I enjoyed the simplicity and pace of the story. Now, I say simple but the writing is far from modest. Reading this reminded me of an almost forgotten form of prose, refreshing, articulate, that gives you as much as you need and your imagination does the rest. The story lives in between the lines as much as it does on them. Without the vulgarity, we’re exposed to the most broken, intimate moments of people moving against the tide.
The love, far from cliché without the fanfare, is palpable throughout as they truly *tumble* through life. It’s expressed in the words, the presence, the anger, the fight they put up to keep their family and community together.
This story is about people fighting their demons, fighting hard to protect their loved ones from stray bullets of a war of head vs. heart. As a victim of a heinous crime at a young age, Noon lives with her husband Herbie in a marriage that’s never consummated, much to Herbie’s disappointment. Herbie redirects his energy to nightclubs and carries all the attachments (read: Ethel) that lifestyle brings while balancing a family he didn’t expect. The story doesn’t stop there as we get to know Liz, Fannie, Ethel, and Willie Mann – people you come to love, or hate, but understand nonetheless.
The characters are perfectly imperfect, Herbie loyally disloyal, Ethel committedly fleeting, Liz deeply shallow, Fannie quietly outspoken and Noon tenderly fierce and all as equally loving. There are no extravagant affairs, twists and shocks. I enjoyed the simplicity and pace of the story. Now, I say simple but the writing is far from modest. Reading this reminded me of an almost forgotten form of prose, refreshing, articulate, that gives you as much as you need and your imagination does the rest. The story lives in between the lines as much as it does on them. Without the vulgarity, we’re exposed to the most broken, intimate moments of people moving against the tide.
The love, far from cliché without the fanfare, is palpable throughout as they truly *tumble* through life. It’s expressed in the words, the presence, the anger, the fight they put up to keep their family and community together.
July 8, 2017
I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but the cover of this book (hardcover version) is all wrong. The story has very little to do with 40s-50s club life and more to do with an extremely dysfunctional set of people who form a loose family.
This is the second novel I've read by this author after Tempest Rising. Just like the other story, this one is severely lacking. Both start out decently enough and then kind of ramble on seemingly aimlessly before wrapping up with an ending that leaves you feeling somewhat cheated of resolution. In a novel this size, I expected more. There's a major "mystery" that's obvious from the first couple of pages; sadly, it's never developed to its full potential. The story kind of stagnates after a brief opening, gets drawn out endlessly, and then it's over. I was actually happy to be done with it all, though.
The plot isn't helped by the author's peculiar writing style. Tumbling, just like Tempest Rising, is riddled with comma splices and many, maaany run-on sentences and fragments that often don't even make sense logically. One of the biggest problems I have with both books is that all too often the situations, mannerisms, and (especially) conversations just don't ring true. Over time they get more and more ridiculous, as if the author got lazy with the writing and threw in anything to add length to the book. If the book wasn't so bloated with such ridiculousness and unbearable word-for-word repetition, it would be much shorter.
I feel like I'm being generous with my rating, although it's not the worst book I've ever read. Let's call it a 1.5/5 star book for me. I'm still planning to read Leaving Cecil Street and Lazaretto because I already own them; I'm not exactly looking forward to either.
This is the second novel I've read by this author after Tempest Rising. Just like the other story, this one is severely lacking. Both start out decently enough and then kind of ramble on seemingly aimlessly before wrapping up with an ending that leaves you feeling somewhat cheated of resolution. In a novel this size, I expected more. There's a major "mystery" that's obvious from the first couple of pages; sadly, it's never developed to its full potential. The story kind of stagnates after a brief opening, gets drawn out endlessly, and then it's over. I was actually happy to be done with it all, though.
The plot isn't helped by the author's peculiar writing style. Tumbling, just like Tempest Rising, is riddled with comma splices and many, maaany run-on sentences and fragments that often don't even make sense logically. One of the biggest problems I have with both books is that all too often the situations, mannerisms, and (especially) conversations just don't ring true. Over time they get more and more ridiculous, as if the author got lazy with the writing and threw in anything to add length to the book. If the book wasn't so bloated with such ridiculousness and unbearable word-for-word repetition, it would be much shorter.
I feel like I'm being generous with my rating, although it's not the worst book I've ever read. Let's call it a 1.5/5 star book for me. I'm still planning to read Leaving Cecil Street and Lazaretto because I already own them; I'm not exactly looking forward to either.
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