Lark’s review of Mothers and Sons > Likes and Comments
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I loved Adam Haslett's 2003 debut collection of short stories, but must admit I've never made it through a single one of his novels - this one I barely lasted 50 pages. I wonder what a return to the shorter form might look like from him.
Gila wrote: "I loved Adam Haslett's 2003 debut collection of short stories, but must admit I've never made it through a single one of his novels - this one I barely lasted 50 pages. I wonder what a return to th..."
Gila, the prose in Mothers and Sons felt so lifeless to me and so different from how I remembered the brash momentum of You Are Not a Stranger Here that I took the collection off the shelf and read a few pages. Those stories are electrifying. Haslett’s style is simple in both books but the collection zips and zings. I can’t say everyone would prefer the older writing over the newer, but I do.
I wholeheartedly agree with your points. This book never engaged me. Ann was indeed boring. And Peter? He's emotionally stuck at age 15.
Can you tell me where/what #7 is? Got so bored and skimmed through it.
Sheryl wrote: "Can you tell me where/what #7 is? Got so bored and skimmed through it."
hmm. if I once knew the answer, then I've forgotten it!
Great review! I just found myself bored and uninterested in any of the goings on so this was a DNF for me. Felt bad because I was reading along with my Mom and she finished, but I had to bail.
Bobby wrote: "Great review! I just found myself bored and uninterested in any of the goings on so this was a DNF for me. Felt bad because I was reading along with my Mom and she finished, but I had to bail."
Sorry to hear you didn't like it. I hope your mom did!
I too apparently have a hard heart and tiny soul as regards this book.
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Gila
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Apr 01, 2025 09:50AM
I loved Adam Haslett's 2003 debut collection of short stories, but must admit I've never made it through a single one of his novels - this one I barely lasted 50 pages. I wonder what a return to the shorter form might look like from him.
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Gila wrote: "I loved Adam Haslett's 2003 debut collection of short stories, but must admit I've never made it through a single one of his novels - this one I barely lasted 50 pages. I wonder what a return to th..."Gila, the prose in Mothers and Sons felt so lifeless to me and so different from how I remembered the brash momentum of You Are Not a Stranger Here that I took the collection off the shelf and read a few pages. Those stories are electrifying. Haslett’s style is simple in both books but the collection zips and zings. I can’t say everyone would prefer the older writing over the newer, but I do.
I wholeheartedly agree with your points. This book never engaged me. Ann was indeed boring. And Peter? He's emotionally stuck at age 15.
Can you tell me where/what #7 is? Got so bored and skimmed through it.
Sheryl wrote: "Can you tell me where/what #7 is? Got so bored and skimmed through it."hmm. if I once knew the answer, then I've forgotten it!
Great review! I just found myself bored and uninterested in any of the goings on so this was a DNF for me. Felt bad because I was reading along with my Mom and she finished, but I had to bail.
Bobby wrote: "Great review! I just found myself bored and uninterested in any of the goings on so this was a DNF for me. Felt bad because I was reading along with my Mom and she finished, but I had to bail."Sorry to hear you didn't like it. I hope your mom did!
I too apparently have a hard heart and tiny soul as regards this book.
