Play Book Tag discussion

I had just finished reading a book I did not at all enjoy and wanted to immediately read something better, so I went to my Kobo and selected the first title I found that was written by a female author so that it fit the month's tag. Away From Her was my selection. I knew nothing about it and have no memory of how it ended up on my Kobo in the first place. I can only guess that it was on a list of books worth reading and I absentmindedly added it, planning to read it later. I am so glad that I did.

Away From Her is a short story. The print copy is only 76 pages. I am generally not a great fan of short stories, although I haven't attempted many. I suppose that is why I have not read any of Alice Munro's work, but I will now.

This story follows Grant as he watches his wife, Fiona's, memory slowly fade away. It tells of his love enduring despite the drastically changed roles in their relationship.

Sometimes the right books are read at the right time. My father has Alzheimer's and the relationship between my parents, who have been married for fifty years, has entered a new and trying phase.

I found Away From Her thought provoking, insightful, honest, subtle, and beautifully written.

Looks like a good one

I haven't read anything by Munro either because I tend not to read short story collections. I always feel like I should.

Munro is excellent. I read only collections because our challenge group has a 100 page minimum. I haven't come across this story before, but I suspect I will. I remember when Munro was awarded the Nobel prize a couple of years ago, many people thought "Finally!" or "It's about time!"

I think it was originally called The Bear Came Over the Mountain.

Susie wrote: "I think it was originally called The Bear Came Over the Mountain."

Oh, thanks. I fixed the book record to reflect that.

I believe this was made into a movie, as well, with Sarah Polley either starring or directing or both?

Yes, I believe so. I think that's why the title was changed.