Savidge Reads discussion

I read the first 80 pages and find I just don't care enough about Larry to continue. Moving on to When I Lived in Modem Times.

I’m reading the books in order so this one is next. I’ve read quite a few but am taking this chance to reread them. Going from the start I wonder if I can get a taste of whether the books and standards have changed.

I've just started this and must admit it's yet another that I would not have picked up from the blurb but so far I'm really enjoying it. I've been instantly pulled in, it's obviously going to be a slow thoughtful read, I like the idea of dropping in on Larry over the years. I'm hopeful so far.

200 pages in and I have decided to DNF this book. Am sorry but I just do not find Larry or his life very interesting. I think that all I will take from it is that he is a man who designed and built mazes. I can see the various techniques Carol Shields has used in writing this novel - Larry himself is stuck in the maze of his life and can't seem to get out. As others have said - there is a lot of repetition of facts, which again reminds you of a maze. This reminds me a bit of Stoner by John Williams as it is a novel about an ordinary life, but I think I found Stoner more interesting!

I enjoyed the way that this book was constructed it was like every chapter examined Larry from a different angle or facet, it made me feel like every new angle was a turn round the next corner of the maze. I wasn't expecting to be surprised by the ending but I suppose it was fitting for the maze concept. I can understand how some would find this too slow a read but I found the time spent with Larry refreshing.