21st Century Literature discussion

How well did the first chapter set up the story? Did you sympathise with any of the characters in it? Were you surprised by the abrupt time-shift at the start of chapter 2?
These are just a few of the starter questions that suggested themselves, feel free to discuss anything else in this part of the book.

Hugh wrote: "How well did the first chapter set up the story? Did you synpathise with any of the characters in it? Were you surprised by the abrupt time-shift at the start of chapter 2?
These are just a few of ..."
The first time I read this book, I was cool to all aspects. However , after reading so many 5 star reviews from my respected GR friends, I re-read it and LOVED it. Yes, it sure pays to have the easy time, to read it with attention, in my case.

I also loved this book when I read it last year. The first chapter drew me in and I wanted to know more about these characters. I was actually surprised by the abrupt time change, I was expecting a bit more suspense on Beverly and Bert's affair but the book just jumped straight to the aftermath!

I found the abrupt shift at the beginning of Chapter 2 to be quite startling. It took me a while to sort out "when" it was and what had happened. That the Franny who is talking is the same character as the baby whose christening party I just left. That the man having chemo is the same character as the host of that christening party. I finished the book this morning, and now I think I probably need to go back and read the beginning again.

Casceil wrote: "I found the abrupt shift at the beginning of Chapter 2 to be quite startling. It took me a while to sort out "when" it was and what had happened. That the Franny who is talking is the same characte..."

The second time I read it, it became a 5 star!

The shifts between chapters is a bit disconcerting. This is my third Ann Patchett book. The first was a memoir on her writing process. The second was State Of Wonder in which she also did some storyline jumps. I think this is a writing technique she uses to slowly reveal the story a bit at a time.

I'm 22% through. I decided to listen to this on audio and the story lends itself well to this format. I really enjoyed the first few chapters. I was a bit nervous in the beginning because of how many characters are in the book. I wasn't sure if I would be able to tell everyone apart. However, the author does an incredible job with the characterization of the various individuals. Everyone is so fleshed out that I find I can follow along with the story without having to stop and rewind.

Surprisingly, I wasn't bothered by the abrupt time-shift. I do not tend to enjoy storylines that jump between the past and present as it can take me out of the narrative. In this case, I find it almost refreshing that we skip the parts with the affair and fast forward to the future. I am looking forward to reading more!

Kathy wrote: "The shifts between chapters is a bit disconcerting. This is my third Ann Patchett book. The first was a memoir on her writing process. The second was State Of Wonder in which she al..."

What was the other Patchett book you read, Kathy? This is my first by her but I am hoping to read The Dutch House this year :)

Navi wrote: "Kathy wrote: "The shifts between chapters is a bit disconcerting. This is my third Ann Patchett book. The first was a memoir on her writing process. The second was State Of Wonder i..."

I believe Bel Canto is the one of hers that will endure, although a lot of enjoyable reading exists in others.

Navi, I read State of Wonder which was great until it got to a point in the plot which I felt was totally implausible. I have Bel Canto but have yet to read it. I have heard great things about The Dutch House so I plan to read this one some time in the future. Ann Patchett is great with characterizations.

This was my first Ann Patchett book that I read and I really enyoed it. Although the time shifts confused me at first I also believe they were a more interesting way to learn the whole story of the characters and their lives.

I just finished The Dutch House and it is so good, I might like it better than Commonwealth. I read the hardcover version but even Ann Patchett recommends listening to the audiobook read by Tom Hanks. I will probably do that in the future as well.

Kathy wrote: "Navi, I read State of Wonder which was great until it got to a point in the plot which I felt was totally implausible. ..."

I think I finished it, but my experience was similar, Kathy.