Sue > Recent Status Updates

I’ve decided not to continue reading this book. I didn’t realize when I requested it how closely connected it is to the earlier books and that knowledge of the characters would be very helpful. Rather than read without that and likely deprive myself of meaningful background, I’m going to stop now.

I’ve decided not to finish this book. Part of me wants to know how it ends but I’m very tired of the primary character, the way she is presented as somewhere between doting and deranged mother and wife with a young child who obviously has his own problems. Is there a haunting in their old house? Is this child hearing ghostly whispers? Is Elodie a loving person overwhelmed by life or deranged. Don’t care anymore

In the depression, moving into the labor movement beginning to confront Ford and his paid enforcers. Also following the gradual development and devolution of Fords great plan to make his own rubber in Brazil, Fordlandia. Epic presentation of so many affected by Ford and his plans.

Another Dickensians group read. Love these. Interesting book.

Wow! So much to see here. No one is left unscathed so far.

I’m going to DNF this book. I have finished the first three stories and simply can’t become engaged with them. The characters don’t have enough movement or internal momentum in their lives to carry me along. They think, but, so far, don’t really act in their own lives. Sorry. I’d hoped for more. I know many really like this collection but it’s not for me.

I am getting nowhere with this book. I keep putting off returning to it. I am going to DNF it. Sadly. I thought I would like this but I find it overwrought and difficult to keep my attention on these people who don’t seem more than caricatures. Maybe it would improve if I continued. Maybe I’m just not in the mood for this book now. Oh well. I tried.

A quote from a section of this book dealing with occupied Paris in 1942, as Jewish families are being forced out of their homes to places unknown.

“The world he once believed in—of reason, of medical ethics, of
fundamental human dignity—is gone, replaced by something
monstrous. And they have all let it happen, one small
compromise at a time.”

It does make one think….

The..steam wasn’t thick enough to fog the chipped mirrors, so his own wide eyes stared back at him from the mirror above the sink. The sight of his own face startled Robert.. He forced himself to straighten up..stop standing like a turtle in a shell..narrow his eyes into a glare. No, too much: someone would take offense. He softened his glare into a thoughtful scowl, alert but unafraid practicing which face to wear