Jen’s Reviews > Fonseca > Status Update
Jen
is on page 166 of 272
Definitely feeling a bit Hill House and now torn about Penelope, even as her motivation makes sense for the 1950s and any time. Valpy and Chela and Jo Hopper are easier.
— Jan 13, 2026 03:12AM
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Jen
is on page 244 of 272
“Should pity be subdivided?” I have wondered this many times. Penelope is casually shameless to nearly reptilian, and now I wonder if I’ve been wrongheaded and baseline human is indifference.
Yes, this is the point of relatable fiction.
— Jan 13, 2026 04:36AM
Yes, this is the point of relatable fiction.
Jen
is on page 79 of 272
“…Penelope could chart Elena’s progress by the expression of her guests. .. Almost all immediately freshened their drinks after talking with her.” LOL
The stoic reporting of just-outside-normal-behavior from a sympathetic protagonist as everyone tilts surreal: it’s giving Shirley Jackson x Ann Patchett. I’m vaguely uncomfortable and like it.
— Jan 11, 2026 06:34PM
The stoic reporting of just-outside-normal-behavior from a sympathetic protagonist as everyone tilts surreal: it’s giving Shirley Jackson x Ann Patchett. I’m vaguely uncomfortable and like it.
