The characters build imperceptibly until you notice that you’re thinking of them as people. It’s not a matter of giving them the right number of flaws, unique voices, or relatable moments-it’s Tyler’s ability to craft events from multiple viewpoints that adds nuance to each character and situation. Most striking is how the main cast, Pearl and her three children (Cody, Ezra, and Jenny) feel so authentic. The truth is likely somewhere between Pearl’s version, and those of her children. Each chapter follows a different member of the family. Chapter Two picks up from the perspective of one of her children and we learn that Pearl is an unreliable narrator she shapes events according to how she views herself, and the way she wants to be remembered. The non-linear narrative follows the pattern of memory and builds a cohesive picture of Pearl across the opening chapter. Her mind slips back and she remembers her life, her marriage, and her children. (You still need to read it, though!)Īt the outset, Pearl Tull is dying and cared for by her son, Ezra (the “good” son). It’s not right to label this book “depressing,” but its engrossing depiction of unhappy people isn’t the cheeriest gift for a holiday that’s already awash in familial weirdness. Two chapters in, I put seven copies of Anne Tyler’s Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant in my Amazon cart for Christmas and texted folks to say: I found your gift early! A few more chapters and I cleared my cart, sent a round of “Neverminds,” and poured a big drink.
0 kommentar(er)
