Quick Picks

I'm starting to get busy with work again, but I wanted to mention a couple of books that I have recently read and thoroughly enjoyed. You will notice that once again I'm behind the times – picking books that were discussed at least a couple years ago. What can I say? Paperbacks are cheaper and easier to cart around!

The Girls by Lori Lansens
At first glance I had serious doubts that a story about craniopagus twins (joined at the head) who live in a small Ontario town and work part-time in a library could sustain my interest for 457 pages. But as soon as I read the first line of the book, I knew I was about to enter into an amazing world.

I have never looked into my sister's eyes. Don't you want to read more? Thankfully I did, and I discovered the touching, heart-breaking world of Rose Darlen and her sister Ruby, through their personal entries, documenting all their dreams and heartaches.

Rose, the more literary sister, loves books and wants to be a writer, and in her 29th year decides to write the story of her life. No small feat, especially if your head is attached to the head of your sister. It doesn't take very long for Ruby to want to be a part of this creative project, and so the reader learns about the fascinating life of the 'The Girls' through two very strong and distinct voices. Initially one assumes that Rose is the more insightful of the two, but over time one discovers that it is often Ruby's no-nonsense perspective which reveals long-hidden truths about their lives.

The Girls is an extraordinary story about family and love, alienation and deep human connection. I will never think of the word "You" in the same way ever again. And I kept having to remind myself that this was fiction, not a true memoir. That's the sign of a truly gifted, authentic writer.

On Beauty by Zadie Smith
I was really hesitant to pick this one up when it first came out, once again because I was slightly distrustful of all the hoopla surrounding Ms. Smith's latest novel. And then she went and won the 2006 Orange Prize for Fiction for On Beauty, so I guess I just wanted to wait until the dust settled a bit before I took a taste. I had read her first novel, White Teeth, when it first came out, and was simply blown away. How could someone so young be so damned clever? I have a copy of her second novel, The Autograph Man, but haven't been motivated yet to read it. I'm sure I will one day.

Once again, for the most part, I tried to stay away from the reviews of this book, just so that I could have a fairly fresh view of the story. I was aware that Smith was paying homage to E.M. Forster's Howard's End in writing this novel, but I had read Forster's novel long ago as a teenager, and my memory of Howards End was pretty hazy, which I think was a relief, because I didn't want to tire myself with comparisons instead of just enjoying the novel. And what a novel! Sharp and tender – a satirical yet loving and forgiving look at two feuding families, the Belseys and the Kippses. In both families the fathers are academic men who are battling opposites in so many ways – economical, political, racial and intellectual – and through events beyond their own control, are often forced to face each other, and in turn, their conflicting, confusing families. As far as I am concerned, this is a tour de force for Ms. Smith. The story is extremely entertaining, and at the same time very insightful, touching on so many compelling ideas about family, love, race, art and friendship. I'm beginning to overuse this word I know, but what really impressed me with this book was the authenticity of the writing. All of the characters were so real to me, so painfully flawed and yet still lovable, fascinating and attractive. I dare you not to enjoy this book.

Comments

[iliana]

I loved The Girls and wasn't it amazing how you felt like you were reading a memoir and not fiction? I still haven't read any Zadie Smith. One day...

[JCR]

Yes, I feel the same way about criticism of Ms. Smith's work. Autograph Man was relatively good, I think. Hoopla does muddy the waters at times. Cheers.

[Beth]

The Girls was a fabulous book. Loved it.
And now I have to check my "Wish List" on Amazon.ca for "On Beauty." (I think I already put it there...I am inundated with recommendations...what great way to be...)

[Kerry]

Hello Patricia! I loved On Beauty, and White Teeth was brilliant, and I think our Zadie has quite a career before her. In my opinion, however, if you never get around to reading The Autograph Man, that might not be a tragedy. Though no doubt some would disagree. And thanks for your recommendation of The Girls.

[Mom of Three]

I can't wait to pick up The Girls the first time I see it in my used book store. This has inspired me to compile an entry about my favorite books, though I don't come across extraordinary books enough to do regular entries. Thanks for the recommend.