When: Start 2/15/13. Finished! 3/5/13
How: as an ebook on my ipad
Thoughts: I've been very intrigued by this book, wondering how Rowling's writing would translate to an older audience. So far, some things have shocked me a bit--things that never would have graced the pages of Harry Potter. But the intricacies of the plot are just as I would expect based on the other seven books I've read by her.
So now after reading this: it was longer than it needed to be. Way longer than it needed to be. By the end it all came together in a heartbreaking way that has left me thinking ever since I finished. Full of commentary and symbolism about class structure, community responsibility for the individual, etc. Though the omniscient narration annoyed me and made it difficult for me to feel connected to the story because it wasn't about one particular character's struggle, by the end it became clear to me why the omniscience was necessary. The book is about all of us collectively and how we fail to take responsibility for others because of being so wrapped up in our own crap.
I'm glad I read it even though it took me forever.
(click on the book image to read about the book on wikipedia)
Review haiku:
Pagford. Fields. Yarvil.
We are these communities.
Care for each other.
