"There were, of course, the things her mother taught her without using words -- that the darkness of life had teeth and learning how to fight it was m"There were, of course, the things her mother taught her without using words -- that the darkness of life had teeth and learning how to fight it was more important than leaning how to write a thank-you note or press tablecloths."
I loved this collection so much -- stories about modern women, trying to survive on their own terms and make a difference in the world. That is, until I got to the last and longest of the collection, which I had a deep dislike for, for some reason. It also didn't seem to go with the rest. I wish she'd had other stories to round out this otherwise amazing collection and this probably would have been a 5 STAR book for me!...more
I felt I could read this in one sitting, so drawn to this character and voice was I. Each short chapter is like a meditation on ordinary life, for thiI felt I could read this in one sitting, so drawn to this character and voice was I. Each short chapter is like a meditation on ordinary life, for this single woman of a certain age living in an Italian city. She is rather somber, as am I. I found some chapters Rachel Cusk-esque, which goes a long way in explaining why I liked it so much. Will read her other novels when my TBR stack allows....more
This book has not received the acclaim it deserves! (Yet!)
Wonderful series of interconnecting stories that take place in an affluent, historic, suburbThis book has not received the acclaim it deserves! (Yet!)
Wonderful series of interconnecting stories that take place in an affluent, historic, suburban American neighborhood. I COULD NOT WAIT for each chapter to unfold, expanding on a minor character we met in one of the previous stories!
The lives of these people! So unique and interesting!
Looking forward to more from Lauren Acampora....more