Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.
A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton
Fiction
1992 Anchor
Finished in July 1997
Rating: 3/5 (Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
From the author of the widely acclaimed The Book of Ruth comes a harrowing, heartbreaking drama about a rural American family and a disastrous event that forever changes their lives.
The Goodwins, Howard, Alice, and their little girls, Emma and Claire, live on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. Although suspiciously regarded by their neighbors as "that hippie couple" because of their well-educated, urban background, Howard and Alice believe they have found a source of emotional strength in the farm, he tending the barn while Alice works as a nurse in the local elementary school.
But their peaceful life is shattered one day when a neighbor's two-year-old daughter drowns in the Goodwins' pond while under Alice's care. Tormented by the accident, Alice descends even further into darkness when she is accused of sexually abusing of a student at the elementary school. Soon, Alice is arrested, incarcerated, and as good as convicted in the eyes of a suspicious community. As a child, Alice designed her own map of the world to find her bearings. Now, as an adult, she must find her way again, through a maze of lies, doubt and ill will.
A vivid human drama of guilt and betrayal, A Map of the World chronicles the intricate geographies of the human heart and all its mysterious, uncharted terrain. The result is a piercing drama about family bonds and a disappearing rural American life.
My Original Notes (1997):
At first I didn't think I'd like this book. It was too depressing. And it got worse before it got better. However, I became interested in the characters and wanted to know how they all turned out, in spite of all the tragedy around them. As a result, I couldn't put the book down and read at every opportunity. A gripping tale! Emotional themes. Not great, but not bad either.
My Current Thoughts:
I only have a vague recollection of this novel and it's not one I'd want to read again.
I vaguely remember this book, but I'm pretty sure I never read it. Likely won't at this point.
ReplyDeleteKay, it may have been one that I heard about from the online group (books.com). Doesn't call out to me to read again!
DeleteI'm pretty sure I read this one but can't recall much of it. I probably have to look for my notes on this one!
ReplyDeleteIliana, it's interesting how some books from that time period really stick with me and others don't. I guess that's just the way of books.
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