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.
Fiction
1999 Vintage (first published in 1998)
Read in January 2000
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
A tragic accident sets in motion a cycle of violence and retribution in John Burnham Schwartz's riveting novel Reservation Road. Two haunted men and their families are engulfed by the emotions surrounding an unexpected and horrendous death. Ethan, a respected professor of literature at a small New England college, is wracked by an obsession with revenge that threatens to tear his family apart. Dwight, a man at once fleeing his crime and hoping to get caught, wrestles with overwhelming guilt and his sense of obligation to his son. As these two men's lives unravel, Reservation Road moves to its startling conclusion. This is an astonishing tale of love and loss, rage and redemption, that is as suspenseful as it is emotionally compelling.
My Original Thoughts (2000):
Horribly, terribly sad! Riveting. Engrossing. Very quick and readable. How tragic to lose a child to such a senseless death. Somewhat anticlimactic ending.
My Current Thoughts:
I don't really remember this book and I'm pretty sure I never saw the movie. It doesn't sound like anything I'd want to read again, either.
Will skip this one, but I finished Whiskey When We're Dry last week at your suggestion. I'm still dealing with it. What a remarkable book--thanks for the recommendation, Les.
ReplyDeleteJenclair, I'm so glad you enjoyed Whiskey When We're Dry! It was a book club selection and as I recall, we had a pretty good discussion.
DeleteI'm (oddly) unable to read fiction that is sad right now, but I can and do read lots of sad nonfiction. You certainly rated this highly.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I think our hearts are heavy enough with all of the pandemic news that we don't need to add to that emotional weight by reading sad fiction. It was (as I recall) a good book, though.
DeleteVicki, it was a difficult read. I'm not sure I could read it at this point in my life, especially since we lost a child a few years after I read it.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the movie 2-3 times, it's very good. I like this author as well and do think I read the book way back when.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I'll have to look for the movie, but I doubt my husband or mom would want to watch it with me. Too sad!
DeleteI feel like I did read this one. Or maybe I'm getting confused and only saw the movie. Either way sounds very sad and don't think I'd be looking for this one again. I'm with you!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a sad read, but I'm curious about the movie and may look for it.
DeleteYeah I remember reading this novel .... and it is sad and pretty dark! I hate to think about the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteSusan, not an easy read, that's for certain.
Delete