This book is very compelling and captivating. Despite what is clearly painful subject matter (something I think everyone should take into consideration prior to reading, as I believe there might be some triggers for more sensitive readers), this book is quite a page turner.
The world-building is phenomenal. I've never been to Greenville County, South Carolina even in the present day, let alone in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Nonetheless, I feel intimately acquainted with the place now. Dorothy Allison does a beautiful job evoking the imagery of South Carolina at this time.
The characterizations are rich and complex, with each character coming with his or her own personal and family history. Motivations for actions are subtle but apparent.
The language throughout has a lyrical feel, and carries the reader along the journey at a fast pace.
Dorothy Allison is self-avowedly feminist, and I'd call this a feminist piece of fiction. That being said, there is nothing about this work that is preachy (which would not bother me, but might bother some other folks). Allison raises many questions of morality and provides some possible answers to those questions, but never says what is "right," allowing the reader to form his or her own conclusions.
I'm definitely glad that I read this.
The world-building is phenomenal. I've never been to Greenville County, South Carolina even in the present day, let alone in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Nonetheless, I feel intimately acquainted with the place now. Dorothy Allison does a beautiful job evoking the imagery of South Carolina at this time.
The characterizations are rich and complex, with each character coming with his or her own personal and family history. Motivations for actions are subtle but apparent.
The language throughout has a lyrical feel, and carries the reader along the journey at a fast pace.
Dorothy Allison is self-avowedly feminist, and I'd call this a feminist piece of fiction. That being said, there is nothing about this work that is preachy (which would not bother me, but might bother some other folks). Allison raises many questions of morality and provides some possible answers to those questions, but never says what is "right," allowing the reader to form his or her own conclusions.
I'm definitely glad that I read this.
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