Anne Enright

The Gathering

Mary Rose Luksha

I picked this up randomly at a book store, read the first few pages and was on the fence, but the fact that I read not just the first page but the first several, for me means I'll be drawn in. And I was drawn in to her story. I read a lot of reviews about how depressing the book was, or it was pretentious clever writing,and I see where people are coming from. But but but, I saw truth there. The way she would describe her grief, where it lived in her body, was true for me. Her relationship with some of her siblings, also felt true to me.

I read a review that said that an author should always spell out for you what their story is about, they should give you clues or hints to direct you, but I don't think so. I think the author should write the character, and if the character doesn't help you out, then at least it's true to the author's intentions and ideas. It's funny I search for truth in fiction, but I think it's there and easier to come out sometimes.

Granted, this is a bleak story, there's little hope in sight, but I enjoyed reading the broken memories and musings of a grieving woman.

The Gathering

Reviews