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Title: Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout ISBN: 0-375-70519-8 Publisher: Vintage Books USA Pub. Date: 01 February, 2000 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.88 (163 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Great writing, okay story...
Comment: After having this novel sit on my bookshelf for 2 ½ years, I thought it was time to finally read it. And while I can't say I was totally mesmerized by this book, I did enjoy it. However, it isn't the storyline that cinched it for me -- in this case, Elizabeth's Strout exceptional writing talent made Amy and Isabelle a 4-star book.
Sixteen-year-old Amy is disenchanted with high school. Spending her classes in a fog and smoking cigarettes with her pregnant friend, Stacy, during lunch seems about as good as it will get. But when Amy's old math teacher is replaced mid-year with Mr. Robertson, things start to perk up. And when Mr. Robertson starts paying special attention to Amy, the rest of the school year, and ultimately her life, changes forever. Into this mix is Amy's mother, Isabelle, who craves acceptance from her daughter, her boss, and her co-workers at the shoe mill office. And once Amy's secret about Mr. Robertson is out in the open, Isabelle questions herself, her parenting, and her own secrets from her past.
I will admit that the storyline did not grab me like I had hoped. The tone of the story was very mundane, unhappy, and drained of color. However, in some strange way, I ended up liking the book, and I will have to attribute that in part to Elizabeth Strout's excellent writing skills. I would definitely read another book by this author with hopes for storytelling/writing equality.
Rating: 4
Summary: An Authentic Exploration of a Mother-Daughter Relationship
Comment: "Amy and Isabelle" is the well-crafted story of a single mother Isabelle and her beautiful shy daughter Amy. The story takes place during a sweltering summer in mythical Shirley Falls. (Which reminded me of both Bedford Falls, the setting for "It's a Wonderful Life", and Seneca Falls, the upper New York State town where the first Women's Rights convention was held.) A river passing through Shirley Falls divides it into the "haves" and the "have-nots", and Isabelle has attempted to plant roots on the side with the "haves." After 14 years of trying to fit in, it's time for Isabelle to be honest about herself. Meanwhile, Amy is learning about her sexuality, and her need for love. By the end of the summer when the weather finally breaks, both Isabelle and Amy have had a kind of an awakening. Plenty of other small-town characters, from creepy Mr. Robertson to friendly Fat Bev, Avery Clark and all the church wives, and Amy's pregnant friend Stacy provide color and counterpoint to the main story.
If you're a mother or a daughter or both, like me, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 3
Summary: Merely O.K.
Comment: Another take on the traditional mother-daughter struggle. I'm still waiting for a fresh approach!
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Title: The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty ISBN: 1401300316 Publisher: Hyperion Pub. Date: 02 July, 2003 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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Title: Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan ISBN: 0804108633 Publisher: Ivy Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 1992 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Before and After by Rosellen Brown ISBN: 0385333269 Publisher: Delta Pub. Date: 13 October, 1998 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Heaven Lake: A Novel by John Dalton ISBN: 0743246349 Publisher: Scribner Book Company Pub. Date: 01 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $26.00 |
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Title: Skating to Antarctica: A Journey to the End of the World by Jenny Diski ISBN: 0060957964 Publisher: Ecco Pub. Date: 01 July, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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