The Girl You Left Behind

This is by far one of my favorite books as of late. I bought it as whim, expecting nothing. I may be biased for that reason, because of how pleasantly surprised I was.

In a hotel in a small French town, sisters Sophie and Helene struggle to make a living while their husbands are at war. Protecting their children, brother and home becomes a daily struggle. Sophie is the center of the story, being the most clever and strong willed. She reflects back on her life as the wife of a skilled painter.

A portrait of Sophie, from what feels like a different world, is hung prominently in the hotel. World War I German soldiers occupy their town and eventually the hotel. The head of the German army becomes infatuated with her painting, and in some ways Sophie. The story stops short at the peak of conflict. Sophie is tested on far she is willing to go for her loved ones, and her beliefs.

Flash forward a hundred some years, and Sophie's painting lands in an English widow's possession. Olivia, or Liv, is unknowingly harboring this complex piece of art. In a vulnerable state, Liv is trying to find herself. Eventually Sophie's story becomes the key to Liv picking up the pieces of her own life.

That being said, I really could do without the flash forward. The story of Liv is much less interesting, and so much more fluffy. Yes, it adds a layer of suspense and depth to the story, but being thrown from such a beautifully written story to a Danielle Steel novel is a little jarring. It's not bad, it just has its fair share of painfully cliche plot lines.

Overall, I really liked this book. In terms of thought experiment, it's such a mind blower. I identify with Sophie in so many ways. When it comes to bravery, I don't think that we are equal at all. But when she speaks of her husband, their life before and after the war, I can relate.

She's Come Undone

First off, I never apologize. So don’t mistake this as me owning up to anything I might have done. Ever. But, I will acknowledge the recent hiatus. Sorry, not sorry. I’ve read some interesting books these last weeks, that have deserved adequate posts. A little bit of writer's block and two weeks later, my writing has finally seemed to catch up to my reading.

Wally Lamb wrote my favorite book, I Know This Much is True. It is full of subplots and follows a journey that's ending is dramatically different from it's beginning. The adventure is disjointed and a times feels psychotic. She's Come Undone did not let me down as a follow up.

There is a person you know whose life is far from perfect. No matter what they do, their existence seems like a slew of bad decisions and bad luck. Dolores is that person. Throughout the telling of her tragic and complicated life, I feel conflicted. There are some things that are clearly not her fault. Her dad is a sexual deviant and wife beater. Her mom goes in and out of depression in a way that Dolores’ young mind can’t comprehend. A heartbreaking run-in with a deranged neighbor opens up a world of mental unease.

On the other hand, Dolores isn't the most likable character. She's a stalker, self-conscious yet in a way overconfident. She cares too much and too little. The people who care for her she spurns and writes off. She seems smart but holds back everything sensible she thinks. It's utterly frustrating.

From the outside, it’s always easier to say that someone else made a bad choice. On the same thread, it’s easy to say your downfalls are not your fault. "Locus of control" ‘n shit. Dolores was dealt a bad hand. She also does not make good decisions.

When she finally comes undone, it’s relieving. I hadn’t realized how tense I had been until that point. The lies, the pain and the stifling self control caused a sort of anxiety, like watching a train wreck. It is the one point where I actually like the main character.

Ultimately I feel this book is a great thought experiment. I don't identify with anything that Dolores does. I don't understand it and many times I hate it.