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peter_gagne's review against another edition
3.0
This isn't a seat-of-your-pants action thriller. It's a psychological journey back through the connected lives of the victim and the narrator, who may or may not be her killer. It features a well-written male character from a female writer, who also gets the dosage of the anglo-franco Québec reality just right for the times.
The "foreignness" of the English narration of the French-speaking narrator is mostly done very well. There are times when an odd word or phrase sticks out, but doesn't trip up the reader.
All in all, a good read and a good story.
The "foreignness" of the English narration of the French-speaking narrator is mostly done very well. There are times when an odd word or phrase sticks out, but doesn't trip up the reader.
All in all, a good read and a good story.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
3.0
Is anyone aware of the debate over Rhianna's new video with the rapper who should spell his name M&M, but can't because of copyright? Some women, in particular those concerned with abuse, see the video as endorsing a blame the victim mentality (but blame the singers, not the actors. Why not blame all four?). Mel Gibson's most recent immoral activity is tied into this debate as well. I ask because the morning I started this book, CNN had a news story about it.
I don't know about the video; I've heard the song, but haven't seen the video. But when I finished this book, I thought about the debate.
It would be easy, too easy I think, to say that Appignanesi is doing "the blame the victim" route. It was, I must admit, the first thought that crossed my mind. The novel is about the death of Madeline, a famous actress. What comes out are secrets that were hidden, including some uncomfortable ones from Pierre, the defacto hero of the story. Instead, what Appignanesi is trying to get the reader to do is to think about the different aspects of love, hate, and even idol worship. What is the difference between a stalker and a teen who reads everything about the Jonas Brothers, has every picture of them pasted everywhere and writes them fan letters?
There is, of course, a difference. That's what this novel is about. To say anymore would ruin the book.
I don't know about the video; I've heard the song, but haven't seen the video. But when I finished this book, I thought about the debate.
It would be easy, too easy I think, to say that Appignanesi is doing "the blame the victim" route. It was, I must admit, the first thought that crossed my mind. The novel is about the death of Madeline, a famous actress. What comes out are secrets that were hidden, including some uncomfortable ones from Pierre, the defacto hero of the story. Instead, what Appignanesi is trying to get the reader to do is to think about the different aspects of love, hate, and even idol worship. What is the difference between a stalker and a teen who reads everything about the Jonas Brothers, has every picture of them pasted everywhere and writes them fan letters?
There is, of course, a difference. That's what this novel is about. To say anymore would ruin the book.
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