A review by jesabesblog
Right After the Weather, by Carol Anshaw

2.0

This felt so long and slow, but it really wasn't. Only 269 pages. It's a character-driven, nothing happens kind of book, which isn't my preference (I prefer plot-driven). The main character is a set designer for plays and the more I reflect on the book the more it felt like a play itself. With most books that are supposed to be about character development you get to the point where everyone feels so real they could walk into the room. The characters in this book felt like actors in a play. Nothing really existed of them when they weren't on stage and as soon as the book ended, they disappeared.

This next paragraph skates on the edge of spoiling things, but I'm discussing the marketing for the book itself, printed right inside the front cover, and how it changed the reading experience:

One big thing does happen and it was a strange choice to put the only plot turn in the story on the jacket copy. I can't remember where I heard about this book or why I had it on hold at the library, so the jacket copy was my only impression going in. I assumed it would come up pretty quickly. I kept reading...and reading...and it didn't happen

Spoiler

until page 142!

I can't say it necessarily hurt the book to know a big thing is coming the characters don't know about, but I don't think the endless waiting for it improved the reading experience. The first half of the book is supposed to be 'normal' and the second half 'after.' Knowing in advance turned it into 'dreaded anticipation' and 'at least it finally happened.'