A review by azu_rikka
Caribou Island by David Vann
5.0
I just looove David Vann's writing! Unfortunately I don't really connect with his stories. But this one is beautiful and true and deep from start to almost finish. I don't love the ending (last ten pages), but one could see it coming. I had hoped that the author opts for the hopeful sort- he didn't- but where Vann is comimg from, it probably is the only end possible for him.
This book opened my eyes to resentment and not taking responsibility for one's actions and what that can do to a relationship. I rooted for all three resentment driven characters (mother Irene, father Gary and daughter Rhoda), hoping that they would be able to turn their lives around. Although Rhoda seemed to have it all under control at the start, we get to see more of her struggles as the story develops. The only sane person in the family is son/ brother Mark, who seems to be satisfied with his lot.
The way nature and the weather reflect the mood is brilliant. The dialog is often bitterly humorous.
This book opened my eyes to resentment and not taking responsibility for one's actions and what that can do to a relationship. I rooted for all three resentment driven characters (mother Irene, father Gary and daughter Rhoda), hoping that they would be able to turn their lives around. Although Rhoda seemed to have it all under control at the start, we get to see more of her struggles as the story develops. The only sane person in the family is son/ brother Mark, who seems to be satisfied with his lot.
The way nature and the weather reflect the mood is brilliant. The dialog is often bitterly humorous.