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A review by hswhite
In Zanesville by Jo Ann Beard
2.0
This book was a chore to finish. I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters (except for the mother--I would have been much more interested to read a book from her perspective). There were too many characters, many of whom were introduced late into the novel, and somehow no drama or plot. Every time the author happened upon a scene or a conversation that felt like it was building to something, she cut it short. The conversations the characters do have feel largely pointless. Many potentially interesting plot lines were introduced and then immediately abandoned, often left unexplained.
The only way the reader can identify this as a period novel is through markers placed conspicuously in the text every now and then--lava lamps, bean bag chairs, references to 70s TV shows. The author seems only able to describe her dozens of characters through references to celebrities.
The text is heavy-handed and obviously manipulated in places. There are a lot of poorly executed transitions, meaning I had to re-read several sections to figure out where we were in space and time. Overall, don't waste your time. There are so many better books to read.
The only way the reader can identify this as a period novel is through markers placed conspicuously in the text every now and then--lava lamps, bean bag chairs, references to 70s TV shows. The author seems only able to describe her dozens of characters through references to celebrities.
The text is heavy-handed and obviously manipulated in places. There are a lot of poorly executed transitions, meaning I had to re-read several sections to figure out where we were in space and time. Overall, don't waste your time. There are so many better books to read.