Kathryn Davis (1) (1946–)

A strange tale of the residents of the small town of Varennes—in Maine, presumably—who include a sixth-grade girl with an extraordinary talent. The daily life and inner thoughts of these mostly ordinary citizens is interspersed with historical, geological, metaphysical, and theological musings. The best parts were those told from the point of view of the animals. An odd book that left me wondering what the point was. I suspect that this would have been better to read than listen to as an audio book.… (altro)

British readers will know what I mean when I say that this is a Marmite book. Like the notorious British savoury spread, you either love it or you hate it.

I love this book. (Marmite, too. Not sure if that means anything ...) I love the beautiful prose, and sharp descriptions. I love the omniscient point of view, in which (among others, and in no particular order) people, dogs, beavers, carp, a moose and (memorably) lichen on a stone are given their say. I love the sharp insights into human nature. I love the slow burn. I love the misdirection.

For what it's worth, this is one that I will cheerfully read again, and again and again. Don't know about you. What do you think of Marmite?… (altro)