Divisadero by Michael Ondaatje
A Story within a Story
In Northern California teenage sisters Claire and Anna live with their father and work the family farm together with Coop, a boy who is brought into the family from a neighboring farm. Very quickly this family shatters. To say why, would be to give away a spoiler. So, sorry dear readers my lips are sealed!
I will say that we do follow all three characters into their adult lives. Anna becomes a writer of biographies, which brings us to the second half of the book. She writes about the life of turn-of-the-century French poet named Lucien Segura. There was also another story within the story.
This book is about the past, loss, and passion.
To be quite honest, at times I had trouble following along. I wasn’t always sure what family I was reading about until I read further. Then I would catch up and follow smoothly along until it happened again.
I didn’t dislike this book, but I do think it would have been better written as three short stories. I just didn’t see the connection. That said, Ondaatje’s descriptions of both landscape and characters were amazing.
3/5
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I totally understand what you mean. I loved The English Patient but I sometimes got lost. I wouldn't see when a character entered or left, or missed something. But on the other hand it was a beautiful story, great characters, etc. Interesting!
Amanda said... August 28, 2008 6:36 AM
Sounds very typical of Ondaatje. I'm not a fan at all.
John Mutford said... August 28, 2008 7:43 AM
I felt much the same way about Divisadero (http://thebluestockings.com/2008/03/divisadero-part-vi/).
I LOVED In the Skin of a Lion and Ondaatje's sentences are amazing, so I might give Divisadero another shot in a few years.
Jessica said... August 28, 2008 8:54 AM
Amanda,
Yes, that's why I was torn about only giving the three star rating, but it is important to me to know where I am an who I'm with in a story. However I am glad I read it for his prose.
John,
This is my first Ondaatje. I don't rule another out because I really did love his prose. However, I do also like a actual plot with substance that I can follow, which this lacked.
Teddy Rose said... August 28, 2008 10:12 PM
Jessica,
Maybe I'll try Skin of a Lion sometime.
Teddy Rose said... August 28, 2008 10:16 PM
This one keeps coming up in Yahoo groups I'm in - everyone wants to read it and yet I keep hesitating to join in. Your review makes me think maybe my "gut" is right to skip this one.
Wendy said... August 29, 2008 8:17 AM
It's not a total waste of time Wendy. His writing is beautiful. However, I know you and usually agree on books and the story is really lacking.
Teddy Rose said... August 30, 2008 10:34 PM
Hey Teddy - You won the Sweetsmoke Giveaway on my blog. Congratulations! Email me your address and the name you'd like your signed copy made out to. My email is anniebucknall{at}hotmail{dot}com
Annie said... August 31, 2008 3:40 AM
I am yet to read this author!
Here is an award for you!
gautami tripathy said... August 31, 2008 5:09 AM
Woo hoo Teddy - You'll love Sweetsmoke!
Wendy said... August 31, 2008 7:42 AM
Annie,
I yelled it out the way Wendy typed it..WOO HOO! I am so excited. I wanted Sweetsmoke so bad!! Thank You! Email sent.
gautami tripathy,
Thanks you so much for the award! btw, did you receive the book I sent yet?
Teddy Rose said... August 31, 2008 2:39 PM
Pretty much the same reaction I had to this book. Beautifully written but quite a bit of work to follow. Nice review.
Linda in Maine said... September 3, 2008 5:37 PM
Thanks Linda.
Teddy Rose said... September 3, 2008 8:10 PM
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