I think you would like the book Alba. As for the family road trips, there were times in the book when it brought back such distinct memories of a trip my family took with my grandparents to Disney World in the 70s that I could almost smell the hard boiled eggs my grandmother brought in a tupperware container and peeled on demand for my grandfather as he drove. Talk about stink.
Excellent and thorough review Brian. You are right about the conflicting opinions about this book, I’ve heard that the language can be pretentious but also raves about the writing. Marmite books always intrigue me as I wonder what side I will fall on so perhaps I will give this a try some time.
Great review. I live just one mile north of that border, and I used to do lots of volunteer work at those border crisis locations in NM, AZ and near El Paso. This book sounds interesting, but dear god a Lord of the Flies audiobook for the kids on a cross country road trip..!!?? 😳
I started it a few weeks ago, but after the first part I decided to pause it until the new year. I loved the themes, but wasn't convinced of the way it was written. I had some difficulties to believe in the characters, especially the children and it often didn't work for me as a novel. I also got annoyed that the author explained everything to me, she didn't seem to trust me enough as a reader. But I'm still considering to finish it in the new year.
I agree that sometimes the children seemed too wise and sophisticated for their ages. It didn't bother me very much, but I see your point. I'm interested in what you mean by "the author explained everything to me, she didn't seem to trust me enough as a reader." Could you give an example? I don't remember feeling that way, but I have heard alot of people who say they had issues with her writing.
