This book is intriguing less for what it is than what it is not. Smiley tells us, year by year since the early part of the 20th century, about the major and minor events in the lives of an Iowa family. She shows how these people are affected by historical events, sometimes profoundly and sometimes with a glancing blow. This family saga is peopled by folks who are modestly interesting; it is not a traditional novel that follows an arc of beginning, middle and end, punctuated by drama and, perhaps, transformation. It is more an attempt to write an authentic account of life rather than a moral lesson, gripping tale or piece of entertainment. Think of it as Michener without high drama, with richer characters and with better writing. This makes the story intriguing and makes me want to see what's next, as she moves the tale forward into our days. But it could be more than it is. Beautifully written, this novel tells the story of the life of the Walter Langdon family from 1920 to 1953. Each chapter covers a year of Langdon family life. Smiley is able to provide bits of historical detail, especially with regard to the farming life, in each chapter. Her writing is so detailed, that the reader feels she is a fly on the wall; a witness to each event. I did feel that the interest factor in the chapters were patchy, which I guess is life, as some years are more “eventful” than others. I found a few chapters to be too impassive and a little boring, so much so that I wondered why she wrote them. It didn’t seem to move the story further, for me. Because her style is readable and beautiful, I didn’t abandon the book. The best chapters were near the end, detailing Frank and Arthur’s “adventures”. I do hope Smiley dedicates the next book in the trilogy to Frank and Arthur’s espionage relationship. If you want a fast paced novel, this isn’t for you. There’s not much dialogue. It’s a book to read because you love Jane Smiley and her writing ability.
Do You like book Some Luck (2014)?
A fabulous book. I loved every single character, including the Osage-orange hedge.
—hazel
I won't be reading the next 2 books in this trilogy. Boring characters.
—Emma
couldn't get through and gave up; too slow
—kassf1
