Title: A Wedding In DecemberAuthor: Anita Shreve
Publisher: Back Bay Books (2006)
Pages: 352
Genre: Fiction
Book Source: My Own Copy
In A Wedding In December Anita Shreve tells the story of seven former classmates who come together for a weekend to celebrate a wedding between two of there group. Set at an inn in the stunning Berkshire Mountains, the complex characters gradually unfold to the reader. We learn about their shared history as well as the issues they currently face. The plot of this novel is very simple and provides the backdrop for the revelations and memories of the characters. The group's get together proves to be very important because there are some ghosts that need to be laid to rest involving a shared tragedy from their final year of high school.
Stories that feature numerous characters like this on, is not to my personal taste. I prefer a reading experience that takes me deeply into one unbroken, consecutive thread. That being said, A Wedding In December did keep my interest even though it wove around past and present as well as featuring many different characters. I enjoyed one character in particular who was writing a historical story piece by piece through the novel. It was interesting to see how she worked out some of her own emotions through the creation of imagined characters. Overall, I felt like this novel had a sad and nostalgic tone to it because all the characters life choices are being evaluated and they have many regrets to grieve over. So if you are in the mood for something somber than this would be a good choice.
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I usually enjoy Shreve's novels but I've heard so many mixed opinions of this one. I probably will read it sometime down the road though. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Shreve's books but I'll pass on this somber one. I like upbeat things to read. THanks for the excellent and concise review.
ReplyDeleteI have this one on my bookshelf. I'll save it for a time when I am in the mood for a more somber read. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI've read several of Anita Shreve's novels in recent years--I'm pretty sure I've read this one, too. I think your review is spot on.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm remembering correctly, most of her books are poignant and somber...deep issues etc. Good books, yet often not the mood I'm looking for.
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I picked this up at a book sale because I've liked Shreve in the past. Thanks for warning me it's sad. I'll plan accordingly :)
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