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The consultant at the Library of Unread Books had a very kind face and and after several false starts it was here that I finally confessed my secret shame. In a low voice, stumbling over details, I admitted that I had not finished the prize-winning novel 'The Luminaries' by acclaimed young author, Eleanor Catton. She listened patiently until I had run out of excuses and then, pointing to a green post it note, said gently "You are not alone...look...there was another refusenik here before you". As I read the words my shame fell away from me and I left feeling whole again.
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I liked it, but I feel your pain. Succinct and compact it was not. I still don't even understand what all the planets and signs had to do with it. But, I did marvel at the intricacy with which she wove the story. And unlike The a Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair, written by another twenty-something, this one at least sounded intelligent. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so freeing to realize that one is not required to finish a book one does not enjoy. Reject shame!
ReplyDeleteNo comment. Ahem.
ReplyDeleteIf the first 20 pages don't hook me then there's no shame in passing the book on to someone wiser, or more gullible ... that's always been my view.
ReplyDeleteWell done you, reject it and be proud.
ReplyDeleteHear hear. Life's too short, and there are too many books waiting to be read.
ReplyDeleteCorinne
Yes!!! Go green post it person!
ReplyDeleteI haven't, not even tempted. But I did finish The Goldfinch for book group - and can heartily recommend you not to bother. If only editors were braver with the red pencil! I didn't entirely hate it - but the longueurs were as long as real life.
ReplyDeleteHere, this should make you feel better: I hadn't even heard of it until reading your post. But I trust your judgement enough to steer clear of it if I ever run across it. Maybe even Luminaries the band, just for good measure. Read HP Lovecraft instead. -- Laura from VA
ReplyDeleteI didn't even attempt it, so you are ahead of me! And I completely agree with the comments above: it isn't worth persevering with a dud when there are so many amazing books out there! x
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of and therefore not read this book at all! I generally do not read prize winning books as I don't tend to enjoy them, and I have no compunction in not finishing a book that I do not like and/or am not enjoying! There are far too many other books to read out there. xx
ReplyDeleteHa! (I find myself unable to read anything but Scandinavian mysteries at the moment. Maybe I should write that on a post-it and photograph it?)
ReplyDeleteI listened to it on Audible. I NEVER would have made it through without the lovely narrator.
ReplyDeleteLife's too short to drink bad wine or read a boring book. Go grab a decent cider and a book that catches you (which is different for everyone, so don't worry about not being a sheep)
ReplyDeleteI sometimes worry that there is still a heavy element of The Emperor's New Clothes in books and culture. that if you don't like THE book of the year, it's because you are too thick/ill cultured/lazy (delete as applicable). I think just go with your interests and trust your own instinct.
Thank you, I shall nor bother with it.
ReplyDeleteNOT! sorry...
ReplyDeleteAgree with every word; such an unecessarily huge book - editor where art thou - and those bloody weather warnings or whatever at the beginning of each chapter... and I actually did read it to the end - a book club requirement...
ReplyDeleteI finished it, but wouldn't bother again.
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