Just finished it yesterday (Sunday 7 February). Author was a bit superfluous in his descriptions and all women always seemed to be able to cook large heaps of delicious food (even when the "woman" is an 8 year old girl). Hmmm.... random observation, I know. I also didn't think the vocabulary of an 8 year old would be that grandiose, so its like he was imposing unbelieveable adult qualities on children. But, the story is great! Sad, but good. The ending really threw me, of course. I really like the name Swede now. Amy, what are your thoughts? I anyone else reading at all?
One thing I found particularly interesting was the chapter title "The substance of things hoped for." It went in to the faith of the father as he looked toward an otherwise bleak future. The phraseology of "substance of things hoped for"... isn't that from the Book of Mormon description of faith as found in Alma 32:21. Does that phraseology appear elsewhere in the Bible? Where did the author get that?
I loved this book. Swede reminded me of Scout from "To Kill a Mockingbird." Although yes, the kids were way too smart I tend to like stories like that. The book was sad but there was redemption which I'm also a fan of. Throughout the entire book I kept saying to G, "This author is brilliant!" I really thought the poetry was genuis, the way he was able to fit it into the story. He's an author I'm excited to follow and read more of.
As for the "Substance of things hoped for," I'll have to look that up. It must be a biblical reference as well. Thanks for reading Alli!
Try Hebrews 11:1. Hope I'm not intruding. I had a Sunday afternoon with a little free time and started perusing blogs and links to blogs and somehow ended up here ....
Alana and I read this book a few years ago and loved it - first, because of the wonderful use of words, second because of the fascinating characters, both the good and the evil, and third because of the mingling of physical and spiritual realms.
I loved Swede. She definitely didn't communicate like a typical 8 year old, but she felt like one. Savannah "feels" life like an epic poem, but she isn't able to express herself as eloquently. When she feels strong emotions she draws happy or sad pictures, or puts nasty signs on her bedroom door, as is more typical of a child. I loved how Swede made her everyday life, not a typical one, for sure, significant and meaningful.
I've been following your book club and just finished this book on Sunday. I really enjoyed the imagery--it wasn't too much, but enough to give you clear pictures and make you feel like you knew what you were supposed to be seeing. I especially loved the poetry--yes, way too advanced but somehow still believable, as all the characters were to me. The "death" chapter kind-of threw me. I found myself unable to read the flowery descriptions in detail, and skimmed to the end. I appreciated it more after the book was over, and I was able to go back with more patience and wade through it. Overall, a lovely book. Glad I read it. Thanks, Al!
Just finished it yesterday (Sunday 7 February). Author was a bit superfluous in his descriptions and all women always seemed to be able to cook large heaps of delicious food (even when the "woman" is an 8 year old girl). Hmmm.... random observation, I know. I also didn't think the vocabulary of an 8 year old would be that grandiose, so its like he was imposing unbelieveable adult qualities on children. But, the story is great! Sad, but good. The ending really threw me, of course. I really like the name Swede now. Amy, what are your thoughts? I anyone else reading at all?
ReplyDeleteOne thing I found particularly interesting was the chapter title "The substance of things hoped for." It went in to the faith of the father as he looked toward an otherwise bleak future. The phraseology of "substance of things hoped for"... isn't that from the Book of Mormon description of faith as found in Alma 32:21. Does that phraseology appear elsewhere in the Bible? Where did the author get that?
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. Swede reminded me of Scout from "To Kill a Mockingbird." Although yes, the kids were way too smart I tend to like stories like that. The book was sad but there was redemption which I'm also a fan of. Throughout the entire book I kept saying to G, "This author is brilliant!" I really thought the poetry was genuis, the way he was able to fit it into the story. He's an author I'm excited to follow and read more of.
ReplyDeleteAs for the "Substance of things hoped for," I'll have to look that up. It must be a biblical reference as well. Thanks for reading Alli!
Try Hebrews 11:1. Hope I'm not intruding. I had a Sunday afternoon with a little free time and started perusing blogs and links to blogs and somehow ended up here ....
ReplyDeleteAlana and I read this book a few years ago and loved it - first, because of the wonderful use of words, second because of the fascinating characters, both the good and the evil, and third because of the mingling of physical and spiritual realms.
I loved Swede. She definitely didn't communicate like a typical 8 year old, but she felt like one. Savannah "feels" life like an epic poem, but she isn't able to express herself as eloquently. When she feels strong emotions she draws happy or sad pictures, or puts nasty signs on her bedroom door, as is more typical of a child. I loved how Swede made her everyday life, not a typical one, for sure, significant and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteAndy, thanks for the comment! I'm just finding it here...great insight. I'll look up Hebrews.
ReplyDeleteI've been following your book club and just finished this book on Sunday. I really enjoyed the imagery--it wasn't too much, but enough to give you clear pictures and make you feel like you knew what you were supposed to be seeing. I especially loved the poetry--yes, way too advanced but somehow still believable, as all the characters were to me. The "death" chapter kind-of threw me. I found myself unable to read the flowery descriptions in detail, and skimmed to the end. I appreciated it more after the book was over, and I was able to go back with more patience and wade through it. Overall, a lovely book. Glad I read it. Thanks, Al!
ReplyDelete