Three more days to go before my library's winter reading program ends. I'm about half way through Russell Banks's The Reserve (the last book I need to read to get my bookbag). I'm having very mixed feelings about it. I like the writing style very much and I am finding the story compelling enough to keep reading, but I have to say that I am finding the main characters thoroughly unlikable. Okay, maybe not thoroughly, but enough that I get annoyed by their actions. I think it is meant to be a love story of sorts between beautiful, petulant, wealthy Vanessa Cole and artist Jordan Groves. Groves rails against the actions and activities of the wealthy, but I'm not sure I entirely buy into it--even if he did build his own house and everyone in the neighborhood thinks he and his family are communists (there's still something condescending about him).
The setting is 1930s upstate New York--the Adirondacks to be exact. Vanessa is twice divorced and possibly unbalanced. Literally. I'm not sure whether to believe that either, or if it is just the corner she's been painted into. Her actions do seem somewhat crazy at times, though. Groves is, of course, married with two children (named Bear and Wolf...), but fantasizing about bedding Vanessa. It's obvious what's going to happen, at least in part. I think the story is going to go in unpredictable ways, which is what's keeping me going. I know I say I don't like reading reviews of books while I'm reading the book, but I wanted to see if I could validate my feelings with this one or not. It has met with mixed reactions. I feel a bit like I'm rushing the novel--not only to finish and hand in my list of completed books (and start something else), but also to find out what happens. So I'll try and keep an open mind!
I'm hoping my next choice will be more clear cut in terms of enjoyment. I'll be choosing from:
Pat Barker, Life Class--I've heard mixed reactions about this one, too, but as I've yet to read any of her work, I'll probably like it.
Belinda Starling, The Journal of Dora Damage--I was already convinced I needed to read this when Andi reviewed it, but now Victoria has as well--I don't think I need more prodding. I didn't get to it the last time I had it, so I got back in line.
Samantha Hunt, The Invention of Everything Else--Carl V. just read this one and has me somewhat intrigued now. I did dip into the first chapter as I couldn't decide between this and The Reserve last week.
C.J. Sansom, Winter in Madrid--This is set in post-Civil War Spain and the author has been compared to Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Sebastian Faulks. It sounds promising.
Lisa Klein, Ophelia--A YA retelling of Hamlet from Ophelia's perspective. Do you think it matters I've not read Hamlet?
Carol Ann Lee, Winter of the World--Another WWI novel. I found this one by chance whilst browsing.
Linda Newbery, Set in Stone--A YA Victorian Gothic novel complete with governess and dark family secrets.
Yael Goldstein, Overture--"a fascinating meditation on the nature of creative brilliance and on the love that binds a mother and daughter even when personal desires clash."
And of course the Marjane Satrapi graphic novels (though I thought I'd just read these alongside whatever regular novel I choose).
They all sound good in different ways. I wish I could start them all...