BBAW: Forgotten Treasure
Posted 16th September 2010
Category: Book Blogger Appreciation Week Genres: N/A
6 Comments
Today’s task is to write about a favourite book that hasn’t had as much publicity or is older.
Liars and Saints. I honestly can’t remember the day I discovered it, but I remember vividly the day I lent it out, never to see it again. I loved it so much that after a few years of waiting I bought myself another copy.
Liars and Saints is a rather short book about a small family and how their relationships with one another slowly deteriorate, starting with an assumption the grandmother made in the 1930s that her husband would be angry with her for having had a photograph taken. One by one each family member has their problems – unwanted pregnancies, sexual discovery, bad choices, and death. You are introduced to all of them, each during their youth, before they fade into the general background in order for the next to break through.
What I love about this book is that the author, Maile Meloy, isn’t scared to delve into the nitty gritty and into territory that may cause shock. The thing is, however, that she gets away with it because of the way it’s written and the eventual outcomes.
I have a favourite character, yes. Jamie, who is about 40 by the end of the book, is a musician. I could relate to him because at the time I read it, about 5 years ago, I was heavily into music, writing my own songs, composing my own pieces, and having a ball learning to play guitar. He also sounded rather hot, the teenage me needed no further persuading. This is one point I will make – I’m writing this from memory and that memory is from the head of a new-to-adult-fiction teen.
The book is packed with angst, but because of the setting and the historical element apparent in most of the pages, it’s never irksome.
A relaxing read? Certainly not. And it may possibly end sadly, there is always that idea lingering. Just don’t trust the blurb because the photographer doesn’t stay long.
September 16, 2010, 1:20 pm
It does sound interesting and uniquely written.
Charlie: Hi Chris, yes, I’ve found Meloy’s style very unique.
September 16, 2010, 4:36 pm
This sounds like an interesting read! And I mean, the character does have a pretty wonderful first name if I do say so! :)
Charlie: Hehe, indeed Jamie!
September 16, 2010, 11:13 pm
Sounds like an interesting book, I hadn’t heard of it before. Thanks for the recommendation!
Charlie: You’re welcome, Swapna!
September 17, 2010, 2:21 am
I hadn’t heard of this book before, so thanks for profiling it. I’m off to add it to my wish list now :)
6 Comments
Comments closed
September 16, 2010, 3:40 am
Sounds like a great book, never heard of it before, so thank you for introducing it to us.
Charlie: Glad to!