I just had to share this—about Tyler’s process (why she avoids interviews, for instance!) and the short fiction writing she’s been doing as her gut and soul response to the past two years…
I completely understand how hard it is to write a good sentence. The connection to it never comes back. My old book club read "Breathing Lessons." The church wedding, the car ride, the trailer homeIt captures an era, but in the end, it felt mean-spirited and hurt my heart. I didn't like an author who made fun of someone needing hope in their life.
Margie, have you read other works of hers? It's been decades since I read Breathing Lessons. I remember being amazed at how she broke "rules" by placing a chapter from the husband's POV about halfway or more through the story, and then returned to the wife's--that seemed rather brave to me. But I don't remember a sense of mocking. I usually enjoy her work. There is always a sad and real layer, and also humour.
I'll revisit this--you have made me curious to re-read!
I don't think Anne is mocking, but the woman has nothing left. Throughout the day's ordeal, the husband keeps pointing out her mistakes. He is not a kind man. I suppose being a picture-framer would make someone be too exacting. It's a quiet tragedy and she won't even enjoy the laughter of grandchildren because that relationship is destroyed. She's seeking kindness and the only one who gives it is the gas attendant before they get to the church.
I completely understand how hard it is to write a good sentence. The connection to it never comes back. My old book club read "Breathing Lessons." The church wedding, the car ride, the trailer homeIt captures an era, but in the end, it felt mean-spirited and hurt my heart. I didn't like an author who made fun of someone needing hope in their life.
Margie, have you read other works of hers? It's been decades since I read Breathing Lessons. I remember being amazed at how she broke "rules" by placing a chapter from the husband's POV about halfway or more through the story, and then returned to the wife's--that seemed rather brave to me. But I don't remember a sense of mocking. I usually enjoy her work. There is always a sad and real layer, and also humour.
I'll revisit this--you have made me curious to re-read!
I don't think Anne is mocking, but the woman has nothing left. Throughout the day's ordeal, the husband keeps pointing out her mistakes. He is not a kind man. I suppose being a picture-framer would make someone be too exacting. It's a quiet tragedy and she won't even enjoy the laughter of grandchildren because that relationship is destroyed. She's seeking kindness and the only one who gives it is the gas attendant before they get to the church.