So, question: does anybody really feel the need to read a book about a dysfunctional family when we all have a quirky one? Let’s be clear, my family has their issues, but this book and its characters take it to a whole new level. It begins with the father, Beck, leaving the mother, Pearl. You know you’re in for a ride, when a novel starts out with a bang, or rather a door slamming.

This novel was on one of my book lists, which doesn’t mean it’s going to be great, but I usually expect something from my lists. They are the 100 top novels of all times, I mean if anything will be great it should be those. But as we all know, just because something is “acclaimed” by critics, does not mean it may appeal to you.

I will keep it short in this post, because lets be honest, I don’t really have very many terrific things to say about this novel. Anne Tyler is magnificent writer, in fact that was probably the only reason I kept reading. Her writing style is beautiful and poetic but oh so real. Tyler’s plot was not captivating, but the way in which she puts words together to create a fluid plot line is amazing. Too bad, the plot line was not exactly what I was looking for.

When readers gauge a book by its synopsis in which the main characters face major travesties and adventures, the readers usually are pulling for the characters, wanting them to succeed in the issues that they come across. Too bad, those hopes are shattered in this novel. In fact, it’s so real, the characters being so tangible, they don’t succeed by fail. Over and over again! Tyler must have been a little nuts, because what creator of a character wants to see their characters fail?!

This novel is about Pearl and her three children: Cody, Ezra, and Jenny and how their father leaving affects the rest of their lives. Where to even begin with this novel? Obviously, I wasn’t a fan and actually, still am not. I’m not too sure if I just have not thought deep enough about the themes of this novel or I just can’t get over my dislike for the plot line. Cody is a crazy rambunctious boy who steals his brother’s fiancee. He then has a miserable relationship for the rest of his life. Ezra dates, but never marries after Ruth marries Cody. Ezra, instead, is almost as if married to his restaurant that he inherits from an older lady. Maybe you think that the female in the novel, no not Pearl, will lead a more “normal” life? Nope. She has children after children with a plethora of different men she marries then divorces. As she grows she even begins to forget some of the kids and relies on others to remember them. Really?!

Honestly, I thought that maybe the author would redeem the plot line in the last channel when Pearl dies and all the kids have to come together for her funeral. Wishful thinking! The kids went back onto their merry way, and also ignored their father who dropped in at the funeral. Oh, and he was happy that Pearl died 30+ years after leaving her so that he can remarry. Here it comes again: REALLY?! Ugh, this story not only annoyed me, but almost made me happy of the slight dysfunction that my family suffers from. Maybe a little crazy is a good thing, rather than a lot. What do you think?