Plus the cover is really pretty. I've recently started a Goodreads shelf for "cover porn." This was going to go on said shelf but I'm feeling frustrated with the damn book, so I might show my wrath by banning it from the shelf!The book is about a guy, Tony, in his 60s who is recounting memories in his life. Ya know, some developmentally appropriate reflection for an aging dude. But he's unreliable. He knows he doesn't really remember things. He and his mates actually talk about memory and history and whatnot while still in their teens. So, you basically know that you're going to get all kinds of jacked up by the end. There are plenty of great lines and an excellent exploration of themes, blah blah blah. So, Tony being a bit of a dumbass isn't too bad since the story carries itself along.
And then, a big reveal, or two or three. And then, me going WHHAATTT!?
In an attempt to make sure that I wasn't just too thick or distracted to "get it," I googled the book and learned that it is a "bit frustrating." Right. And it's hard to really know what's what in the story because there may be pieces missing, due to Tony being the aforementioned unreliable dumbass. And the main lady, Veronica, just keeps telling Tony that he "doesn't get it and never will" and then refusing to answer questions.
Despite all this, overall, I enjoyed the book. Until the end. There were several notes I made while reading it that I wanted to think about later. It was thoughtfully constructed. The characters were a bit hard to connect with and the ending brought me to rage. I gave it 2.5 stars out of 5. I don't regret that I read it, but I wouldn't have chosen to read it with so many other things in my library bag, if I knew then what I know now. I'm sure Tony could appreciate that reflection.
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