WHISTLER by Ann Patchett: Is this me?
I just finished Ann Patchett’s Whistler, which I waited nearly 5 months for on Libby.
It was a gorgeously written book, still with the dreamy quality that I remember from reading Bel Canto, the last Patchett I read, over a decade ago. It engrossed me, and I think I truly liked it. And yet…
I felt that the characters, though they strike me as being real, were also quite privileged. Everyone has hurts and retreats and insecurities, yes. But only that when it happens to characters who, taken all in all, have a pretty good life and don’t have to worry at all about money and security, I resent it a little bit. I fully realize this is a me problem.
But the other thing that makes me think about this book is that the main character, Daphne, is not far from me in age. And all things told, my life is ok? I am not wealthy nor I’d say 100% secure yet, but things aren’t bad. So, am I her or one of the cast of characters?
I think I’m definitely due for revisiting childhood memories and parental relationships as well.
I did rate the book 5 stars on Goodreads, one, because unless I absolutely hate the book, I will usually rate it with five stars (life is short, and it takes a lot to write then publish a book. I figure it hurts no one to be generous with the ratings.). And two, I know there are some parts that made me uncomfortable, but it also makes me question my own reaction to it. I’m still trying to figure out from which lens I should be reading it, if I want to read it as honestly as I can.
(An aside that I figure you can still “read” a book, even after you’ve finished reading it.)
I don’t know how long this book will stay with me, but I do hope to tease out how I really feel about it at some point.
Also, hello again, my Bear Blog.🙂