Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a definite departure from what I have come to expect from author Jennifer Weiner and, as such, a tad puzzling. As I was reading. I kept trying to find a frame of reference re: genre, but the focus seemed to change so frequently that I was just never able to affix a label. On one hand, the main character’s self-deprecating humor and insecurity made this a chick lit natural. The introduction of BFFs and a love interest had nearly sealed the deal. Then suddenly, an untimely murder cranked this book square into the category of the mystery. Somewhere in that mix is also an attempt at social commentary. I have to say, I wish Weiner had stuck to the script.
Once the murder had occurred and main character Daphne donned her Sherlock Homes hat and jumped aboard the Mystery Machine with Scooby and Shaggy, I disengaged and remained apart from the action for the remainder of the story. I wasn’t able to buy in to the sudden character shift, and when it was time for the big reveal, the whole thing took on a Clue vibe that was more “hokey” than suspenseful.
The parts of this novel that were really polished to a shine were Daphne’s moments of introspection and retrospection. It is this incredible ability to bring her characters to life that sets Weiner apart as a world-class writer, and, had she stuck with her strengths, this novel would have been a sure fire winner. Instead, the piece veers off course and never recovers enough momentum to cross the finish line.
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment