A couple of months ago, I scanned the book store shelves for something that I might not ordinarily read. I’ve tried as much as I can to read Indigenous authors and content since before January of 2017, but thought, for variety, I would mix it up a little. I was taking on a lot of sadness and anxiety around the topics that I had been reading, in both fiction and non-fiction. I went into Chapters-Indigo that day, looking for some relief. Hmmm….
Firstly, I DO look for Canadian authors and most times, female Canadian authors. I hadn’t read anything by Babara Gowdy to this point and she has been nominated for all of the correct prizes. That particular day, no fewer than three shelves were lined with Little Sister and so I picked up one of the copies in hard copy and read the descriptor. And YES, I was attracted to the image on the cover.
Right away, the writing is described as “Fearless, inventive, and dazzling.” by Heather O’Neill, author of The Lonely Hearts Hotel. Who is Heather O’Neill, anyway?
Hmmm…the word “existential” appears on the back of the jacket. Can that be good?
I pulled up the Globe and Mail review on my phone.
Intelligent? Enthralling?
As I read the descriptor I thought that, for certain, this book would pull me out of my comfort zone and possibly create some overlap with my past interest in Ray Bradbury and also Anne Rice. I thought, “Come on, Kath…give it a whirl.”
Oh! What a disappointment.
I write in the front cover of every book, once I’ve completed it. This has been my practice ever since my cousin’s son came into my library space and asked, “Are you one of these people who collects books just to show off…how many of these have you actually read?” Sometimes stories escape my memory, and so I began the practice of inscribing my brief thoughts on a title, in the case that one day (and I hope they do…for the most part) these books fall into the hands of other readers. I love the physicality of books, and sadly enough, I find that most times that I go to the library, the titles I’m looking for are on hold for other readers. I can wait weeks and weeks and I haven’t quite gotten into the swing of being organized that way.
As I open the front cover of Little Sisters…the inscription is sadly, negative.
I’m not going to review the narrative…the characters are interesting, I guess. I find the writing a bit superficial, lacking in depth, description or intrigue. And yet, given that we all have our preferences, there are countless reviews that are favourable and a lot of readers who loved this book…that’s just the nature of personal preference in reading. I’m glad I took on a personal challenge to expand horizons and see what else is out there. I never truly regret reading a book. Every book generates new thought…the nature of the beast.
I’ll point you in the direction of another review for Little Sisters...the Globe and Mail is likely the strongest. Here, you will see the book described as exploring empathy…also the relationships of sisters/daughters/mothers….I would agree, but I’ve read so many books that did better. In order to deal authentically in the psyche, as a manifestation, in writing…it would take some kind of writer!
I’d be interested in seeing if any of my readers have a different experience of this book and/or if they have read other titles by the same author?
Some comments from her own website…
“Electrifying. Gowdy sucks readers into this suspenseful, supernatural story like a strong wind in a squall.”
Kirkus (starred review)
“Highly readable prose, an intriguing premise, and vivid storytelling.”
Quill and Quire (starred review)
“Gowdy’s new novel weaves an inventive, spellbinding tale of loss, regret, and redemption that takes a heartfelt look at what it means to be a mother, daughter, and sister. A thrilling, captivating exploration of guilt, the female psyche, and the bonds of womanhood.”
Publisher’s Weekly