Hi all!
I’m wondering if anyone has read this book and can give me some insight into your thoughts and whether or not this book is worth the time it takes to read it.
I’m currently about 30% of the way through and continue to hit a wall
I understand Sybil is not supposed to be the most likable. She’s a 70something year old woman and the story takes place in the 2010s, even though that doesn’t excuse some of her actions it’s the way—I presume—the author is explaining it away. Still, I found that she had a lot of redeeming qualities at the very start. I like her attitude and her strength.
But I’m growing to find her just a bit too difficult to stomach reading about.
My biggest issue with the book so far was the lack of differentiation between each character. I find that one of the marks of a good author is when I could read a page of JUST their characters dialogue and be able to tell which character is which with no other information. This is a book written exclusively in letters from one sender to another, I know it’s different but it’s an even bigger reason why they should all have a clear voice.
In this book, we’re supposed to have: (just naming a few)
– a 13 year old boy
– several characters of different ages/genders in their 30-50s
– other older women
– customer service reps
– 70 year old men
– etc.
And they ALL sound the same? I couldn’t stand it to be honest.
My other gripe is how disconnected I feel from what’s happening.
I’m aware time is passing between these letters because her life does not exist only in her letters but it just… it feels so disconnected, I don’t know how else to put it. It’s like when you fall asleep, dream, wake up, fall back asleep, pick up in a different part of the dream and the whole time you are utterly disoriented.
BUT
I love the concept. I think Sybil’s life is interesting, I’m curious about her stalker, the young boy breaks my heart. The idea of someone so fond of reading and writing losing their sight is heartbreaking to me—someone who loves reading and writing.
Not to mention she was a lawyer and I’m currently studying for the LSAT
I guess where I’m struggling is—I don’t think I care about the positives enough to outweigh the negatives. So I’m looking to see if any of you have read this book and can tell me what I have to look forward to, what are your thoughts on what I’ve mentioned (maybe I can see it differently), or if you didn’t think it was good and didn’t get any better?
Thank you!!
by Right_Speaker_9674