Where have we heard that headline before? (Not the 10th anniversary part.) It seems to be a feature of modern novels that the characters are all difficult to like. In the group was a number of Ann Patchett fans so the relatively tepid response to this book (we liked it but not as much as we wanted) was a bit of a surprise.
I for one, loved this book and I am not an Ann Patchett fan. Not that she isn't an accomplished author - she is. I just usually want more from a book than a good story and in my opinion this book delivered. For one, the title hints at the overarching theme. Much of the story, and the tragedy of the loss of one of these six children, thrown together by the adults around them, takes place in Virginia.
But the Commonwealth, in my opinion, does not refer to the place - it belongs to the tribe. Who becomes your family, or at least those you won't or can't leave behind no matter how little they inhabit your currentl life is your Commonwealth. These six children, a bit ignored, find a way to help each other move through life. They didn't choose each other but they chose to be there for each other.
Of course, there are breaches in judgement and of intensity that result in the death of one and subsequent remorse. Who wouldn't feel it? But in the end, Frannie is there for Albie and his mother, whom she had never met, as we all hope someone will be there for us, when all else fails.
I admit that when I have a chance to read almost straight through, as I did with this book, I always like it more than if I am snatching a few sentences at red lights as I zoom around town. Still, this is a powerful and well written book, with characters that stay with me, even now.
And so, on to the next book. Or raft of them as we all had more ideas than we could schedule out. Our next meeting is July 11 and we will read either Rules of Civility or Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. This will give us a chance to talk about the author's style and development generally rather than one example. We are lucky to go to Lynn Spitzer's. Her gorgeous home is often the scene for amazing discussions, so get ready!
August will be David Ebenbach's new novel Miss Portland. Some of us remember going to the Fountain Bookstore to meet him when we read his short stories. He and Fiona have been at the VACC together, so this will be fun and he will join us for the discussion if we choose (and the dates work.)
September is Lincoln at the Bardo by George Saunders. Remember him? The incredible and imaginative short stories from The Tenth of December? Lynn and I adored this book. It is super odd so strap on your broadest mind. And it is amazing.
October is Small Great Things by Jodi Picault, a suggestion from our alum Suzanne Davenport who joined us for our anniverary. Thanks Suzanne! She has a lot of great things to say about this book and I admit to not having a lot of experience with this author. Too much Don Quixote and War and Peace I guess and not enough contemporary fiction.
November is Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout of Olive Kitteridge fame. Some of us had a strong negative reaction to that book but give this one a chance, it is amazing.
And so, there goes the year. Fiona was strongly recommending A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge, I am getting it tomorrow at the library and can't wait after her enthusiastic comments. The other book that did not get a month was The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. This is non-fiction, the subtitle says it all: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. It will be depressing, but enlightening.
As Denise Gorondy said, another of our alums who came, now is the time to schedule in more reading. So this is the plan, but it is always mallable.
I want to thank you all for being part of this group, particularly Julie and Jean, who have been a part of this since the beginning and Mary who came very soon thereafter. I love to read and even more to share my thoughts with this amazing group of people who make my life better just by knowing you. Thanks and on to the next 10 years. Stay with us!
