Well, i had to let this one percolate for a couple of days and i have come to the conclusion that this was a very difficult book to review. i did not hate it or anything but i did not like it either– and i think that may have been what the author intended.
as i read i felt:
- Anxiety as i waited for the worst to happen (there was an impending sense of doom from page 1)
- Bleakness because of the setting (it always seemed gloomy, overcast and wet– well, it is Newfoundland!)
- Frustration at the emotional silence exhibited by the male characters (especially Eli, Lewis and Marvin)
- Confusion and a sense of misunderstanding of the character of Wilda (how does a mother do that?)
- Revolt but at the same time pity for the horrible character of Garret (Eww– creepy, nasty, pervert)
- Empathy for Toby (the only character i cheered for– i sure hope her turns out ok!!)
Uncomfortable is the word i would best use to describe this book and for that a 3 star rating– it must be brilliant writing to wrangle such a gamut of emotions!
literary hoarders 
I haven’t read it yet, but I’m planning to next week. Based on some of the initial reactions I’ve seen it should make for an interesting discussion.
Like I said Jackie and to agree with your point about the anxiety – I’ve been feeling that too and I’m only about 30 pages in to it! Thanks for not giving too much away though! Can’t wait to finish and discuss!
i did not want to ruin it for you Penny!!!