Book Sixteen

8/10/2008 – The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver ***
Why: Not sure. Was recommended by lots of independent bookstores and it was really cheap on half.com
First Impressions: This book is really, really long and a sad knock-off of the Sliding Doors movie with Gwyneth Paltrow. And yet, it was fictiony enough that I was very interested in the characters and wanted to know how it would end up with Lawrence Trainer and snooker player Ramsey Acton. The characters were exceptionally well developed. Interesting that Irina did not come across as an evil, unfeeling character even though she was a cheat in one storyline. She was a very real character. At first, I was very clearly wanting Irina to end up with Lawrence and thought I would get that conclusion. However, the novel seemed to say that neither outcome was better or worse, just different.
Emotions Felt: Much anger for Ramsey when he was being emotionally abusive, sadness and surprise when the couple became broke and Ramsey died of cancer and surprise that in both endings Lawrence and Irina did not get back together. In Irina’s & Lionel’s novel, the ending is not a Hollywood finish but requires more thought. I think this would be a great book club to discuss if it were not so long and naughty. Some of the fantasy scenes were quite indulgent for some readers.
Remaining Questions: Thinking about my own decisions and what my parallel universe would look like.
Favorite Quote: pg. 474 “Funny how you’re always waiting for your life to begin” pg. 483 when Ramsey apologizes and Irina answers back with the best moments of her life pg. 194 “But these moments were the stuff of life and they were the stuff of a good life (running out with the raincoat Lawrence forgot)
Who Would Like This Book: Maybe Kate but not sure. If you can get through the first 100 pages, the novel is a real winner.