Anna QuindlenGenre: Realistic Fiction
Published: 1998
Personal Rating: 3.25/5
Yearly Count: 18
Black and Blue is Fran's story of being the battered wife of Bobby. Together they have one son named Robert. When Fran has finally had enough, she takes Robert with her to relocate and begin a new life.
I found the story to be told in a very realistic fashion; however, I didn't care for the order in which it was told. Sometimes, it felt disjointed. The characters all seemed to be anybody's neighbor with typical daily living experiences, yet with the possibility of holding their own secret. This book happened to be better than the first Quindlen book I read, but not enough to encourage me to read another.
I read this book last year and really enjoyed it (well, as much as you can enjoy reading about a battered wife).
ReplyDeleteWhat was the other book you've read? I've picked up quite a few of her books whenever I've found them secondhand and am looking forward to reading them. I have One True Thing on my reading list this year. I liked the movie, I hope the same can me said of the book (usually you say that opposite though!)
It's been years since I read this book, but I think I liked it a bit more than you did. Have you read One True Thing? I loved it!! I need to pop back over to my review and see if you posted a comment there.
ReplyDeleteMaw Books ~ I read Being Perfect. It was a very, very short read, but I thought it would have some pearls of wisdom scattered throughout.
ReplyDeleteLes ~ I've heard good things about One True Thing. However, after two tries, I'm just not overly impressed and have so many other authors to try before coming back to her.
Whew!! I am glad that I am not the only one!! I have tried on several occasions to read this particular book and I just can't get into it.
ReplyDeleteDanielle ~ It wasn't bad by any means - just not my type of book. It's always a nice feeling to know that you're not alone. :) (I hope there are some like-minded readers for my current BOiPod.)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you didn't enjoy this one as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteIt's been awhile since I read this one. I think I liked it, although I can't really remember...
ReplyDeleteBTW: Tag! This is a really easy meme - don't worry. Check it out at blogginboutbooks.blogspot.com
Pamela ~ Oh well. I'm glad that you enjoyed it though. :)
ReplyDeleteSusan ~ That's what I love about having a book blog . . . it serves as my memory. :)
As much as I like to read other people's memes, I prefer to stick to just book thoughts here. Thank you for making me aware of it, though. I do appreciate it.
I'm curious what the first book was. I've read three, but this one I read SO long ago that all I can really remember is how much I hated Bobby. I've also read Blessings and One True Thing. I don't have a strong desire to pick up anything else at the store, but if I come across something...she's light enough.
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ It was Being Perfect. See my response to Maw Books above. :)
ReplyDeleteIn Black & Blue, I didn't develop any strong feelings either way for anybody. That was probably part of the problem. I certainly didn't like Bobby's behavior - repulsive, the book just didn't draw me in enough.
it's been quite a while since i read this one, but i do remember liking it - and also liking One True Thing.
ReplyDeleteAlison ~ One True Thing sounds like a hit with everyone.
ReplyDelete