Ideal Reading Conditions, 2016
My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. Have you read it?
I read the entire book in less than a day. It's described as a story about a mother and daughter, but it's really about so much more. It's about a woman's soul, which comes through in her story telling.
I photographed the title page in dappled front yard light, which seemed to match Lucy Barton's story telling perfectly. I recall all of these things as if Lucy Barton actually told this story, as if it is not a work of fiction written by Elizabeth Strout. Why? Because it is how I feel. I don't really want to believe otherwise.
Part of me can't help but wonder how Elizabeth Strout did it. Did she know someone like Lucy Barton? Did this Lucy Barton friend share her story with Elizabeth Strout, and did Elizabeth Strout then write the story down in a way that would get it published? Did Elizabeth Strout fabricate the entire story? Maybe Elizabeth Strout is Lucy Barton in more ways than she is not.
As a writer I am curious about the writer's inspiration. As a reader I am not, I do not care. It is Lucy Barton's story, I need not know more.
I'm always a reader first, while reading. I do not think this is the case for all writers. Some writers read through writer's eyes, and I think this is a shame. I'm tempted to go so far as to call this a misuse of reading material, and if not a misuse, then definitely a missing out on the intended use of the material that, if the writing is good, would certainly be far more gratifyingly read as a reader.
Read My Name Is Lucy Barton as a reader, no matter who you are. You have every right to disagree with me, but if you do, keep it to yourself.
Cheers.
I've passed over this book many times, for reasons I'm still not clear about. Now I'll seek it out. Your eyes I trust. And I'm always a reader first. Studying, and teaching English Lit - although mine was centuries old English - was always complicated for me. Unpicking the fabric of books isn't really my thing. I'm less interested in how it works than whether it works. Studying law beforehand made me happy to leave analysis behind ; Kate (little house)
ReplyDeleteKate! You were able to leave a comment! I'm beyond thrilled. I passed over this book for a while too, and then I saw it on a library shelf while on vacation and it just felt right. I'm very happy to have picked it up and read it. I've always had a tough time with analysis of art, literature, film, etc. I like what you wrote about being less interested in how it works than whether it works. I agree.
DeleteHello Denise,
ReplyDeleteIt's been ages since I've stopped by here and you make me realise what I've missed. I regret to say I haven't read this book but I always enjoy the richness of your observations and the quality of your writing.
Thanks, Emily!
ReplyDeleteIt's not about how it works, but whether really sums it up for me. Now I must read this book.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, Diane. :)
DeleteI read Olive Kitteridge by the same author and came away from it not really sure if I loved it or hated it. Rarely does a book make me feel that conflicted. And so I've drug my feet on this one...but with such a recommendation from you, the decision has now been made. Interesting reading perspective from a writer...
ReplyDeleteI liked the Olive Kitteridge HBO series more than the book. This surprised me. I liked My Name Is Lucy Barton more than the Olive Kitteridge book or series. I hope you like Lucy.
DeleteSame here regarding the HBO series... Then again, I am a huge fan of Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and the 'later in life' Bill Murray. I'm stalled a bit on books so I downloaded Lucy this weekend...will start it soon.
DeleteI am a fan of all three as well. I've watched Lost in Translation more times than I would like to admit. I even had a crush on young Bill when I was a little girl. I'm a big sucker for a good sense of humor.
DeleteI raced through Lucy Barton when I read it and I was gobsmacked by it. I'd read her other books and was left with mixed feelings. Lucy though... I want to know her. To share our lives over a cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteYes! I feel the same way.
DeleteI haven't read it--will now. Lovely post--you always slow me down.
ReplyDeleteI hope you were in the mood for slowing down. ;)
DeleteWell I'm already a big fan of Elizabeth Strout - unlike others I loved Olive Kitteridge (perhaps because I know a person so much like the main character and thus related to the book a lot?) and I enjoyed The Burgess Boys as well. So this one will definitely go on my reading list, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it. :)
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