Jane Rule (1931–2007)

i have a really hard time with jane rule, it would seem. i really don't like her writing style. at all. it feels so clunky and convoluted and i have to reread sentences to know what she is saying. then sometimes she comes out with these little moments of great writing. i want her to be consistent.

this story had potential, i felt. commune style living in the late 70's, but i never cared about any of the characters at all. i wasn't invested in any of their stories or in the community they were creating. it was unforgivable, having tom almost rape mavis. and he had been the most likable character up until that point. i don't know why she threw that in. she was trying to make this sort of utopia across gender and race (and sexual orientation, but that was mostly unmentioned), which i can appreciate. but i didn't like the book, unfortunately.… (more)

This is the story of twins, David and Diana who have been estrange for decades because David's wife could not accept Diana's same-sex relationship with Constance. David, now widowed, reconnects with Diana whose long-time partner, Constance, is suffering from memory loss. There is not much action in this book, but I really liked the writing and the way David's and Diana's stories were told. Their reunion brings old memories to the fore, just as Constance struggles to remember what is happening in real time -- this contrast explores the role of memory in identity and in relationships. The characters are so real!… (more)