Evening : Book Review

"Evening" by Susan Minot is a breathtaking novel that takes readers on a poignant journey through the memories of Ann Grant, a woman on her deathbed. The story delves into a specific summer weekend when Ann was twenty-five years old and staying in Maine. Through Ann's fluctuating consciousness, Minot skillfully weaves together a tapestry of her memories, offering a vivid and deeply emotional portrayal of her experiences, relationships, and innermost feelings during that fateful time.

What sets this novel apart is the way it is narrated from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to gain insight into the lives of those close to Ann. Minot expertly explores themes of love, loss, regret, and the intricate dynamics of human connections. Each character, no matter how minor their role, is beautifully crafted with depth and nuance, making them relatable and authentic.

Minot's prose is nothing short of breathtaking. Her writing is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures with the brushstrokes of her words. The sensory details she incorporates transport readers directly into the heart of Ann's memories. The elegant and poetic language creates a dreamlike atmosphere, perfectly capturing the ethereal and introspective nature of Ann's drifting state.

While the majority of the narrative focuses on Ann's past, Minot interweaves glimpses of her present state on her deathbed. These moments intensify the sense of urgency and poignancy, serving as a reminder of life's fragility and the relentless passage of time.

"Evening" is a profoundly moving and emotionally resonant novel that explores the power of memory and the profound impact of a single weekend on a woman's life. Susan Minot's masterful storytelling and beautiful prose create an immersive reading experience that continues to linger long after the final page has been turned.

What are readers saying?

Opinions on Susan Minot's novel, "Evening," vary among readers. Some found the writing style and storytelling to be engaging, while others were less impressed and felt that the characters lacked depth.

Many readers praised Minot's poetic and lyrical writing, describing it as beautiful and captivating. They appreciated how she created vivid imagery and evoked emotions through her prose. These readers found themselves fully immersed in the story and enjoyed the atmospheric nature of the book.

However, some reviewers mentioned struggling to connect with the characters. They felt that the character development was weak, and the individuals in the story seemed superficial. Some readers found it difficult to empathize with the protagonist, Ann, and her experiences, which affected their overall enjoyment of the book.

Several readers also found the structure of the book confusing and disjointed. The story jumps between different time periods and perspectives, which disrupted the flow and made it hard to follow along for some. However, others appreciated this unconventional narrative style, believing it added depth and complexity to the story.

Comments were also made about the slow pacing of the book. Some readers found it meditative and leisurely, allowing them to appreciate the details and reflect on the themes. Nevertheless, others felt that the slow pace made the story drag and caused them to lose interest.

EveningBook LiteraryClassic Bookworm