Sunday, Monday, and Always: Stories by Dawn Powell : Book Review

"Sundays, Mondays, and Always" by Dawn Powell is a captivating novel set in 1940s New York City. It explores the lives of a diverse group of characters, delving into their hopes, aspirations, and relationships. Through vivid storytelling and sharp wit, Powell presents a poignant reflection on the human experience.

The story revolves around three siblings: Sara, Henny, and Georgie. Each represents a different facet of society, with Henny as the glamorous actress, Sara as the practical sister, and Georgie as the eccentric artist. As the narrative unfolds, their lives become intertwined, resulting in both humorous and tragic consequences.

Powell's writing style is captivating, filled with elegant prose and insightful observations. She skillfully captures the essence of each character and their surroundings, allowing readers to vividly visualize 1940s New York City. The setting serves as a backdrop for the characters' lives, adding depth and richness to the story.

Themes such as ambition, love, and the pursuit of happiness are explored throughout the novel. The characters experience personal growth and confront various obstacles that challenge their perceptions and desires. Powell masterfully examines the complexities of human relationships, shedding light on the fragility of love and the masks we wear in society.

"Sundays, Mondays, and Always" is a timeless piece of literature that offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of its characters. Powell's writing is engaging and insightful, weaving together a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story filled with memorable characters and astute observations about the human condition.

What are readers saying?

Dawn Powell's novel 'Sunday, Monday, and Always' received a mixed response from readers, with varying opinions on its merits. Many praised Powell's writing style, finding it witty and engaging, while others found the story to be slow-paced and lacking depth.

Numerous readers appreciated Powell's sharp and clever writing style, relishing her keen observations on social dynamics and human nature. They especially enjoyed the snappy and humorous dialogue, which added to their overall enjoyment of the book. These readers found Powell's ability to bring the characters to life and make them relatable to be a notable strength of the novel.

On the other hand, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the story's slow pace and perceived lack of a strong plot. They felt that the narrative meandered, lacking enough events to hold their interest. These readers were seeking more action and excitement, finding the book to be lacking in that aspect.

Opinions on the characters in 'Sunday, Monday, and Always' were also mixed. Some readers found them to be well-developed and intriguing, boasting complex personalities. They were emotionally invested in the characters' journeys and found them relatable. Conversely, other readers felt that the characters were uninteresting and one-dimensional, struggling to form a connection and feeling detached from their experiences.

The historical context and setting of the book were commonly appreciated by many readers. Powell's portrayal of the time period was commended for its accuracy and its ability to transport readers to a different era. The attention to detail in the descriptions of the setting further enhanced the novel's positive aspects.

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