Bibliofemme Bookclub An Irish Bookclub

This book sold itself to me on the first line: “Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered she had turned into the wrong person…” Who hasn’t felt like that at times in their life? The central character Rebecca is 53 and wakes up one day to wonder if her choice of man all those years ago brought her to a life and a personality that isn’t really her. Seeking out her college sweetheart, Rebecca attempts to unravel that timeless question: “what if I had taken the other path?”

It feels as though author Anne Tyler (an excellent writer) never really decided for herself which path would have made Rebecca happier. The result is a book that meanders along, never really reaching any conclusions. A bit like life maybe, but extremely unsatisfying for the reader. You are left simply dying for Rebecca to do something radical to change her life if she really is so damn unhappy, but in the end it seems she quite likes the mumsy doormat she has become. 2/5

Score awarded by Bibliofemme: 2 out of 5

What the other femmes had to say
“Easy-going, relaxing and reflective read but definitely lacking something. Good distraction never-the-less, I drifted and daydreamed quite a bit while reading it!” 3/5

“Tyler’s idea is intriguing but her execution leaves a lot to be desired.” 2/5

“Sounds good from the press blurb, but is a very unfulfilling read from a usually good writer.” 2/5

“I am sorry to say that I did not enjoy this book one bit! I found the main character, frustrating and I felt that the story just drifted along – it was a chore to read it” 2/5

“Reading this was like scratchy tights that I couldn’t wait to take off.” 1/5

“Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered she had turned into the wrong person.” Great first line; didn’t live up to it. The protagonist starts off asking questions about her life but by the end doesn’t seem bothered with the answers.” 3/5