The Flying Troutmans was amazing, more than I expected. I remember buying the book ages ago, reading the synopsis repeatedly over the years and leaving the book on the shelf. Why did I finally read it? I was in the mood for a grownup book and that is what The Flying Troutmans sounded like. Something about real life. Something I could relate too. It spoke to my mood. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, though. The writing was engaging and unique, just like the characters. Sometimes, I wished that Hattie and the kids would just get there. I wondered how many more crazy stops they could make. The tension drove me a little nuts, wondering what they would find.
I enjoyed the story so much, I "suspended my disbelief". Some of the decisions Hattie made, thinking back on it, were so unbelievable. Who would take those kids where she took them? Who would make those decisions? Hattie?! But within the context of the story, it seemed right. Hattie was making the best decision for her sister and her sister's children.
A quote on the front cover of my edition commented on the humour of the book. Other quotes I looked at also mentioned the novel was funny. I did not find it humourous, at least not in the way the quotes implied. It was funny in a sad sort of way, not a haha, kind of way. I did not find myself laughing out loud, I found myself empathizing with Hattie, Min, Logan and Thebes. I found myself thinking about mental illness. Maybe part of that was the recent Bell Let's Talk day. Miriam Toews created some of the most interested characters I've ever read about and I'll miss their road trip.
A quote on the front cover of my edition commented on the humour of the book. Other quotes I looked at also mentioned the novel was funny. I did not find it humourous, at least not in the way the quotes implied. It was funny in a sad sort of way, not a haha, kind of way. I did not find myself laughing out loud, I found myself empathizing with Hattie, Min, Logan and Thebes. I found myself thinking about mental illness. Maybe part of that was the recent Bell Let's Talk day. Miriam Toews created some of the most interested characters I've ever read about and I'll miss their road trip.
This is my favourite of Toews' books that I've read - I was very meh about A Complicated Kindness, and I liked the first 3/4 of All My Puny Sorrows, but she lost me in the ending. The Flying Troutmans had me captivated all the way through, and I did enjoy the humour - finding unexpected things in unexpected places. Unfortunately, I gave my copy to my cousin shortly after I finished it, so I haven't been able to go back and re-read it.
ReplyDeleteI really liked A Complicated Kindness, though it's been years since I read it. It's why I picked up The Flying Troutmans. I haven't read any of Toews' other books, but after The Flying Troutmans, I really want to.
DeleteCan you get your copy back? I can totally see myself re-reading Toews' books in the future.
Maybe at some point - I am currently on the east coast while my cousin is on the west coast. With school-reading, a re-read of this book probably won't happen for a couple of years, an then there is always the library!
ReplyDeleteSchool reading definitely gets in the way of recreational reading. I hope it's good stuff at least.
DeleteI'd like to read more of Toews' work. This one has cemented me as a fan.