Review: Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler
Today's Baltimore Sun has a review of Anne Tyler's new book, "Noah's Compass," which is being released this week. Glenn C. Altschuler says Tyler "captures, with grace and good humor, the shifts in the relationships between parents and children, husbands and wives, likers and lovers, wrought by the passage of time. She reminds us that although sensitive people cannot -- and should not -- avoid 'The Great Sadness' that accompanies an existence that is fleeting and might be meaningless, they don't have to dwell there. Echoing E.M. Forster, 'only connect' is the whole of her sermon." Tyler's many fans will recognize the style instantly, and Baltimoreans will also recognize the neighborhoods. It's a quiet, yet effective, tale -- and one that feels as comfortable as your favorite sweater. Best of all, we're giving it away this week on Read Street.
Comments
Dave, I thought the review in the paper was rather tepid. Your capsule makes the book sound more attractive!
Posted by: Dahlink | January 3, 2010 1:50 PM
Dahlink, I did enjoy the book. It has been a while since I read any Tyler, but the familiarity returned quickly. Let me know how you like it. I hope the review didn't give too much away.
Posted by: Dave | January 3, 2010 2:25 PM
I keep meaning to read Ms Tyler- she is a neighbor- but "only connec t" is a meaningless, insulting phrase- if it has no context. WHAT IS THE CONTEXT?
CONNECT W WHAT?
Posted by: david eberhardt | January 3, 2010 3:03 PM
"Only connect"?
Is this an add for Meineke battery cables?
Posted by: david eberhardt | January 3, 2010 3:05 PM
David, I can't vouch for the Forster message, but Tyler is referring to the bonds of family and friends, whioh we sometimes let fray.
p.s. I like the Meineke reference.
Posted by: Dave | January 3, 2010 3:30 PM
What in the world could possibly be insulting about a phrase like "only connect"? It has been in the vocabulary of moderately well-read people for a hundred years. Look at the epigraph inside the cover of Howards End. Go farther; read the book.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeffrey Heath | January 4, 2010 2:31 AM
I haven't read Anne Tyler for several years but I remember that I enjoyed her books. I've requested Noah;s Compass from the BaltCo library where there are 158 active requests ahead of me!
Posted by: Eve | January 4, 2010 10:09 AM
Thanks, Dave, and Happy Belated Birthday!
P.S. People don't recognize "Only connect" as classic E.M. Forster? Dear, dear ...
Posted by: Dahlink | January 5, 2010 6:27 AM
reading Death at Whitechapel by Robin Paige. Great Victorian detective series
Posted by: angela oddo | January 5, 2010 2:17 PM