Marialyce 's Reviews > Unsettled Ground
Unsettled Ground
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Caution...snarky review ahead!
I have a new policy I am going to follow from now on when I question my choice as to whether to dnf a book or sally forth. I am going to look in the mirror and say "It's ok to dnf a book you dislike" three times and hope it works.
The book that engendered such a feeling was the latest read with Jan, entitled Unsettled Ground. It was such an appropriate title that made me think the ground I stood upon was "unsettled" so much so, that I thought the book was pretty bad, even though there were so many glowing reviews. I looked at the stunning reviews, and thought, yes, this will get better and then...it didn't.
There was so much that rubbed me the wrong way in this story as some of the details were so unrealistic, bringing brie to a funeral of dirt-poor people... say what? There was also a bevy of people who showed up at said funeral even though this was a family that preferred anonymity. The whole thing just didn't gel with me.
Granted the author tried to tell a story of the poor and of course there was the "big secret" that one probably guessed at the get go of the book. It just was unbelievable on so many fronts that I thought for a brief moment, it might be a satire. But no, it wasn't that at all. This was supposed to depict real life.
Then there was the twin brother, Julius, who seemed to be somewhat of a want to be Lothario even though he lived in a cottage where there was no bathroom and he had no way to woo the ladies. The twin sister was illiterate, well really both of them were, and yet the school system didn't follow up on the daughter's education with so many days missed and then not showing up at all! Unreal!!!
That's pretty much sums up why I feel this book was not for a minute enjoyable for me. The grit, sadness, and hovel in which they all dwelt was overshadowed by the unrealistic elements of the story. ....and the love story...pfft! ...and the mother another PFFT! But Maude, the dog, was great!
As I mentioned, others have loved it, so please take a look at their reviews.
I have a new policy I am going to follow from now on when I question my choice as to whether to dnf a book or sally forth. I am going to look in the mirror and say "It's ok to dnf a book you dislike" three times and hope it works.
The book that engendered such a feeling was the latest read with Jan, entitled Unsettled Ground. It was such an appropriate title that made me think the ground I stood upon was "unsettled" so much so, that I thought the book was pretty bad, even though there were so many glowing reviews. I looked at the stunning reviews, and thought, yes, this will get better and then...it didn't.
There was so much that rubbed me the wrong way in this story as some of the details were so unrealistic, bringing brie to a funeral of dirt-poor people... say what? There was also a bevy of people who showed up at said funeral even though this was a family that preferred anonymity. The whole thing just didn't gel with me.
Granted the author tried to tell a story of the poor and of course there was the "big secret" that one probably guessed at the get go of the book. It just was unbelievable on so many fronts that I thought for a brief moment, it might be a satire. But no, it wasn't that at all. This was supposed to depict real life.
Then there was the twin brother, Julius, who seemed to be somewhat of a want to be Lothario even though he lived in a cottage where there was no bathroom and he had no way to woo the ladies. The twin sister was illiterate, well really both of them were, and yet the school system didn't follow up on the daughter's education with so many days missed and then not showing up at all! Unreal!!!
That's pretty much sums up why I feel this book was not for a minute enjoyable for me. The grit, sadness, and hovel in which they all dwelt was overshadowed by the unrealistic elements of the story. ....and the love story...pfft! ...and the mother another PFFT! But Maude, the dog, was great!
As I mentioned, others have loved it, so please take a look at their reviews.
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Reading Progress
May 13, 2021
–
Started Reading
May 13, 2021
– Shelved
May 14, 2021
–
35.0%
May 16, 2021
– Shelved as:
books-of-2021
May 16, 2021
– Shelved as:
netgalley
May 16, 2021
–
Finished Reading
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JanB
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rated it 2 stars
May 16, 2021 06:41PM
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Thanks, Melanie, ...now I just need to stick to it!
Thanks, Samantha! (and crappy books too!)
Thanks, Michael!
Indeed Kerrin!
That's my plan, Melissa, and yes, thank goodness for Maude!
I am glad you enjoyed it, Ceecee!
I am with you, Jen!
Thanks, Julie! I appreciate your support.
The book was so bad even Maude ran away for awhile, Yun> :)
I too, was instructed by the nuns to finish everything you start. You reminded me of that Lynne.