Scan barcode
A review by donasbooks
The Brighter the Light by Mary Ellen Taylor
Did not finish book.
This book has *no* conflict. Everyone sits around and eats and feels things, but nothing ever actually happens!
For example, THE BRIGHTER THE LIGHT is supposed to be at least in part a romance, but I'm halfway through and I'm really not sure who the objects d'amor even are supposed to be.
Ruth (or is it Ivy?) is very difficult to connect with as a protagonist because she keeps changing ages, and unfortunately Taylor doesn't handle the transitions deftly. As a result, these two "characters" read like two different characters.
I really think this book needs a plot.
*edit I'm aware things occur in the storyline of this book that I did not read because I quit at the halfway mark. Thank you to my fellow readers who continue to point this out. When I say the book has no conflict, I mean that Taylor doesn't utilize the tension these events create in the earlier pages of the book to build interest. She doesn't indicate where everything is heading. There's no shape to this story, the narrative arc is flat for too long before she introduces the good stuff. That is what I mean when I say "no conflict."
I understand lots of people love this book! I'm a stickler for form, so I didn't. But I'm seriously happy for those who did. All my bookish joy to you!
For example, THE BRIGHTER THE LIGHT is supposed to be at least in part a romance, but I'm halfway through and I'm really not sure who the objects d'amor even are supposed to be.
Ruth (or is it Ivy?) is very difficult to connect with as a protagonist because she keeps changing ages, and unfortunately Taylor doesn't handle the transitions deftly. As a result, these two "characters" read like two different characters.
I really think this book needs a plot.
*edit I'm aware things occur in the storyline of this book that I did not read because I quit at the halfway mark. Thank you to my fellow readers who continue to point this out. When I say the book has no conflict, I mean that Taylor doesn't utilize the tension these events create in the earlier pages of the book to build interest. She doesn't indicate where everything is heading. There's no shape to this story, the narrative arc is flat for too long before she introduces the good stuff. That is what I mean when I say "no conflict."
I understand lots of people love this book! I'm a stickler for form, so I didn't. But I'm seriously happy for those who did. All my bookish joy to you!