Bookmarks Subscribers discussion

I have enjoyed many of the novels written by this author, but I found this one to be disappointing. I had such high hopes with the intertwining of the story of The Great Gatsby, but once I had finished the last page I felt very unsatisfied. Have you ever read an entire book wondering how you feel about it and are not sure until it is completely over? That was this book for me, and for one of my close friends.

Hi Stephanie,
I really enjoyed The Double Bind. The story really drew me in and the intertwining of The Great Gatsby made me want to go back and reread Fitzgerald. I found the ending to be disturbing, but actually thought it had the right effect. I predicted the ending, but still found it shocking; which I think was the point Bohjalian was trying to make. How do we react when we experience something shocking?

I also think the Gatsby theme was purposely misleading. I think it was his intent to make us want the Gatsby storyline to have a nice, neat finish, then fool us. I thought this was a powerful tool in putting us in the mind of the main character. This was definitely a book that left me thinking about it after it was over. I understand how you didn't know what to feel about the book until the end because the path he led us down didn't have the destination we were expecting.

Stephanie, what is your favorite book by Bohjalian? I really want to read this one, but am curious as to what you think is a better read. Thanks!

I still have many books to read by this author, but my favorite so far is probably Midwives. This might sound strange, but I tend to really enjoy F/NF stories about midwifery - I find it captivating. Perhaps some of my enjoyment for this particular book was that it was my first Bohjalian novel. I have heard that Skeletons at the Feast is really good - I started it, but couldn't get into it at the time. I had some tough stuff going on in my life, and I decided I couldn't do a WWII book at the time. I definitely plan on reading it later.

Midwives is the only book that I have read by this author. Even though I read this book several years ago some scenes are still vivid in my memory. I have just started The Double Blind. The prologue is going to stick with me for a while. I have thought of it every day as I am getting on my bike since I read it.

Stephanie wrote: "I still have many books to read by this author, but my favorite so far is probably Midwives. This might sound strange, but I tend to really enjoy F/NF stories about midwifery - I find it captivatin..."

Stephanie,

I also find F/NF books about midwifery very interesting. At one point, I even thought about becoming a midwife. What books would you recommend? Have you read The Birth House? I really enjoyed it. One of my favorite NF books on the subject is Spiritual Midwifery.

Stephanie wrote: "I have enjoyed many of the novels written by this author, but I found this one to be disappointing. I had such high hopes with the intertwining of the story of The Great Gatsby, but once I had fini..."

I enjoyed it, but did have it figured out pretty early on. I agree - wasn't really sure what the whole point of the Gatsby tie-in was. I highly recommend an adolescent lit book, "I am the Cheese" by Robert Cormier, who attempts to do similar things with the story and I think is more successful at it.