I Read Therefore I Am discussion

I've not started her selected stories yet - what does everyone make of their choice?

I've just finished Dear Life. There's no doubt that Munro writes beautifully, but I. Found the stories themselves a real mixed bag. Some are delightful, some disturbing, some just left me cold. The semi-autobiographical stories at the end of the book were the ones I found most interesting, and of the lot I probably enjoyed those the most.

I finally managed to finish Dear Life as well - I love Munro's writing - her telling details and significant but everyday/mundane incidents that tell you so much about a character without her ever having to describe them. I gave it 3 stars, possibly 4 if I ever read again but at the moment I'm not really in the mood for this kind if thing. The only thing I would say is that I never really connect with the characters, I am interested but don't feel anything for them - is that just me or does anyone else have a similar experience?

I'm reading the Beggar Maid but haven't started in yet. I think she's quite unpredictable. I read Too Much Happiness and really enjoyed it but then much later read a Good Woman and couldn't summon up any interest at all. Perhaps she's the sort of writer you just have to be in the right frame of mind for? I'll see how I feel after The Beggar Maid.

I'm now a quarter of the way in and so far so good. Although each of the chapters stands alone, they move chronologically through Rose's life detailing her difficult relationship with Flo, her stepmother. As it's told by Rose we only get her perspective, I'm hoping somewhere well find out how Flo feels about things. Not sure where the title The Beggar Maid comes from though so far.

Finished The Beggar Maid just before Christmas but have been offline and I am now trying to catch up! I enjoyed these more than I did my last Alice Munro but I agree with Laurel, I can't feel any real empathy with the characters. They are interesting but vaguely unpleasant, not the sort you would ever want as a friend definitely!

Hello again Hilary - hope you had a most enjoyable Christmas.

Ate a lot, drank a bit, never stopped laughing - a great time! Hope you enjoyed it too.

Certainly did