Play Book Tag discussion

What a disappointment! I loved both Peace Like a River and Virgil Wander, but this one didn't work at all for me. I knew it was dystopian, but I hoped for something like Station Eleven. Instead I got something like 1984. In a not-too-distant future, environmental devastation has led to the breakdown of society. Sinister capitalist forces are devising ways to control people, and survivors often turn on each other. Main character Rainy and his wife Lark still have a happy life, enjoying music and books, even though books are generally condemned and the country has elected its first "proudly illiterate" President. But of course, that can't last.

There is violence and greed and unnecessary cruelty, so that I found the somewhat redeeeming ending unbelievable. The story takes place on and around Lake Superior, and some of it is set in Canada, which seems to be a refuge from the awfulness of the U.S.

I was disappointed in the book too. "Peace Like A River" remains my favorite of Enger's books - I loved it.

I don't do well with dystopias and as you mention, disliked the "violence, greed and unnecessary cruelty." I think I rated the book higher than you did, due to Enger's writing and liking Rainy.

I was disappointed with this one, too; the others I read of his were all 4 stars or rounded up to 4 stars. I don't mind dystopian novels, but this one didn't work for me.

I did give it a 3 as my GR rating. The writing isn't bad, I just didn't like the subject or story arc.

I actually liked this book quite a bit. I wonder if it is because I tend to enjoy speculative fiction and dystopias?