Bookmarks Subscribers discussion

A Gate at the Stairs

Well, I finished it, though I had to skim the last few chapters. I cannot believe it was a "finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award Finalist for the Orange Prize for Fiction". The story jumped all over the place and by mid-book I was wondering where in the world the story was going (I hesitate to say plot because I'm not sure there really was one). I wouldn't have finished if it hadn't been picked by one of my book clubs. 1 star.

This was a book that I, too, felt had overblown praise. It was okay and nothing more.

I won't feel guilty about ignoring this book on my shelf for a while longer. I least I only paid $1.50 for it at Goodwill.

Lisa wrote: "I won't feel guilty about ignoring this book on my shelf for a while longer. I least I only paid $1.50 for it at Goodwill."

At least you didn't buy it new! And, to be fair, there are reviewers who gave this 5 stars ... but also quite a few who felt like I did about the book.

I am one that really liked this book - another one that I read when it first came out so I can no longer provide meaningful commentary. Good stuff, but I can see how some readers wouldn't be interested.