It’s been a couple weeks since I finished reading Anne Tyler’s latest novel, Noah’s Compass. If you’re familiar with her books, you know that her characters are usually less than loveable; they are frequently irritating, antisocial, or unmotivated. I have a hard time relating to them (thank god) and sometimes even dislike them so much I stop caring what happens.
Maybe it’s a little strange, then, that I continue to read her books. It’s just that they’re incredibly well-written, and almost always interesting. I love her style of writing, which is easy to read and has a very natural flow. She creates amazing characters—imperfect, yes—and is a fabulous storyteller. Some of my favorite Anne Tyler novels of the past have been The Accidental Tourist, Saint Maybe, Breathing Lessons, and now I can add Noah’s Compass to that list.
Here’s a review of Noah’s Compass from a columnist with The Daily Beast. I thought it was spot-on.
Good to know. I've read a lot of her books over the years too, but honestly hadn't thought of her characters as being more irritating, etc., than usual/normal. What does that say about me? Hmmm. I'll have to check this one out.
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