Wow. Gina Frangello's writing packs a punch, folks. And so much of the emotional core of the novel was just brilliant. Mary's struggle to heal from a devastating loss, her attempt to escape her own mortality, and the ever-present longing for a female presence in her life really resonates. Yet another book I'll be thinking about for a long while. This probably would have been a five star review if not for a few rather contrived coincidences and plot twists throughout. I can suspend my disbelief pretty far, but not infinitely. Still, it's a highly recommended read. I can't rate this novel highly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. It ended wonderfully, with complete closure but I was so sorry to se the story be over. Frangello's musings about life and human nature were thought provoking and her characters touching and wildly entertaining simultaneously. I can't wait to read more of her work. I have to say, however, the title of this and the "slut lullabies" really puts me off. I'm glad the book was about so much more than various men and their impact. It wasn't about that at all, actually.
What do You think about A Life In Men: A Novel (2014)?
Beautiful. The title is misleading. Very sad. Beautifully written.
—mae
