Quatre Filles Et Un Jean Pour Toujours (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
Wow. Where do I even start? I was absolutely shocked to hear the beloved series of my middle school days had quietly released a fifth book... And one set TEN YEARS LATER.Why, Ann Brashares? The "ten years later" storylines are a cliche kiss of death. Think of the disappointing end of Harry Potter. Not even Rowling can pull it off!Just the pure lack of creativity within the structure sets the book up to be a failure.Or at least it should, right?I know I'm dead-set against the premise, but Brashares did a good job with it. There is a twist in the story, which is a sad, gut-wrenching event. It could have killed the story, and I'm sure many argue it did.I would dissent that it is the only place she could have taken the story. What is the ultimate test of a friendship? Where does an author after bringing these individuals together with a seemingly bright, sunny, potential-filled future? She must break it.I thought it was good for what it was. A poorly formatted wasteland of creativity, yet beautifully and sensitively written. As you can see, my sentiments are very mixed and very bittersweet. A worthy, tearful, bittersweet conclusion to the series that I grew up with. These four girls have gone through everything now - love, friendship, fights, break-ups and now death and moving on. I always love time jumps because I am always wondering into the future. For the most part, the characterization stayed consistent with the past four books except for Lena's. I think the author made her overly cowardly - Lena always showed some backbone and passion - in order to justify why she did not couple with Kostos in all these years. A bit contrived but Mrs.Brashares uses her to ultimately make a very strong message.The book had some beautiful passages and the letters, oh the letters! They are the highlights that showed the strength and depth of the girls' friendships. I wish I could write like that. There is heartache, laughter, tears and joy in this book - all good. The only thing I would complain about is some overly long rumblings of guilt and loss that hindered the pace.Otherwise, this is a book all coming-of-age girls should read. Mrs.Brashares is masterful in incorporating emotions and realistic conflicts to teach readers a few lessons in courage in love and life, honesty to ourselves and trust in others.
What do You think about Quatre Filles Et Un Jean Pour Toujours (2012)?
I cried so much. It is so different from the other, so much sentimental, I simply loved it!
—pkroll
