I always have a soft spot for books that contain a love of books and reading. This novel contains that especially at the beginning and that's what drew me in. The writing of this novel is well done and probably somewhat surpasses the storytelling. Many reviewers are critical of the major part of the story about a librarian who gets caught up in circumstances and kidnaps a 10 yr old boy who's an avid patron of the library, finding it too unrealistic. It is. But, the good-natured humor and warmth of Lucy and Ian carries the book to its positive end. I found the side story of Lucy and her Russian father and heritage to be more of a distraction than a good integration into the main plot. Overall I enjoyed this read. "Like a good Russian, I wanted to break into Pastor Bob's house and poison him. Like a good American, I wanted to sue somebody. Like a good librarian, I just sat behind my desk and waited."Makkai is really good at creating characters, and this is no exception. Even when they are driven to do really stupid things, the characters are kept humane enough to root for. Topically, Reparative therapy is disastrously dangerous and damaging, and I find it fascinating that it serves as the impetus for the call to action here. What I don't like, and the narrator even notes is a cliche (always your first hint, authors, to remove such things), is the "gay high school friend who committed suicide." Not all gay stories are sad, Victorian tragedies. I want contemporary authors to find the balance between the social reality of homophobia and the social reality that gay people lead happy, healthy lives. Don't get me wrong; I'm not evaluating the book on what it isn't. I'm merely aware that social Complexity is not something Makkai does well (the religious, overbearing "nut" of a parent, etc), nor should she be burdened to present a research treatise full of multiple perspectives. She seems to enjoy quippy, light-ish stories within the context, however loosely maintained, of heavy social matter. And on that front, she creates a successful, satisfying read. There is a repetitive lag in the middle-to-late parts of the book, which were boring as a result. Is it Chaucer? No. Is she aiming for Chaucer? Not hardly. But it is somewhat enjoyable, perhaps perfectly suited for a summertime, poolside read.
What do You think about The Borrower (2011)?
I devoured this book in a day and a half. Beautifully written. I was sad when I finished it.
—atina
A wonderful story, very imaginatively told. I will keep my eye on this Ms. Makkai.
—Keebler
Pleasant, but too long, with unnecessary parts. A mediocre read.
—sarah
Not sure what the message was or even if there was one.
—Mayang
