Someone told me this is a "Marmite book" - and I don't like Marmite. It started promisingly with Catherine's story running parallel to Henry's but then, as they got interesting, they were both hijacked, by Amanda on one side and Sumper on the other, and what had promised so well disappeared into either ludicrously unacceptable behaviour and long rambling monologues. There were also so many unbelievable aspects - Why didn't Catherine and Matthew get married? Why were Amanda and Croft allowed to behave the way they did? Why did Catherine destroy the one notebook she flung across the room? - that I just couldn't take it seriously. On the positive side, the book is beautifully written but that is overwhelmed by the fact that Catherine's voice is not convincing as a woman. It is hard to sympathise with any character and all I really wanted to know is, What happened to Percy? We are not told. At the end, Catherine thinks: "Am I too stupid to see this is a critique of the industrial revolution?" I've got to admit, that even having read the whole book, I was! Wow, this has certainly had some mixed reviews.For me, The Chemistry of Tears wasn't amazing or anything - certainly not on the level of Carey's best work - but nor could I see anything hugely objectionable. OK, so Catherine, who narrates the contemporary part of the story, is not the most sympathetic of characters. But still, she is a grieving woman and we should probably cut her a little bit of slack. Likewise, Henry (who comes across at times as a stereotypical upper-class Victorian nincompoop), is haunted by grief, both actual and anticipatory. I didn't find myself wholly convinced by the voice of Catherine. In particular, on several occasions she derisively refers to people as posh and yet, at times, her own turns of phrase are really not what you would expect from someone of her generation and/or supposed social background. Who the hell says "beloved" or "my darling"? That said, I found this to be pretty well written, with interesting themes. Overall, a satisfying read.
What do You think about The Chemistry Of Tears (2012)?
I just couldn't connect with the characters. Hence it took me weeks to get through.
—Skylla
The Chemistry of Tears is full of more wank than my own masturbation sessions.
—Zoefitz
I am not entirely sure what just happened - but I liked it? For the most part?
—alexpirtle69
I found a library slip with this book on it. I don't remember the story.
—iand19
