The Light Of Amsterdam. David Park (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
Hmmm - not sure what to say about this one really. It left me feeling depressed and downtrodden!Although well written, the characters all seemed almost too real in a 'normal' sort of way, a bit like Eastenders without the violence or in-breeding. Although the book was mainly set in Amsterdam, and made references to the canals, the hidden area of houses and the red light district, it could have been set anywhere as the city was inconsequential - and I have no idea why it was called The Light of Amsterdam - the visit to the city certainly didn't do anything to lighten the mood, or light the spirit of the characters. Maybe it was set in Amsterdam to allow the last page of the story to happen (without giving anything away) but that just left me feeling even more depressed.All in all - everything about it was gloomy - the characters, the weather, the ending.Onwards and upwards to happy book now . . . . . . Disclaimer - I won this in a goodreads giveaway. However, that doesn't persuade me to like a book or not because it was free.If you like flowery, poetic prose this is a book to read. I find that style of writing harder and this took me much longer to read than what I'm used to because of it. The plot moved a little slower too because of it. I kept at it, though, because I was interested in learning more about the characters. Mr. Park focuses on three different characters from Ireland who all happen to be on the same flight to Amsterdam. They all have issues, and IMO, are quite a sad lot. They each have a good amount of self pity about their lives and each, in their own way, make me want to shake some sense into them. Alan, the divorced father who takes his messed up teenage son with him to see Bob Dylan in concert.Marion, the middle aged wife who is on holiday with her husband and is very confused about aging and who she is to herself and her husband.Karen, the single mum who has given everything to her child and really knows how to play the martyr well in her head. She's there with her daughter and friends for a hen party (what we Americans would call a bachelorette party).I think this would be a fun book to discuss in a book club. There are so many tidbits and themes to explore. Each character brings a fair amount of baggage and those close to them as well. Can I just say, though, the ending bugged! It left us in the middle of a scene that I was very curious to see play out. oh well. You have to end somewhere but I was def left wanting more and wondering how all the characters faired once they got back home. That to me is the sign of a well written book - I keep thinking about the characters after I'm done reading. (ruff ruff!)All in all, if you're looking for a new author to discover I do think you might be pleasantly surprised.
What do You think about The Light Of Amsterdam. David Park (2012)?
