Sarah's book
reviews can be heard on alternate Mondays on KMUW 89.1. Read a transcript
below of her most recent review or listen at:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kmuw/.artsmain/article/16/59/1472464/Sarah.Bagby's.Book.Review./Sarah.Bagby's.Book.Review/
"Laura Rider's Masterpiece" by Jane Hamilton (Grand Central Publishing, ISBN
9780446538954, $22.99)
Jane Hamilton's latest novel, "Laura Rider's Masterpiece," is a departure.
Whereas her previous works mine the landscapes of tragic events, this new
comedy of manners examines the complexity of normal life: more Jane Austen
than Jodi Picoult; more Gilmore Girls than Dr. Phil.
Charlie and Laura Rider own the Prairie Wind Farm nursery, and their flawed
marriage works: they are in love but not romantic; they work together but
are not intimate. Laura observes and Charlie reacts. Into their lives comes
Jenna Faroli, famous for her interviews on Wisconsin Public Radio. After
meeting Laura at the Hartley Garden Club, and then Charlie in a chance
encounter, Jenna begins an e-mail correspondence with Charlie. At first the
exchange is innocent and even encouraged by Laura. She assists Charlie in
the composition of his replies. Soon, however, desire takes over and the
thrill of seduction overwhelms the innocent exchange. The lives of Jenna,
Charlie and Laura sever, then graft together in new hybrid forms. Where they
may have wilted they now bloom bigger, bolder, and more colorful than
before.
This portrait of marriage and love exudes sympathy for each of its
characters. Amusing, brazen, and wise, "Laura Rider's Masterpiece" cleverly
shows how life can be like a fragrant peony in full bloom, ants and all.
Review by
Sarah Bagby,
February 26, 2009
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