I'm joining Kat and the Unravelers today, plugging away on the same cowl as before.
I'll probably knit a couple more inches in pattern and then do some matching ribbing at the top. These cables have a kind of magical quality to them, making me slow down and feel a sense of calm. That's knitting I'll gladly do more of!
This week I read an ARC from Edelweiss entitled The Bright Years, by Sarah Damoff. It's a poignant debut novel that delves into the
complexities of family dynamics, addiction, resilience, and possible
recovery. Set in Texas from 1958 to 2019, the narrative spans four
generations of the Bright family, offering an intimate portrayal of
their struggles and triumphs.
The story is told from three
perspectives: Lillian, her husband Ryan, and their daughter Georgette
(Jet). Lillian and Ryan's relationship is marked by love and the scars
of past traumas, including Lillian's experience with adoption and Ryan's
battle with alcoholism. Their daughter, Jet, navigates the challenges
of growing up in a family overshadowed by secrets and addiction,
striving to find her own path amid the chaos.
Damoff's writing is
both tender and unflinchingly honest, capturing the raw emotions
associated with generational trauma and the enduring hope for
redemption. Her background in social work is evident, as she approaches
sensitive topics with compassion and depth. I think the author writes
about alcoholism and addiction honestly - the anxiety, secretive
behavior, impaired judgement, hope, mercy, and the never-ending fight.
This
is a story that I was initially leary of requesting as the blurb makes
it sound like it could be a non-stop soap opera. But the novel is well
written with well developed characters so it doesn't often feel like an
overwrought drama. The author does have a habit of over-writing similes;
I found that these were most evident in the first third of the book.
There is nothing wrong with descriptive writing but I had trouble when
reading "I peel back my eyelids as his slam open, his eyebrows like
deep-diving caterpillars plunging into a frown." I am not familiar with
deep-diving caterpillars and this simile made no sense to me. The overuse of similes gave me a glacial pang of pain like the stab of a dagger of ice frozen from a poisoned well (sorry!), but the story and the messages are
still good ones. Overall, The Bright Years is a compelling
exploration of love, loss, and the possibility of healing. Damoff's
nuanced portrayal of a family in turmoil through generations offers
readers a heartfelt and authentic narrative. Three and a half stars
rounded up.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published on April 22, 2025. There is currently a goodreads giveaway for it if you are interested.
What are you making and reading this week?
Those cables are so yummy! I'm really feeling a need to knit some cables after watching you work on them. The book sounds interesting but also a bit hard to read (and I think I'll skip it for now, having just read a book about addiction -- I think I need a little break). I'm reading Same as It Ever Was on paper and thinking about what to start next digitally.
ReplyDeleteThose are some beautiful blue cables! I am proud to say I just finished reading two books. One from the library and one on my Kindle. My New Year's goal was to read more and I'm off to a good start. Right now I am halfway through a Three Pines book The Mister started but didn't want to finish. It's been a page turner for me.
ReplyDeleteTwo books and it's just the middle of January! I couldn't get too far in Louise Penny's series, but I know lots of people that love them and she has written plenty.
DeleteThe cowl is just beautiful, Bonny. I'm sure it will give you as much comfort to wear as it has been to knit. XO I can't bear reading anything with "over-simile-ation." You're a champ for sticking with The Bright Years. XO
ReplyDeleteThose cables sound like the perfect thing for you to have in your hands this morning. You all are in my thoughts (and my prayers as well) I confess to chuckling about the simile-a-thon in your book... whew. Poor editing, that!
ReplyDeleteHahaha - deep diving caterpillars. That would drive me crazy. Your cables are glorious and I bet they will feel so cozy around your neck. Been thinking of your BIL and hope all has gone (or is going) well.
ReplyDeletegorgeous knitting! I am reading conjure women and it is GOOD!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love those cables. Is it just me, or do they look like braids? I think I missed what pattern this is. Will have to go back in posts and look for it. I am reading Presumed Guilty, an ARC from NetGalley. It is weird that they approved me the day before publication. Have you ever had that happen? I went to bed and woke up thinking of your BIL Sending up my most sincere thoughts and juju for a successful surgery.
ReplyDeleteThat cowl looks so smooshy and cozy! I've never seen deep diving caterpillars either and can't imagine putting that simile in a book!
ReplyDeleteThose cables are a work of art. Beautiful. Overuse of simile indeed. On the other hand, the novel sounds like it was worth reading. Families are ever complicated.
ReplyDeleteI can see how those cables would be calming and comforting. are you going to start another cowl for the weekend?!
ReplyDelete