I am reading Ann Patchett’s newest novel right now, and I wish I didn’t have to work or sleep so I could just read straight through. I’m here writing to keep myself from opening it before work. I don’t want to have to wrench myself away.
Patchett is one of those novelists that I’ll read everything she writes. I click with her characters—I love Eddie in Whistler, as everyone in the book does as well—and how beautifully she exposes the hearts of humans, and the intricacies of our relationships with one another, with family, with children and parents and lovers and friends. She doesn’t create cheap drama. Bel Canto is a marvel.
I’ve managed to stretch Whistler over three days so far. I’ve now succeeded in holding myself back from opening it before work. I don’t think I’ll be as successful on my lunch break.
6 responses to “Whistler”
I just finished it yesterday, including lots of reading before work and on lunch breaks. It was my first Ann Patchett novel. I look forward to reading more.
What a joy that you have so many new-to-you Patchett books to experience for the first time!
Totally agree. I love Ann! I want to go to her bookstore in Nashville.
You should! I made a little detour there on a work trip and it’s super warm and cozy and inviting, just as you’d expect from her. I remember it being in kind of a nightmarish car traffic area, but there’s a donut shop around the corner in the same shopping center, so you can shop for books then go get donuts and coffee while you read. What more can you ask for?
How do you know that donuts are the way to my heart?
I love Ann too! Bel Canto was really something. I’ll have to stalk my local library for “Whistler”. I need a good book to read now.