Quote:
Originally Posted by Bookpossum
[...] Clare was far more honest and direct than Irene could ever be.
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But being direct and honest is not quite the same thing as likeable. I get the impression you don't actually like her any more on re-read. I find it a strange thing to have both the main protagonists so unlikeable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bookpossum
[...] I actually felt more comfortable with Nella Larsen's style the second time through. The first time through it felt - I don't know, maybe a bit clunky or forced - but perhaps I had got used to it on the reread. I do agree with issybird about the need to prune the adjectives, but I felt the strengths of the book far outweighed weaknesses like that.
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You make me think I should spend time reading it over again - because, yes, I thought it felt a bit clunky and forced.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bookworm_Girl
I think that it is important to consider Nella Larsen's own life and how it may have influenced the stories that she told. [...]
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That and simply the time and place. I'm not at all familiar with the setting (1920s Harlem) and I wonder if I was reading things the wrong way. This was something @latepaul spoke of earlier on this thread, and I start to wonder if he was more right than I realised.