Friday, March 3, 2017

Marjorie Morningstar


           
     





Marjorie Morningstar
By Herman Wouk



Our book club, chose to read Marjorie Morningstar for our February meeting. I was hesitant to read the book. Because it was such a long novel. We discussed how we were going to discuss a long book. But, we chose to read it in one month.

Some of the book club members have read the novel before, but years ago. Most of them read it in their teens in the 1950's.. So at that time most of the members thought the novel was relatable. But, now they have a different perspective.

Some of the members thought that Noel was a terrible perspective for a boyfriend for Marjorie. That Marjorie was a spoiled little rich girl. She was so rebellious. Did everything opposite what her parents expected.

The book takes place in the 1930's before the war. I couldn't believe the author was the same author that wrote the novel, War and Peace and other books. I never understood how he could write a romance novel. I couldn't relate to the book at all. I could not see this as timeless. Because I couldn't relate to the novel at all. Perhaps if I was a teen I could relate to it. Because a teenager I could see her being rebellious. Like any teenager. But, reading as an adult in mid life I couldn't relate. I thought she was reckless, and radical, having, and talking sex openly.

The writing is straight narrative. Now, many authors have different and varied writing styles, and have different types of skills to write a novel. For example, some authors, write using flashbacks, other write subjective, and objective writing. The modern writing styles grab you most of the time. They don't use long sentences like Mr. Wouk did.  The writing with Wouk were long and descriptive.

Also, I noticed the author using, " The Father", The Mother", as a authoritarian. Instead of using, mother, and father. I didn't like any of the characters, I think the only character I liked was the Uncle.
The only part of the novel I liked was the early part of the book. When they were at the Bar-Mitzvah, and at the camp. It reminded me of the stories of my Mom and Dad growing up. Also reminded me of Dirty Dancing.

I am glad we read the book because reading a book that was written year ago. To hear the perspective of the ladies that read it when they were younger. Was wonderful hearing their perspective of the novel. I struggled through it because it was a book club book. If I was reading it for my pleasure. I think I would have put it down.                                                                

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