Tuesday, 12 February 2013

March 2010 - Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin




This book was met with mixed feelings. Most of us felt that it was an easy book to read with an easy, poetic style in short chapters. Many were able to complete the book easily in one day.
However, the general consensus was that the book lacked substance  several story lines would begin but failed to lead anywhere, which became frustrating at times, one being Owens love for his wife Emily.


Some found the book light hearted and comforting, whilst others found it depressing, but that may have been due to the main character Liz rather than the concept itself.


The majority of the group felt the characters lacked any depth and description. Many characters appeared in the book but the only one we felt we knew was Liz. Liz came across well as a typical teenager, a little stubborn and spoilt (but that may be her grief process).


The ending, although acceptably predictable from the beginning was quite poor. We felt it would have been made better if the entire concept wasnt given away from the beginning  allowing you to consider for yourself what would happen when rebirth occurred. The reappearance of Lucy the dog was welcomed though.


Although the group picked out many negative points, it most certainly has poetic elements to it, the concept is very good but just needed better development of the plot and characters. The religious slant on the theme did shine through in patches (being an afterlife) but was very ambiguous with no direct references. The book is very easy to read, and if you like easy going books (especially those with different takes on the afterlife) you should read this. The book is typically for young adults which may explain some of its simplicity.


12 members turned up, and we rate this book an average of 6 out of 10.

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