A Black Cat Book Review
May We Be Forgiven by A. M. Homes
This is a story of a family in crisis and how each member of the family comes to terms with it. From the beginning we know that George Silver is not a nice person. He is successful in his career, married with two children in boarding school, beautiful home. But George is bad tempered and mean spirited What we do not know from the beginning is that his brother, Harry, is a really nice guy. What we do know about him is that he is a professor and Nixon scholar, married to a rather
aloof woman, has no kids, is sleepwalking through life thoroughly bored..
Harry and George’s wife, Jane, have an affair. When George finds them in bed together Jane dies. George is institutionalized while awaiting trial. Harry loses his job, his wife, most of his worldly possessions, and becomes the foster parent of George’s children, Nate and Ashley. He stumbles around trying to make sense of this new life for which he is totally unprepared.
While living in George’s house, wearing George’s clothes, Harry takes care of George’s dog and cat and children and becomes involved with two very strange women. The interactions with these characters, people and animals, reveal Harry’s true self. A bit of a nerd, thoughtful, caring, compassionate, easily taken advantage of, confused. He just wants to do what is right for everyone. And he does his best; which turns out pretty good for someone who is clueless when it comes the intricacies of relationships. He takes Nate and Ashley to a South African village to celebrate Nate’s Bar Mitzvah, and becomes full-time caregiver to the parents of one of the women he is involved with when she runs away. He even tries to do right by the despicable George.
I liked the book from the first page. It is written in Harry’s voice, a journal of sorts. He is honest in the telling of the events that take place even when they are not especially complimentary to him. The story that he tells, though tragic at times, is endearing. There is humor in the sadness and confusion of life and this book makes the most of it. As much as I did not like George I really liked Harry and the kids.
Both brothers get what they deserve. As different as the brothers are so are their fates.
Love book reviews and this sounds like a good read so thank you. What’s Teddy reading these days? Dr. Seuss maybe? Beatrice Potter? Has he ever read Seabiscuit? You actually might like that. Don’t you just love to read? Sigh…..
Reading is my first favorite thing! Teddy isn’t much for reading…he likes to play fetch while I read…then when he tires of it he curls up next to me.
Looks like a book I’d really enjoy. I’ll keep my eye out for it.
I liked it a lot. The people seemed real–if at times a bit “out there”.
This looks like a really interesting read. I have already put it on my “extra” list.. ( the books I read in between book club items) Cheers!!
I liked the book a lot. It was an easy book to get into. Let me know what you think of it.
Thank your for the review. Sounds interesting enough to be added to my l-o-n-g list of books to read.
Somehow the list of to reads is like a to do list. Gets longer and longer. I know I will never get to the end of my list–either one…
Sounds pretty interesting!
There’s a dog names Tessie in the book. She is pretty smart.
Great review again, Patricia and what a different story! Never would’ve thought about that story line! I love that! Thank you for letting us know about another good book.
The characters are very well drawn. Some you just love and others are a pain. A lot like in real life…
This sounds like a very good story, Patricia, rich with the interplay and intrigue of family and trying to find your own way. It sounds like it is written from an honest perspective and I like that a lot. I will have to check this one out! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Some books of fiction read like true stories. This one is like that. If you read it let me know what you nthink.