The Last Days of Dogtownby Anita Diamant
Published by Scribner, 2005
261 pages
April 2009 Book Club Selection
Summary: Anita Diamant's novel follows the lives of a group of settlers living in Dogtown as they endure the hardships of life and death.
Review: This book was very unique in its structure. In the first chapter, we meet all the inhabitants of Dogtown as they come together to look over the dead body of Abraham Wharf. Meeting so many characters at once was a little overwhelming, I worried that I would not remember everyone. However, each subsequent chapter tells a story about one of the characters that we meet in the beginning. Through each of these stories, we learn more and more about the individuals who make Dogtown their home. Around half way through the novel, I realized that I cared what happened to some of these characters, I didn't want Oliver to get into trouble and ruin his future and I wanted Judy to find love. Overall, a beautifully written book about a difficult time in early American history, ripe with interesting and entertaining characters. Rating: **** out of 5
**Don't forget to check out my book club posting on April 6th to get the details of our discussion with the author, Anita Diamant.
5 comments:
I'll have to put this on my library list - I need to branch out a bit from chic-lit :)
I really enjoyed reading your review and have added this book to my list of must reads. I also read your review on the 'Outlanders' Your review was great. I have been looking for this book. Last week my niece recommended it to me. Thank you.
I've not heard of this book before, but it sounds wonderful...another one for the list me thinks!
You know I have this book on my shelf but haven't gotten to it yet. I really like the cover too. Have you read The Red Tent of hers. I really enjoyed that one.
Dar,
I have not read The Rent Tent, but many of the members of my book club raved about it.
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