Run: A Novel
by Ann Patchett
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Book Summary Information
Author: Ann PatchettEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-08-01
ISBN: 0061340642
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Book Reviews of Run: A Novel
Book Review: "The old man just never lets up, does he?"
Summary: 5 Stars
When this novel begins with the story of a statue that has been in Bernadette's family for several generations, we can already predict that this book is a winner. We can already see that Patchett's narration is flawless and has a rhythm that keeps us mesmerized until the tale is complete. In a sense, reading about the statue, I felt like a five-year old listening to a bedtime story read by grandma. And then the "real" story begins, and luckily we see our expectations completely fulfilled.
Years ago, Bernadette and Bernard Doyle had a son and wanted to surround him with siblings; but they were having trouble to conceive. Thus, they decided to adopt a baby. But fate had determined that they got two babies instead, a newly born and his thirteen-month-old brother, who the Doyle's named Teddy and Tip respectively. This event brought bliss to the family and this status quo remained the same until four years later, when the men were left all alone, to fend off by themselves.
Nowadays, Tip is fully committed to being an ichthyologist and cannot stay away from his fish, and Teddy is following his uncle's example and exploring faith and religion. This is not what former mayor Doyle had in mind for his sons, since he has always hoped to see them succeed in politics. Now Doyle is trying to take advantage of his last chance to exert parental pressure and is dragging his sons to a Jesse Jackson speech. As they come out of the venue after the speech, Tip and Bernard get in an argument in the middle of a snow storm, an event that will change their lives forever.
Have you ever noticed that when you go against your parent's advice something usually goes wrong? Even if it is not directly related to the matter at hand. This case is no different, and Tip is almost run over by a car, only to be saved by a woman who pushes him out of the way and takes the hit instead. And this is the catalyst of a series of events that will shake every belief the brothers had and that will change their lives forever.
There are many aspects to praise in Patchett's writing, but I think that the most important one is how well she works at character development. By the end of this novel you will feel like you know the motivations, dreams and fears of each and every one of the characters involved in the story. Also, the way in which the author shares the character's thoughts is unusual and refreshing. In most books the character's thoughts are directly related to the situation at hand, but if you think about it, this is not how reality works. How many times do you find your mind wandering and you start thinking about events unrelated to what you are going through at the time? This is what the author allows her characters to do, which gives them an added dimension and makes them more real to the reader.
This is a novel that has an enthralling plot, involving many secrets that Patchett reveals in layers, as if she was peeling an onion. But on top of that, the writing is so inspiring, that even when we figured out one of these secrets, we will get goosebumps when the truth is finally revealed in the beautiful prose. This is the first novel I have read by this author, but I have made the firm commitment to go back and visit her previous works. Her ability with the pen has to be present in those other novels too. I recommend this book without reservations!
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