The Idea of Perfection
by Kate Grenville
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Book Summary Information
Author: Kate GrenvilleEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-10-28
ISBN: 0142002852
Number of pages: 416
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Reviews of The Idea of Perfection
Book Review: "The Idea of Perfection" Is Far From Perfect
Summary: 1 Stars
Having read a few glowing reviews and recommendations for this book, I was surprised and disappointed in it. The plot is so transparent that the reader knows precisely what will happen, that is, once s/he has finally waded through the disjointed descriptions of the characters.
As a writer, I was most confounded by the fact that the author fails to observe even that most basic rule of punctuation -- the use of quotation marks to separate dialogue from narrative. I found this to be a significant obstacle to the flow of the story, often having to look back in the text to figure out exactly what was happening. Another impediment to understanding the story was the ubiquitous Aussie slang. While this would obviously not be a problem for the Australian reader, those of us who are unfamiliar with much beyond "throwing a shrimp on the barbie" would have benefitted greatly from footnotes or a glossary.
I found the characters to be one-dimensional, each one little more than the sum of his or her neuroses. Throughout most of the story I found myself caring more about the dog than the human characters. It was hard to believe that these were supposed to be adults instead of teenagers.
The so-called climax of the story comes almost at the very end. This allows for only a very perfunctory denouement.
I had to force myself to continue reading this book, and I felt much as I did when doing required reading for school. Had I not bought the book, and instead borrowed it from the library, I doubt that I'd have persevered.
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