Don't Choose Sophie's Choice

I can't believe I actually finished this book.

As I mentioned in my mid-book review, I would have put the book down were it not for the fact that I knew Kelly and I were in it together...well, that sentiment did not change through the remainder of the book. Like Kelly, I was surprised to find that this was a must read and I was also completely disappointed with the ending.

The writing in Sophie's Choice was utterly frustrating. The author, William Styron, would narrate a section of the story in Stingo's voice and then randomly switch it to Sophie's voice. Next, he would be in the past referring to the future and then bounce into the future and look back on the past. These inconsistencies made it difficult to follow at times and were often unnecessary. There were also tangents that would tell a side story to expand on a character who we didn't even need to remember or know about later in the story. It was absolutely ridiculous.

And then there was Sophie's choice - the title of the book, the book jackets, and other people all referred to this horrific, yet moving event - but after reading the several paragraphs (read: not more than a page!) it took to divulge, I was left wondering if I had in fact just read the "choice"?! I had a sad moment (a second, really) but then laughed out loud over the fact that the choice was so...so...so NOT what I was expecting! Sure, it was traumatic for Sophie, but as a reader I felt completely unattached to that piece of the puzzle. What a disappointment.

All in all, I enjoyed some of the book, but was often annoyed and bored - feelings I do not want to have when reading. I'm glad to have made it through to the end (without skimming, might I add) and enjoyed talking about it with Kelly, but I hope the next one is better.

Modern Fiction down, on to Travel Writing!
Devon