Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips

I have to admit that this book-a-week challenge is tougher than I thought it would be. It’s not the reading I find hard, it’s writing the review. I have begun to read differently, in a more critical way; and this changes the dynamic of reading for me. I’m not sure I like that. Maybe this is a good thing but, like any change, it’s difficult to accept.

I’m going to shift my review format – go with something a bit unconventional. I’m skipping the plot summary (which you can find on the web in many places); and instead I’m giving you the basic information: title, author, genre, characters, time period, and location. I’ve developed my own book review system, which may change as this idea evolves, that incorporates what I find compelling about reading and my recommendation. I will use this same format for every book so patterns will begin to develop. I think it might be an interesting and innovative experiment. Let’s see! Let me know what you think.

Introduction: Since I had a cold this week, I was really looking for something strong and fresh, but yet not too cryptic for my Dayquil brain to wrap itself around. This book was it.

Title & Author: Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips
Genre: Literary Fiction
Time Period: 1950 and 1959
Location: Korea and West Virginia
Main Characters: Lark, Termite, Nonie, Lola, and Robert

Characters: strong, well developed, visceral, indelible, sensual
Writing Style: lyrically descriptive, poetic, powerful imagery, emotionally piercing
Opening: takes several pages to appreciate the flow of the novel
Plot/Story: suspenseful, emphasis on familial love, devotion and abandonment
Action: page-turner, several exciting twists and turns, riveting and moving
Dialogue: wonderful narrative voice
Humor: little, this is a serious, emotional story
Believability: mystical, improbable yet interesting
Relatable: not for me but still a fabulous book! Time period was before I was born and couldn’t directly relate to the characters.
Originality: very unique in its perspective and plot line.
Enjoyable: an excellent read, troubling at times but in the end enjoyable
Ending: felt rushed and somewhat unsatisfying (but I like when everything is all tied up)
Recommendation: Excellent book – highly recommend this book for true lover of literary fiction! *****

5 stars = Excellent read – you don’t want to miss this one!
4 stars = Very good – you should add this to your reading list.
3 stars = Good – you could go either way here.
2 stars = Fair - it’s a tolerable read but you should probably skip it.

1 star = Poor – don’t waste your time.