Oakville Reads discussion

The narration of this book is non-linear (it moves back and forth in time) and also switches between characters points of view; how did this affect your reading experience? Do you enjoy this narrative style or do you find it distracting? How do you think the story would have changed had it been told in chronological order?

I'm only halfway through the novel and am really enjoying it, but I'm really grateful for the style - it keeps the story moving. I think if I were faced with a novel of 500+ pages with such bleak subject matter written from a singular point of view I might get discouraged!

I found it distracting at first, in part because I didn't have time to read in a linear fashion myself! Once I was able to dig in and read steadily, it was much easier going and, like Emily mentions, it definitely keeps the story moving.

I also agree with Emily, it propels the story forward and makes it more interesting, especially the shift in perspectives. I do admit, I tried to do the audiobook version this month using our Libraries on the Go/Overdrive app, but I found it was a bit difficult to keep things straight so I went back to the written version and had no problems. That being said, I always have a hard time concentrating with audiobooks so it could just be my preference for the written word.

I found the non-linear narration confusing at first but as you get to know the characters and understand where and when you are reading about it all comes together. When I read The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton I felt the same confusion and almost gave up but you just have to pursue and it is well worth the initial struggle (in both these books/both favourites of mine).

I tend to prefer novels that shift perspectives. I love seeing an event or situation through the eyes of several people; I find it enriches the reading experience as you can bear witness to an array of different views. One of my favourite books is the Poisonwood Bible which is narrated by 4 characters. As the book progresses, you don't need to check who's speaking because you're so familiar with each character that you recognize the nuances specific to them. So, I am enjoying that aspect of this book!

I also think it really helps with the momentum of the story, especially considering that we're waiting for these two perspectives to link up at some point. I also really enjoy late in the book when sometimes another character who isn't Werner or Marie-Laure's perspective pops up.

Darrell, like you I tend to have a hard time concentrating with audiobooks. Was it the same narrator reading both perspectives? I'd have thought it might be worth it to get two!

Kate wrote: "I also think it really helps with the momentum of the story, especially considering that we're waiting for these two perspectives to link up at some point. I also really enjoy late in the book when..."

I love audiobooks - my parents used to put them on when I went to sleep, so I was trained from an early age! I especially love listening to audiobooks with 2+ narrators when there are two voice actors - the best one recently had to be The Golem and the Jinni. I would also be interested to know if they had multiple voices for this audiobook, as I'm reading it the old-fashioned way!

I have a long commute to work so I listen to audio books all the time! At first I was worried that it would be challenging to be "reading" two books at once (I still have my trusty paper books for home reading) but it's proven to be fine. The majority of the audio books I've listened to, have been read by the same narrator. To differentiate characters, they usually alter their voice.

Sadly, this one has one narrator who doesn't alter his voice so it's a bit flat, but if you can get a really good narrator it can make all the difference.

Hi new to the party =)

I personally love this style of narration as it keeps the reader guessing. I mean, one feels it must be inevitable that Marie-Laure and Werner are going to meet somehow, but when? and under what circumstances? The author does a terrific job toying with these expectations and then, finally, subverting them when the encounter between the two and its fallout prove to be somewhat other than what a more conventional story might have served up.

Emily - see I always listened to audiobooks to fall asleep when I was a kid so that may be the problem :)

Welcome, Robert! I agree completely and I found the when almost more surprising than the how.

Welcome, Robert! I agree completely and I found the when almost more surprising than the how."

Thanks Kate, glad to be here! Also, what are the discussion guidelines on comments that could be interpreted as spoilers?

When in doubt I'd use the spoiler tag (visible in the 'some html' is okay link at the top right of the reply box) and that leaves people to decide if they want to click through or not. That's what I see people doing the most often regardless if we're at the beginning or the end of the month. We do tend to get a little freer as the month progresses, however.

Victoria wrote: "I have a long commute to work so I listen to audio books all the time! At first I was worried that it would be challenging to be "reading" two books at once (I still have my trusty paper books for ..."
Victoria, I also enjoy audiobooks while I'm commuting. I first worried about keeping two storylines straight as well but it's generally not a problem. I recommend the audiobook for The Silent Wife (our December 2014 pick). It's very well read by a male and female in alternating chapters, as the voices of the couple, Todd and Jodi. A well-read audiobook can add so much to the reading experience.

Robert wrote: "Hi new to the party =)

I personally love this style of narration as it keeps the reader guessing. I mean, one feels it must be inevitable that Marie-Laure and Werner are going to meet somehow, bu..."

Hi Robert, welcome to the group--always glad to have another member :) Thanks for your contribution!

Kate wrote: "When in doubt I'd use the spoiler tag (visible in the 'some html' is okay link at the top right of the reply box) and that leaves people to decide if they want to click through or not. That's what ..."

OK, roger that! and I hope everyone is enjoying the book as much as I did.

Thanks Darrell

Good recommendation, Susan. I've already read it :)