Amy Bloom writes stories in a sassy style that explore dysfunctional relationships. Like when a stepmother has sex with her step-son after her husband dies. Or two couples who break into an adulterous couple and a clueless couple. Clearly, there’s a market for this kind of fiction. Amy Bloom is an accomplished writer who handles her characters with confidence as their lives disintegrate. Raymond Carver and Bobbie Ann Mason wrote these kinds of stories too, but they usually deal with folks lower on the socio-economic spectrum. Bloom prefers middle-class Baby Boomers. If these kinds of domestic destruction stories appeal to you, you’ll like Where the God of Love Hangs Out. GRADE: B-
She’s one of the writers I go back and forth about. Some of her stuff I like, others not. Same with Margaret Atwood. You have a lot of depth and breadth, George Kelley as well as your seductive powers.
My reaction to Amy Bloom is the same as yours, Patti. She’s an accomplished writer, but I find some of her stuff dull and depressing. Thank you for your kind words on my depth, breath, and seductive powers!
Me too, Patti. After hearing a lot of praise I read one of her books in 2001 and just wasn’t as impressed as George was with the new one.
Maybe I’ll give her one more try.
I wasn’t that impressed with WHERE THE GOD OF LVOE HANGS OUT, Jeff. A B- is a pretty lukewarm grade.
Yes, George is the Circe of bloggers.
😉
Just put wax in your ears, Jeff, so you don’t hear my siren song!
That’s OK – usually our judgments agree!
Yes, and it works in reverse, too, Jeff. Your reviews in your zine over the years motivated me to read plenty of books I might not have found on my own.