Song Without Words by Ann Packer

Parallel suicide attempts in two generations of the families of two high school friends is a stretch of credibility that only a very good author can pull off. Ann Packer does it, with a subtlety that makes her second novel far more credible in many respects than her first. The point of view changes are a little confusing, but the characterization of Brody is done with such reality, that you almost speak out when he does. Narrative tension sags in the second half and Packer seems to fumble a little with where Sarabeth is headed. But the dialogue and the dilemmas ring true. A good read, and some great book club discussion points on what friends mean to each other.

Comments: 10

A. F. Stewart Feb 27, 2008, 9:51am EST

A good review.

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Elizabeth Madrigal Feb 27, 2008, 10:20pm EST

I haven't read this book, Sarah, but it sounds like the kind of novel I would enjoy. Great review and so appealing while incredibly concise.

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Sarah Honenberger Feb 27, 2008, 10:38pm EST

Thanks, all. The power of words comes from using them with precision and not too liberally.

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Sheila Deeth Mar 4, 2008, 6:57pm EST

Good review. I liked her other book - clausen's pier? Hadn't realized she'd written another.

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Sarah Honenberger Mar 4, 2008, 8:56pm EST

The Dive from Clausen's Pier actually irritated me a little when the protagonist waffled back and forth for so long, when the New York lover clearly was so self-centered. But there's no question it was an interesting dilemma and well-written. She has a book of short stories that's recent also.

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Kate Keeley Mar 6, 2008, 12:27am EST

Good review. Her name is coming up a lot lately.

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Sarah Honenberger Mar 8, 2008, 1:25am EST

Yes, and I wish some of these lucky authors might give a word or two of praise once in a while to the newer authors on the block. In the meantime I'm working on the great American novel. Hah.

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Chris W. Mar 10, 2008, 9:42pm EDT

Sarah- yes, I enjoyed reading this novel too.

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Chris W. Mar 10, 2008, 9:47pm EDT

For recent published items, I suggest "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks. I am currently reading "Mudbound" by Hillary Jordan, a debut novel picked up by Algonquin press who always seem to find new talent- so far so good.

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Sarah Honenberger Mar 10, 2008, 9:59pm EDT

Algonquin is one of the few small presses (bigger now than they used to be, even ten years ago) that seems to be able to compete with the big publishers. Though if you follow the bestseller lists, there is rarely a small press book listed because they can't afford the large print runs that makes you eligible for best seller sales rankings. Life is unfair but you have to keep on writing. (And reading. Thank you, readers everywhere).

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Song Without Words by Ann Packer

Comments: 10

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