The Mermaid Chair
Ratings25
Average rating3
I read this book after reading Secret Life of Bees. I was so disappointed. I did find the main character compelling and her fascination with the monk was also interesting, but I just couldn't really get into the story. I had to drag myself through it just to get it done. I think, had I read this book before reading The Secret Life of Bees, I wouldn't have been so disappointed. My only advice would be if you are going to read Susan Monk Kidd, read this book first THEN read The Secret Life of Bees.
This story was intriguing as it tackles an unusual mother-daughter relationship through the daughter's exposure to one monk and a monastery.
I really wanted to like this book. And I would have if it had revolved around Jessie's coming back home and getting back in touch with herself, rebuilding her relationship with her mother, being part of this amazing group of women and getting that much needed time to heal and recharge. It was obvious that she needed to break from the endless routine that was her life to be able to, from a distance, see what needed to be fixed.
SPOILERS!!!
What really annoyed me about this book was the relationship with Brother Thomas. It was dishonest and unnecessary. I was annoyed from the moment, after a two-sentence conversation, they both decided they were “in love” with each other. When, in truth, their relationship was just a parenthesis before both of them went on with their lives. They were NOT in love. They just cheated on their lives and I wonder if it was really worth it to hurt the people around them.
Should be a 3.5.
I did enjoy the thoughtfulness of the story, particularly at the end. But there was lots of remembering in the narration, which I found myself skipping through. I could relate to the main character, but only tangentially; I probably am not the target audience for the book!
I was captured by the title of this book. While the story fit my ideal read, there were some things I really liked, and others which were not quite for me. It is an interesting story with lots of romance. I liked the descriptive details, and I felt I was on the island with the characters. The main thing I don't like is that the Monk does not respect the vow of marriage. That's all I will say, so I don't spoil it for others. This is an easy read.