The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright
We hardly know the main character, Gina. Even her name doesn't sound familiar. But her story is one we've all heard, and that many have actually experienced. She is a "mistress" to a man (Sean) with a family. You may note that I referred to her as "a" mistress, not "the" mistress.
Gina is ordinary and non-descript. If she's one thing, I'd say she's cynical. But otherwise, Gina is vague compared to her co-characters who inhabit the story. But her relationship with Sean is anything but vague. She loves him. Desperately at times. The affair gradually happens; there's not much build-up and things sort of happen and we're along for the ride. You can guess which way it goes. Or not. It doesn't really matter much.
To me what matters in this story are Anne Enright's words and how they make you feel sad and empathetic yet disconnected from the main character all at the same time. She has a lovely way of writing; she is always true to Gina. She doesn't betray her for one moment.
While Gina mostly observes those around her, remarking on one silliness or another, her observations are the story, her impressions tie us to it. Gina's voice can send you into a trance. When you come out of it, you may not be sure what happened.
We hardly know the main character, Gina. Even her name doesn't sound familiar. But her story is one we've all heard, and that many have actually experienced. She is a "mistress" to a man (Sean) with a family. You may note that I referred to her as "a" mistress, not "the" mistress.
Gina is ordinary and non-descript. If she's one thing, I'd say she's cynical. But otherwise, Gina is vague compared to her co-characters who inhabit the story. But her relationship with Sean is anything but vague. She loves him. Desperately at times. The affair gradually happens; there's not much build-up and things sort of happen and we're along for the ride. You can guess which way it goes. Or not. It doesn't really matter much.
To me what matters in this story are Anne Enright's words and how they make you feel sad and empathetic yet disconnected from the main character all at the same time. She has a lovely way of writing; she is always true to Gina. She doesn't betray her for one moment.
While Gina mostly observes those around her, remarking on one silliness or another, her observations are the story, her impressions tie us to it. Gina's voice can send you into a trance. When you come out of it, you may not be sure what happened.
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