The Sarah Book, Scott McClanahan, Tyrant Books, 2017, 233 pp
I first read Scott McClanahan when I read his earlier novel, Hill William, as part of the 2014 Tournament of Books. It was a gut punch of a novel and I barely survived reading it.
The Sarah Book is a sequel and investigates how the protagonist from Hill William managed to screw up his marriage to Sarah, the woman he was dating in that earlier book.
It is just as gritty and sad and upsetting, except you might say there are more moments of humor and lightheartedness. I too was unable to keep my first marriage together so there was that connection for me. Still, I grew up privileged while Scott grew up in Appalachia and still lives there.
Here's the thing: After reading Hill William, I felt depressed about how unfair life is. The author has suffered from depression but he has also seemingly read everything, he is a successful teacher of writing, and he keeps publishing his own books. Plus is happily married to the author of the next book I will review: Juliet the Maniac.
I went and relistened to his interview on Otherppl. He has a unique approach to life. I bet he still gets depressed sometimes. We all do. Somehow he manages to convey that to be born is to have a chance, no matter our circumstances or mistakes. I think he is right.
I'm not familiar with Scott McClanahan but evidently he has written a couple of very affecting novels. That is a considerable accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteHe is an indie author so does not get the promotion that authors with big houses get. He is also a bit off the beaten track in his style and subject matter. But accomplished? Yes.
DeleteSome books can be depressing. Sadly, they are a reflection of the dark side of life. McClannahan sounds like an interesting person who is worth reading.
ReplyDeleteBrian, I am glad you feel this way.
DeleteI am unfamiliar with Scott McClanahan's writing... His writing sounds amazing... Gritty, sad, and upsetting can make for some of the best writing out there. I can only handle these types of books in small doses. Great review. Thanks for sharing this book with your blog readers.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I am grateful for what you say in your comment. I too have to take such books in small doses but they are sometimes the ones that bring to me the most understanding about life.
DeleteI grew up with parents from Appalachia... true rednecks, my mother more than my father and then we moved right into the heart of 'hillbilly' country when I was 16. So I think I could connect with the author of this novel for that reason. I'm going to see if my library has it!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! Yes, I think you would connect with him quite a bit. I almost did not post a review of this one because I thought my followers might be offended or something. I am glad I did though because the comments have proven me wrong.
DeleteWell I'm glad you choose to post this one because I'd never have heard of this one otherwise.
Deletechose*
Deletethis is undoubtedly a worthwhile book, but it's a bit out of my comfort range...
ReplyDeleteTotally fine. Thanks for commenting anyway!
DeleteNeat to read a husband & then wife's books .... You get a bit of both sides of their lives.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
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