Yesterday we had a very interesting discussion of Anita Brookner's, A Private View.  I, myself, thoroughly enjoy the excitement when a book promotes such a diversity of opinions concerning the plot, characterization, and well....the likability of the book.  Sparks were flying (good sparks!) as participants illustrated their feelings about  the central character, George Bland.  George realizes, after his retirement, that he has wasted his entire life on "playing it safe."  When a new situation presents itself, George must decide to treat it in his usual manner by dismissing the intrusion into his world as quickly as possible, or stepping away from his predictable reaction to embrace something new...something that might wake him up to his life.

Half of the group felt the book was one big snore.  They couldn't get past the introspection and George's repeated self-admonishments that peppered the entire story.  Others felt that the book provided a melancholy journey of a man who desperately wanted to change, but was psychologically incapable of doing so- making this a heartbreaking cautionary tale.  The ending provides a glimmer of hope for George, and those who enjoyed the book grasped on to the  possibility with a vengeance.

Can you read between the lines and predict how I felt about the book?  That's right, a big thumbs up from me.  In my opinion, A Private View is not a quick snack.  It is a full course meal to be savored, digested and praised for the complexity and subtleties. I respect and defer to the opinions of my fellow book group members who would whole-heartedly disagree. 

How wonderful!!!!

Post Script: The discussion goes on!  One of our staffers commented that she continued to think about this book long after the book group meeting ended.  Her final thoughts on The Private View are as follows; " I think George never really decided what he wanted out of his life...and that is why he is so unhappy with himself."  (Some of us are rooting for you to take some action, George).

OK.  So I enjoyed the hook of the dog who can think like a human but really, the idea can't possible carry the whole convoluted storyline.  I was so frustrated by the ending, I had to read the reviews of the remaining books in the series to make some sense of where the author left the story.  As with many half-baked light mysteries, the entire story unfolds in the last couple of pages to "tie up" the loose ends.  Unfortunately, strands still hung from every page. 

I enjoyed Randolph and his escapades, which were well-drawn and entertaining...but that's all we got, nothing else held together (in my opinion).  

I would be interested to read what others have to say about this book- MUST we read the series to make the slightest sense of it all????

Keep the dog-scrap the rest and start over.

Post Script: I have been told that my posting seems a bit harsh.  In order to promote lively literary discussion and booklacious banter, I heartily encourage other mystery book discussion bloggers to chime in.  Differing viewpoints are welcome and celebrated.  We'll also be debating this book into oblivion at the next Murder by the Book Discussion Group meeting- Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 7:00p.m.