On the library stacks: Adult fiction
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Sabine has been a magician's assistant for over twenty years. She fell hard for Parsifal the magician, even when it was clear he was gay. But she stood by him and loved him through everything, including the death of Parsifal's lover. Eventually Parsifal marries Sabine so that she will inherit everything upon his death. When he dies unexpectedly Sabine finds out that Parsifal has lied to her about his whole past and upbringing.
Sabine is shocked to find out Parsifal's real name is Guy Fetters. His mother is alive and well and lives in Nebraska along with his two sisters and two nephews. When Parsifal's mother comes to Los Angeles to visit, Sabine is confused but desperate to find out who the real Parsifal is and why he has hidden his past. To complete her emotional journey, she visits the family in Nebraska.
I'm starting to thing that Ann Patchett's endings and I do not get along. Still, I thought this was a really beautifully written novel. I was emotionally invested in the story, right up until the last 30 pages or so when it really fell apart for me. The direction Patchett took the story did not ring true to the Sabine I felt I had come to know, which really made me question everything. I have continued to mull this story over though, so it definitely had an impact on me, even if it's not as positive as I would have liked.
Also reviewed by: Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'? ~ Your link here?
Source: Purchased
2 comments:
I've only read one Patchett book and I felt the same way about the ending. Hmm. . .
I'm reading Bel Canto right now - my first Ann Patchett - and I'm starting to worry about the ending ...
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