Book Review
It's just Eleanor and her big, red hair against the world. Until she meets Park.
Park is an emo-rocker kid who listens to his music too loud and sits on a bus bench by himself. All of that changes when Eleanor strolls onto the bus with her artistic style. She literally is a walking piece of art.
Their first encounter defines the awkward, yet comfortable relationship they begin to develop. Eleanor has a less than ideal home-life. Actually, it's her first time "home" in over a year. Before coming home, she was handed off to some acquaintances who lived next door. Whereas, Park is on the cusp of popularity on the social totem pole and comes from a loving Asian family.
Eleanor & Park gives it's readers a unique experience. I have no other way of describing it other than "different". There is something about the third person omniscient narrator who recounts both Eleanor and Park's stories. There is a finesse about the way in which the author pays tribute to each story, giving them equal attention and detail. The intricate details of their lives are given to us slowly and cryptically. Thus, creating a muddled reality around Eleanor and Park. It is our job, as readers, to put all of the pieces together and make sense of these two star-crossed lovers.
Some may say that the point of view of this novel keeps the characters detached from their own stories. However, the flow of the narrations wouldn't be as seamless without the third party involved. Others may beg to differ that both Eleanor and Park's stories are respected equally because in the beginning of the novel Eleanor's story includes more detail. However, as the story unfolds we Park begins to open up about himself. And others may dislike the quest that must be embarked upon in order to find the truth between the lines. However, this is just a sign of ingenious on the part of Rainbow Rowell.
What a beautifully written piece.
An unlikely couple, who unite against the world.
Park is an emo-rocker kid who listens to his music too loud and sits on a bus bench by himself. All of that changes when Eleanor strolls onto the bus with her artistic style. She literally is a walking piece of art.
Their first encounter defines the awkward, yet comfortable relationship they begin to develop. Eleanor has a less than ideal home-life. Actually, it's her first time "home" in over a year. Before coming home, she was handed off to some acquaintances who lived next door. Whereas, Park is on the cusp of popularity on the social totem pole and comes from a loving Asian family.
Eleanor & Park gives it's readers a unique experience. I have no other way of describing it other than "different". There is something about the third person omniscient narrator who recounts both Eleanor and Park's stories. There is a finesse about the way in which the author pays tribute to each story, giving them equal attention and detail. The intricate details of their lives are given to us slowly and cryptically. Thus, creating a muddled reality around Eleanor and Park. It is our job, as readers, to put all of the pieces together and make sense of these two star-crossed lovers.
Some may say that the point of view of this novel keeps the characters detached from their own stories. However, the flow of the narrations wouldn't be as seamless without the third party involved. Others may beg to differ that both Eleanor and Park's stories are respected equally because in the beginning of the novel Eleanor's story includes more detail. However, as the story unfolds we Park begins to open up about himself. And others may dislike the quest that must be embarked upon in order to find the truth between the lines. However, this is just a sign of ingenious on the part of Rainbow Rowell.
What a beautifully written piece.
An unlikely couple, who unite against the world.
Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am wondering what argument are you making here?
Secondly, I like the book! I think so many of our students can relate to Eleanor--feeling like they don't belong and having that weird sense of style which makes them unique in their own regard. I feel the same that the book is different and yet already there are so many questions that I have about the book that I'd like to see answered!
I am interested in finding out more about Park--like you said, he is beginning to open up more. At first, I felt like we were learning a lot about Eleanor and not knowing who Park was. But as we know at the latter part of the first 40 pages, he is starting to "feel" a certain way about Eleanor. Do you think this will continue? I have a feeling she is going to share a secret with him.....uh oh!
Love the rebuttal--well crafted--
ReplyDelete