Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 544
Source: ARC from PK- Aisle B
Marissa, Holly and Andrea are frustrated with life. Each of them is struggling to come to grips with what life has handed them, feeling unsatisfied, irritated and overwhelmed. Marissa wakes up every morning hoping that this day will be a little better than the last. Her daughter is terminally ill and not expected to live much longer, her son has recently come out of the closet, and her husband buries himself in work -ignoring the issues at home. Holly is a stay-at-home mother and has the picture-perfect family, nice house, handsome husband and beautiful children. Behind closed doors she has many regrets, and finds herself bored in her marriage. She’s ready to take control of her life, and begins to dream about being a writer and doing things for herself. She shed sixty pounds, and begins to like the attention men are giving her. She soon finds herself having an affair and not really enjoying that either. Andrea is Marissa’s sister, and she can’t bear to look at her ill niece who seems to be failing each day. She tries to stay away as much as possible, she can’t take the hurt. She knows it’s selfish, but doesn’t know what to do. She has her own issues. She has spent her whole life looking for that one guy, and she can’t seem to find him. Her last relationship failed when she could not longer take her abusive, married boyfriend any longer. Andrea looks at her best friend Holly throwing away her marriage, and can’t help but pine for the husband Holly doesn’t seem to want.
Triangles is Ellen Hopkins first adult book, and my first experience reading her books. I wasn’t sure how I would like reading a book completely in verse, and after a few pages I couldn’t help but think “wow, she is talented.” I don’t think this is a book that you can completely enjoy; it’s dark, raw and not a feel-good-story however, alternating narrators carries readers on an emotional rollercoaster. Readers are given the opportunity to understand each of the women, and understand where their issues are coming from. Triangles is a bold novel, hiding nothing, revealing all. I can’t say that I loved the novel, but I really think it was just the subject matter. I may be a little too young to really grasp the mid-life crisis concept. I wasn’t able to relate to the characters, but I did have compassion for them. I felt like I understood them. I really like the fact that their lives were connected. I would recommend this one, because it is incredibly written. Hopkins style is unique; her usage of verse and composition is outstanding. I would really like to try her YA novels, but I would certainly need to be in the mood for them.
I do liek well-written books, no offense to books that do not get those words from me (I like those too ;) But some books I just like cos of the language
ReplyDeleteI really liked your review. It really is a well written book with some difficult issues brought up in it.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound good and I get what you mean about maybe not being able to relate to the characters. That can definitely make the difference between liking and loving a book lol. The characters in her other books are younger of course but deal with some pretty difficult stuff!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome review! It's amazing how the novel can be dark and complex, but it turns to be an amazing novel! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI got the chance to talk to Hopkins at SIBA, and she told me that for the next few years, she will be alternating between writing YA novels and adult novels. I am looking forward to reading this one, and also reading the one I picked up called Perfect. I really loved this review and think I will also enjoy the book. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this one around and noticed the provocative cover more than anything else. I didn't realize it was in verse. I read an awesome book in verse earlier this year - The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus.
ReplyDeleteWell, I can totally relate to the mid-life stuff, I'm sad to say. I've read a couple books written in verse this year and loved them. I'm looking forward to this book.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds interesting but I'm not sure since its written in verse. Don't think that's for me but the idea is great.
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time I have heard about a novel written in verse. I feel like it is something that can either be incredible or a big annoying distraction. I will have to give this one a go.
ReplyDeleteThis book is not for, shall we say, the "weak" of heart. When it comes to risqué, Triangles is that and more. And, the writing is so well done, that most of the time readers will absolutely hate the women they're reading about. The depression, the greed, the ridiculousness they feel for their families, their constant whining, and the type of somewhat slimy thoughts and emotions they represent will have readers voicing their opinions and heading to opposite sides of the fence for an all out debate.
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