The Offing | 
pickA reserved pick.
The Offing reminds me of the 1970‘s cult classic Harold & Maude, updated for modern sensibilities & ironically set in the past (1940‘s England, post-WWII).
A coal-miner‘s son leaves home in search of adventure & finds it in unexpected ways in Dulcie, a worldly, unconventional, & grieving septuagenarian tucked away in her home in a coastal meadow. She introduces him to poetry, wine, & simple luxury, & shows him what could be.👇🏻
monalyisha 1/3: In turn, he reminds her of what it feels like to have life open in front of you. She‘s keen to make sure he fights for the right to that openness. This novel is langorously slow… & I say that as someone who brags about being a reader who doesn‘t need plot to keep her going! Remarkable, then, that‘s its being turned into a movie (starring Helena Bonham Carter). I suspect it‘ll be a gorgeous film, hinging on character, mood, & scenery. 2w
monalyisha 2/3: I think the *very* ending, just the final page, struck a bit of a false chord, if we‘re updating for modern sensibilities (and the novel was penned in 2019). Myers writes, “The way of life has changed, of course. The small-scale fishing industry barely exists and most of the houses down bay are second homes that fill up only during holidays. It doesn‘t bother me.” And, “Nature always wins.” (edited) 2w
monalyisha 3/3: Given today‘s housing and climate crises, both sentences sound wrong and hollow. Still, it‘s a gorgeous, wise, & lovely book…if sometimes a little on-the-nose! 2w
so-so
