The Ramblers
Fiction
William Morrow
February 9, 2016
400
Publisher via BookSparks
For fans of J. Courtney Sullivan, Meg Wolitzer, Claire Messud, and Emma Straub, a gorgeous and absorbing novel of a trio of confused souls struggling to find themselves and the way forward in their lives, set against the spectacular backdrop of contemporary New York City. Set in the most magical parts of Manhattan—the Upper West Side, Central Park, Greenwich Village—The Ramblers explores the lives of three lost souls, bound together by friendship and family. During the course of one fateful Thanksgiving week, a time when emotions run high and being with family can be a mixed blessing, Rowley’s sharply defined characters explore the moments when decisions are deliberately made, choices accepted, and pasts reconciled. Clio Marsh, whose bird-watching walks through Central Park are mentioned in New York Magazine, is taking her first tentative steps towards a relationship while also looking back to the secrets of her broken childhood. Her best friend, Smith Anderson, the seemingly-perfect daughter of one of New York’s wealthiest families, organizes the lives of others as her own has fallen apart. And Tate Pennington has returned to the city, heartbroken but determined to move ahead with his artistic dreams. Rambling through the emotional chaos of their lives, this trio learns to let go of the past, to make room for the future and the uncertainty and promise that it holds. The Ramblers is a love letter to New York City—an accomplished, sumptuous novel about fate, loss, hope, birds, friendship, love, the wonders of the natural world and the mysteries of the human spirit.
My review:
This book caught my eye when it was first buzzed about at the beginning of the year, but I was a bit hesitant to pick it up. Why? It was compared on some sites to The Interestings, a book I did not like, and found the characters for the most part detestable. I'm so glad that (once again) I found out why I hate when books are compared to other books (Gone Girl, anyone.....ugh!). I really liked this book! I thought the characters were well drawn, the setting was delightful, the issues were believable and real, and the supporting characters were also interesting in their own right. I must admit that while I loved Clio and Smith, it took a while to warm up to Tate, but he grew on me. I thought the small references to the ornithology (Clio's profession), were very interesting, and now I want to put up a hummingbird feeder in my backyard. The whole book takes place over a week, and even in that week, all the characters grew and changed for the better. Lots of emotional ups and downs, but ultimately a totally satisfying ending.
Well written, well researched, and a great cast of characters make this a top book for me for the beginning of this year. I'm not going to compare it to any other books since I'm proof that this marketing ploy does not necessarily work.
This book was part of the BookSparks My Winter is Booked tour. Thanks to them for providing me with this copy, which in no way dictates my review opinions.
I really liked this one too, and you are so lucky to have a chance of having humming birds visit. Yes I don't know why they compare books to other books, maybe a 'buy' technique!
I'm sure it is to attract more buyers, but it seems for a lot of us bloggers, it's more of a turn-off than an attraction 🙂
I've been so interested in this book and have seen so many glowing thoughts on it. I've been waiting for my library to get a copy, so I can get it there. My mom had flowers that would attract hummingbirds, and I would love to have a feeder or something to attract them.
I hope you enjoy it Kathy. I really liked it!