This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett
Narrator: Ann Patchett
Pages: 12
Published by HarperAudio
Publication Date November 5, 2013
Source: Library
Genres: Essays
Goodreads
Blending literature and memoir, Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder, Run, and Bel Canto, examines her deepest commitments—to writing, family, friends, dogs, books, and her husband—creating a resonant portrait of a life in This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.
This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage takes us into the very real world of Ann Patchett’s life. Stretching from her childhood to the present day, from a disastrous early marriage to a later happy one, it covers a multitude of topics, including relationships with family and friends, and charts the hard work and joy of writing, and the unexpected thrill of opening a bookstore.
As she shares stories of the people, places, ideals, and art to which she has remained indelibly committed, Ann Patchett brings into focus the large experiences and small moments that have shaped her as a daughter, wife, and writer.
I have heard people rave about Ann Patchett for years but despite the praise never picked up one of her novels. In November 2017, Reese Witherspoon chose The is the Story of a Happy Marriage as her book club pick of the month. I decided that it was finally the time to give Ann Patchett a try.
Typically, I like books composed of essays. Unfortunately, I found this collection to be as dry as burnt toast. It wasn’t that the subject matter was interesting but the factual nature and lack of narrative made a story of banned books difficult to get through. I listened to the audiobook which is read by the author, this did not help my reading experience at all as I found the narration to be monotonous and felt like I listening to a college lecture. I will give Ann Patchet another try, maybe one of her fictional works, but This is the Story of a Happy Marriage wasn’t my cup of tea.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
If you decide to give her another go, try reading Commonwealth. I’ve got The Dutch House on my stack of books right now and plan to read it in the next week or two.
I’ll have to give Commonwealth a try. I’m curious to hear what you think of The Dutch House!