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There are currently 17 member reviews
for Bright and Tender Dark
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Sharon M. (OR)
Bright and Tender Dark by Joanna Pearson
This book is not likely to be long-lived; indeed, finding a current readership may be a challenge. Without establishing or building a platform for why or how the Fundamentalism/Evangelical thread and parochial backgrounds exert their powers over the plot and characters, little curiosity or caring is generated for either the 20 year-old unsolved murder central to the story or its many players. A second reading might bring more clarity, but the language does not invite investing in a reread. Too many "prickly spines", " grips of ecstatic revelation"; contemporary cultural war references from anorexia and abortion to trans gender issues; and florid sentences like, "...the worst devils are devious in their attack. With their treachery, they turn you into the agent of your own demise." or " ...Karlie, slavering, panting Karlie, cannot help but lap up even the most paltry morsels of affection." To be fair, the author, in her professional psychiatrist element, has a promising field of stories and personalities to mine in future endeavors. I hope one will include development of Bright and Tender Dark's intriguing chapter The Weeper.
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Jill D. (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)
Not a Recommendation
I received an advanced copy of The Bright And Tender Dark by Joanna Pearson. The author has had success with short stories. This novel seems like a series of short stories with only the merest link. Each chapter is told from a different character's point of view and then swings back and forth between them. When switching chapters, it makes it very jarring.
Initially, this is suppose to be about the murder of college student, Karlie Richards. Years later, her college roommate, Joy starts to investigate. Joy's life is falling about and we get to hear all about it, from Joy, her husband, her husband's pregnant girlfriend, and her kids. There are numerous accounts by various people both past and present. Thrown in is evangelicalism, transgenderism, cults, midlife crises, criminal justice, high school bullying and sexting. A minor character becomes a major character. The conclusion is neither satisfying nor interesting. I am sorry I cannot recommend this novel. I can, however, recommend another novel that has a similar plot, "I Have Some Questions For You," by Rebecca Makkai.
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Connie W. (Spokane, WA)
Unfocused
The premise was intriguing, but I was disappointed in the book for these reasons:
Too many characters that. weren't integral to the story
Too many issues were featured
Joy was not a believable character
The writing style seemed choppy, immature and trite at times
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