Review: Puzzling...
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 3, 2012
Naked Mommy is a puzzling story. Its plot it not difficult. Basically, it presents the story of how three characters come together and interact--or don't act--as they move through life. Two brothers fight over a woman who wants neither. It is an old story. The puzzle, for me, lies in what the author leaves unexplored.I am puzzled as to why the Irish background of the novel is left unexplored. The local language used in the story hints at setting, but it is not enough. Take the language out, and the story could happen anywhere that a naturally occuring, glacier-fed lake exists (New Hampshire, maybe?). So, then, why is Ireland important?I am puzzled as to why Mel's rejection of a life-long choice was not explored more dramatically. It is one thing, perhaps, to no longer wish to be a priest. It is quite another to declare oneself "god-less". Why include the information only to ignore it in the end?I could go on, but find it sufficient to say that, while I do not regret reading the novel, I am not sure that I would pick it up again. I am alos not sure what I would say to someone else about reading it. My best reason for suggesting that others read the book is to see if my puzzled reaction is unique or not.