Review: Explores the Feelings of being Trapped, Unfulfilled and Lonely
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 9, 2013
I was surprised by this book.  The subject matter was incredibly dark - Uglier and grimmer than I was expecting.  Both stories deal with serious subjects and are told using a no-nonsense type of prose that is succinct and strangely compelling.  The writing and story execution is very well done, and the stories each critically examine different social issues at a personal level, though they both explore the idea of feeling trapped, unfulfilled and lonely.I read the entire book in a single afternoon.  After finishing Still Life I felt an almost suffocating sense of melancholia and sadness. I could not identify with the main character to any great extent.  I felt more empathy for her maligned spouse. This couple never should have married, in my opinion.  I read on with the thought that perhaps the next story would be less intense.The Usurper evoked in me a feeling of hopeless disillusionment and inescapable abandonment.  I really felt Simon's fear, consternation and frailty; I wanted him to find some comfort in the worst way. Instead, he remained trapped in a situation from which there is only one escape really.As I stated, both stories are well-written and explore subject matter that most of us can relate to, at least to some extent, on some level.  Personally, I read mainly to escape and I prefer to be left feeling happy, or at least with a feeling of satisfaction or the sense that justice has prevailed.  These left me saddened and morose - not feelings I personally wish to hold on to.  Thought-provoking and disturbing but, honestly speaking, not something I would care to re-read.This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.Reviewed by Laurie-J