Customer Reviews

Anywhere but Here

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

There's something very American about this novel. A lot of people probably thought there wasn't much to it, but really when you look at the daily ordinary occurances and tragedies of our lives, they don't always seem so profound. It's when you view them as a sum of their parts that you see the meaning. I've never read a book that painted a life, several lives, so vividly and realistically. I believe in Ann and Adele. The ending is perfect. Adele loved Ann the best that she could, and it was a reckless, selfish, hurtful love, but it was love. Call me crazy but there's something sort of beautiful about that.

I was fascinated by this book, but it's not for everybody. Anywhere But Here is a meandering portrait of a family, told from the point of view of three generations of women, with most of the text from the point of view of the youngest, Ann. It is a mosaic of her memories as a child and young adult, caught up in the vortex of her mother's desperate attempts to live the life she dreams of.

I was delighted by her ability to evoke the point of view of a child; I'd often have to pause as some long-forgotten memory came rushing back, triggered by an especially perceptive phrase. She conveys brilliantly the way that adults seem simulatneously completely familiar and entirely alien. For days after reading this, I saw everything in my life through that strange double vision wherein the viewpoint of the book is superimposed on my own.

So basically, I loved it. That said, you might not, especially if you own Precious Moments figurines, believe children are innocents, think that God is looking out for you, or are uncomfortable naked, even when alone. This book is immensely honest, and those who prefer to maintain their illusions should avoid it. Also avoid it if you need action; this book is about human lives, which don't have plots.

Seems like most of the other posters ought to stick to romance novels. Mona Simpson's first book is packed with rich imagery, irresistible storytelling, and vivid characterizations. In particular, Adele is certainly one of the most appalling mother characters in contemporary fiction. Grandiose, manipulative, and narcissistic, she is a monster for the ages. (Despite what the Amazon blurb says, I think it's easy not to fall in love with her.) Simpson has said in interviews that the book isn't autobiographical, but I can't help but wonder. That's how vivid it is.

I have read every novel of Mona Simpson's with great enjoyment. This one is the best of them all. The Lost Father was an enjoyable read, but it did not grab me. Mona Simpson's descriptions of small town Wisconsin are poetic. I felt and understood the character's urges and feelings. A excellent plane book. I read this on the way to Japan and back. The time went very quickly, with such an absorbing story.

Mona Simpson is America's best hidden literary gem. While she doesn't do herself any favors by allowing such a long time to lapse between her novels, the depth of her work is memorable. Anywhere But Here is a mirror of contemporary American life. Her characters are realistic, strong, and independent, yet are limited by their shortcomings and the strictures of familial obligation. Simpson's greatest skill is her mastery of dialogue. In this novel, her characters reveal so much about themselves through their words, and more through their acts and omissions. A fine read.

I originally picked up this book after hearing it compared to Danzy Senna's superb novel "Caucasia," and found "Anywhere But Here" a huge disappointment. I agree with other reviewers who feel the book should have undergone a massive edit/rewrite before publication. There is some good beginning stuff here; some good raw material and ideas...BUT. "Anywhere But Here" lacks a cohesive plot and the characters are flat and dry. Ann, the daughter -- who narrates the bulk of the book -- is particularly dull and uninteresting. No causes, consequences, or conclusions arise from any of the anecdotes she tells. Instead they read as nothing more than a grocery list of facts: "We sat in the car." "I got a role on a TV show." "I took naked pictures of my classmates." The reader leaves this book hungry, disturbed...and bored. I kept waiting for it to get better, and for something to HAPPEN, but alas, nothing ever did. For a truly great read and an examination of a strange-tense-intriguing mother-daughter relationship, skip this one and try "Caucasia" instead.

I found this to be one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read...Being a kid myself, I found it easy to relate to one of the main characters, Ann August. Throughout the book, the author allows us to see so many perspectives, including: Ann, her aunt Carol, her grandmother Lillian, and even her mother. They all have very different opinions about the nature of others' behaviors, but it is hard not to have an understanding for each and every one of them....whether they include true honesty, hard work, sacrifice, innocence, lying, or even cheating. These are very human characteristics and the Mona Simpson tries show us the hero in everyone. I was sad to finish this book because by the end of it, I felt I had become a part of Ann and Adele's very complicated lives, and even grown to respect everything they had done and gone through...

Anywhere But Here is a wonderfully detailed book, providing the reader with many funny or touching anecdotes from the perspectives of various family members. The primary voice is that of Ann, a young girl attempting to deal with her eccentric, irresponsible mother. At times, it gets confusing, since a great deal of Ann's story is not exactly told in order; it's almost as if she rambles on about whatever is currently happening to her, and each current event triggers past memories, which she then talks about as well. Some people may find it irritating or boring to have all the "excess" but I personally enjoyed it. In real life, people often talk and think like Ann, especially during adolescence, so it's quite believable. I also enjoyed the "extra details", since I often walk away from movies or books wishing fervently for more information about the characters. When a person is well-characterized, you get attached to them, and you therefore want to know how they end up, why they became the way they are, etc. This book will definitely not leave you hanging!

Like many other adolescents, Ann August is torn between loving and hating her mother. For Adele August refuses to be ordinary...the thing that her young daughter longs for most.

The two embark on a road trip to California, where Ann is to become famous. Really, she is just a pawn for her mother's fantasies.

The story flashes back and forth between present-day and the past, interspersing Ann's perspective with that of her mother, grandmother and aunt.

This is truly Simpson's finest work.

Had never read Mona Simpson before reading the wonderful "My Hollywood". I wanted to try another right away and ordered "Anywhere But Here". I can't believe that I missed it when it was new. I have been reading voraciously for many years and this one will have to be worked into my top 5 or 6 of all time favorites. This is what literary fiction is all about. The story of Anne and Adelle is profound. Adelle is unstable...narcissistic and abusive...but she does indeed love her daughter. Many reviewers here comment on Anne's blank personality. This so shows the skill of the author. Adelle is so dysfunctional she clearly sucks all of the oxygen out of every space occupied....clearly Anne's lack of emoting is symptomatic of being abused. She acts out in bouncing off of her mothers illness....but in an understated way that has the reader questioning what just happened. Simpson shows you what is happening instead of telling you. She then gives you family history through other family member's voices.This becomes a finely woven tapestry of a book. Life happens...it is not always pretty...not clearly black or white. People and situations are nuanced...and I have seldom seen an author bring it all together as elegantly as this. I understand that there is a sequel. I am off to order it now along with "Off Keck Road". I just finished "Anywhere But Here" a few hours ago....already miss Adelle,Anne and Carol. This will be with me for a long long time.