I’m halfway through the book, and just came upon this thoughtful review by Amanda Fortini which goes to the heart of what I am beginning to think too. I can also picture my ex sister-in-law the way I remember her exactly, from this description of her performance.
What interests me is the way the reviewer shows how much is not revealed by the author Joan Didion to her readers and audience. Her lack of transparency choice does add to the quality of mystery, which she says has a certain snob appeal, and that, of course, has the expected and perhaps studied side effect of causing people to want more.
The following is must reading by their followers.
The Year of Magical Thinking review.