Platt Discovery Cottage

Her Fearful Symmetry

February 8th, 2010

What a fabulous book! 

Despite the vast popularity of The Time Traveller’s Wife, I have to say I really disliked that book.  Every page of it.  I found Niffenegger’s grasp on her own odd concept tenuous which made the reading shifty and unfocused.  I disliked the movie even more.  What a waste of time and money (referring to both book and movie).

I was totally pleased with Her Fearful Symmetry.  It was much more literary than The Time Traveler’s Wife and Niffenegger was able to handle the subject (which was just as odd) much more beautifully and smoothly.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel with a ghost as such a prominent main character, but the person was just so lovely it just worked. 
I was a bit disappointed in that one of the major plot twists I figured out in the first few chapters when it wasn’t revealed until much later in the book.  I didn’t find that very masterful, unlike the rest of the book.

The setting was beautiful, the characters were completely believable, even the non-corporeal ones, and the plot moved along quickly, logically and was all in all a very fulfilling read.

I read this on the heels of Stephen King’s latest novel and was surprised to find Niffenegger trumping King in the creepiness category.  I didn’t think that would be possible at all when I first opened Her Fearful Symmetry.  But it is, in large part, a ghost story and as much as the ghosts are rather endearing for the most part, the ghost/horror story aspect sneaks in and really had me biting my nails.

I highly recommend this book.  The setting is absolutely gorgeous, one Niffenegger obviously knows well and is passionate about; the characters are all rich, complex and lovable for both their redeeming qualities and their faults; and the plot was infinitely enjoyable and smooth for such a wild ride.  Even at it’s most disturbing it’s most fascinating!

Entry Filed under: Books