Vladimir - not all that

 

Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

So many things drew me to this book, least of all the cover.  Likely why I chose to listen on audio instead as to not have to look at the cover each time I picked it up.  Yet I digress.  

The setting of this novel is on a small, liberal arts college in upstate New York.  By connecting dots in my mind I found this my hometown, Saratoga Springs and the college my alma mater, Skidmore.  The author is a professor there and many descriptions in the book mirrored the area so well.  The Avenue of the Pines on the outskirts of the Spa State Park as a locale for many a walk to clear one's head.  The comfy alcove overlooking the campus in Schribner library for a quiet place to read and people watch!  And the charming downtown of Broadway which resembles a New England town.  

So much familiarity I wasn't prepared for what came next.

All the disdain.  Self-loathing.  Resulting in very few likable characters.  Complimenting the self-loathing is the belief that women in their 50's are no longer valuable.  Understanding this part of the story is necessary to paint a true picture of this main character, the popular English professor.  Perhaps I gravitate toward hopeful, after loss and struggle.  Not misery.  Not lessons unlearned.

The story is interesting.  I may have been too close to the location to appreciate it.  Curiosity drew me to it, and often that does not result in satisfaction only the end.

Not giving stars.  I'm too jaded!

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