The Almost Moon [Hardcover]

An opening line that refers to killing one's mother does not presage a light-hearted feel good story, so if you're not interested in the why and wherefore of human behaviour this book is not for you. Even then, I defy anyone to actually enjoy reading it - interesting it may be, but enjoyable it is not.

The two chapters that follow the initial revelation and a short lead-in to the dastardly deed seem particularly morbid and depressing. The novel then becomes a series of flashbacks which go some way towards providing an explanation. Brought up in what sounds like a depressingly run down small American town amid an atmosphere of mental instability, deprived of natural affection, and subsequently feeling responsible for her mother, it is not surprising that Helen's own marriage failed and her relationship with her children was less than satisfactory. The problem is that I can't imagine anyone actually liking Helen, the main protagonist, and she doesn't become any more likeable as the story proceeds. Because I never warmed to her I had difficulty feeling sympathy for her, even though I could see how it was her past that shaped her present actions, rather than any innate evil in her character.

The book is generally well written although it occasionally loses pace. It's a thoughtful exploration of the effects of mental illness on those who have to cope with sufferers. And the ending is sufficiently ambiguous to leave a question mark over what might happen next. One of three obvious possibilities seems to be ruled out in the last couple of pages, which still leaves two plausible outcomes - to say more would spoil the ending for anyone still tempted, despite the reviews, to read the book. But....

While I like novels that explore the psychology of people's actions and reactions, there are others that tackle the subject more engagingly - The Other Side of You, by Salley Vickers, for example. The Almost Moon is certainly not a book I'll ever want to read again, or even to keep. That isn't just because it's a dark story - Helen Dunmore's A Spell of Winter is dark too, but I've read that three times, as much for the poetry of the writing as for the story itself. Alice Sebold's second novel just lacks sensitivity, which is a pity after the excellent reviews for The Lovely Bones. She's a talented writer so hopefully I'll be able to give more stars for her next effort.

If you haven't already read The Almost Moon I'm inclined to say, don't bother. There are plenty of more enjoyable though still thought provoking novels on the market.

I don't think this book deserves some of the poor reviews it has received here. Yes, its true this book isn't packed throughout with action and suspense - but why buy an Alice Sebold book if that is what you are after?
As with her other books, the first chapter hits you with a shocking event; Helen kills her elderly mother who is suffering with dementia. The story then takes you through the next 24 hours of Helens life, through which Sebold explores everything that surrounds and precedes this action.
The beauty of this book is in the way Sebold captures the intricacy of human emotion and relationships. I felt so involved in Helens life that i didn't want this book to end! Sebold is a powerful writer, whose words and stories remain with you for a long time after reading them.

I borrowed this from the library, thankfully, and was glad to see i wasn't the only person that was dissapointed with this book! Having read and enjoyed the lovely bones, i thought i too would enjoy this.

It wasn't the subject matter i had a problem with, it was indeed a thought provoking insight into the effects of mental illness and the impacts it has on relationships, but that was about it. I thought with such a hook at the start it would be an intense and thrilling read, unfortunatly it was too uneventfull, the jumping back and forward seemed irrelavent at times and having forced myself through the book expecting something to finally happen at the end...nothing did.

It has to be understood that Sebolds writing is threaded with complex issues, and is not intended to be a light-hearted read, i maybe would have enjoyed it more if there had been more to keep it moving.

I don't think it deserves the amount of low ratings it's got, but doesn't deserve a high rating either. Don't read it if you're bored easily, this is a book for people who like to analyse the deeper meanings of thier books and really think about the weaving of complex issues.