I can't believe that people ar efinding this book hard going, I must read so fast or domething as my 4 chapters only took me about 1/2 hr!! I love this book, although I agree that the first bit is far more about 'setting the scene' rather than the actual relationships and drama of the ya-ya's.
For me the first few chapters really show the termoil that exists in Sidda's heart regarding the relationship she has with her mother. It is no suprise she is a theatre director, since her life as a child has been lived as one huge drama (perhaps this is rushing ahead, but I honestly stopped after chapter 4) This is one area she feels in control of, and can 'direct' the action rather than watching it being played out. However everytime she falls out of control (ie the review in the paper), even at the age of 40, she reverts back to childhood and is hiding away in that cabin as she feels worthless in comparison to her mother. She feels unable to love others, since she has had times when she has felt unloveable. Hence postponing the wedding.
Does anyone else see this, or am I alone??
I also love the scene of the ya-ya's going down to the creek and getting pissed on Bloody Mary's in the car! These are women who are old enough to know better, but equally old enough to not give a damn!! Fab stuff, better than Golden Girls any day!!
Please keep going in this book, I read so much, usually about 20mins in bed before dropping off, but sometimes I can go for hours(!!) 6 chapters by Jan 11th would be so easy.
BTW I hated Owen Meany and couldn't get into that one, so perhaps this will do me good and force me to try again. DH thinks it is great, I couldn't even read it when I had nothing left on holiday, so I started my first book again!!