French Braid by Anne Tyler

[Sausagenbacon]

Has anyone read this?
I used to love AT's books, but haven't read any for some time and I must admit I found this just depressing. You know, you live, you die, some of your descendants have some of your characteristics. Perhaps because I'm in my 60s it's too close for comfort.
I'd also be interested in other readers opinion of some of the characters.

This was the first Anne Tyler I came across. I found it amazing how compelling it was even though it was about everyday life. I read that Tyler considers herself a very ‘unsentimental’ writer and no kidding with this one! I was conflicted over Mercy. On the one hand I was rooting for her claiming her own identity back - that artist’s retreat was a dream. Felt a lot of sadness for her husband though, he seemed totally blindsided.

Yes, I was so sorry for the poor husband. Sitting alone eating meatloaf after his family left. Mercy was utterly selfish (and didn't even make it as an artist).

Oh the meatloaf!! Gosh yes, that was such a sad scene - very poignant

I found it beautiful, but very sad