French Braid by Anne Tyler

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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

Thinking about it, the first AT I read was about a woman literally walking away from her family on the beach and starting a new life.
At the time, I had 3 children at home, and it seemed an attractive idea.
Perhaps this book is AT reassessing this (like I have)

What a beautiful way to articulate how a book, and a writer, might resonate differently at different times in your life. You’ve made me want to re-read my old Anne Tyler’s!

Aw shucks, thank you.
Another thing...imo Elizabeth Strout covers this genre better.

Oh, I love Elizabeth Strout. I think we might have similar taste! In the same vein, I just finished Whistler by Ann Patchett and found that very beautiful and poignant.

Did she write the Dutch House? I must admit I was underwhelmed by it.

She did write the Dutch House, which I liked but didn’t love, but there was something about Whistler which really got me, was very moved by it.

I'll try it!

Ladder of Years

I loved it when I read it years ago. Perhaps due for a re-read.

French Braid is an interesting contrast

I just reread a bit of Anne Tyler’s Accidental Tourist, about baked potatoes. Will reread the book now. I wouldn’t compare with E Strout, just enjoy them equally.

Love Elizabeth Strout but also Elizabeth Berg.

I've not heard of her. My reading list is building up ....

I don’t know Elizabeth Berg at all, but it sounds like I should! Is there one you’d recommend starting with?

I'm currently reading "Say When" about the breakdown of a marriage, the husband classically feels blindsided, however as the story progresses its obvious the signs were always there. She paints the characters so convincingly, its very realistic.

Sounds right up my street, I'll take a look!