The Almost Moon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The Almost Moon | |
| Author | Alice Sebold |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date | 2007 |
| Media type | Print () |
| Pages | 307 |
| ISBN | 0316677469 |
The Almost Moon is the third book and second novel by American writer Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones. It was released by Little, Brown and Company in the United States on October 16, 2007.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Plot Summary
For years, Helen Knightly has given her life to others: to her haunted mother, to her enigmatic father, to her husband and now-grown daughters. When she murders her mother, her life comes rushing in at her in a way she never could have imagined. This novel explores the ties between mothers and daughters and wives and lovers.
The novel begins with Helen's murder of her elderly mother, Clair. Clair, a former lingerie model suffers from an undisclosed mental illness (of which agoraphobia was a symptom) which intensifies at the onset of old age and dementia.
Over the following twenty-four hours, Helen enlists the help of her ex-husband Jake (who becomes an unwilling accessory to her crime), begins a sexual relationship with her best friend's son, while on the run from the police. Present day events are interspersed with recollections of Helen's childhood, and her often traumatic relationship with Clair.
[edit] Critical Reception
The novel received mostly unfavorable reviews from critics. Lee Siegel of the New York Times stated that the "novel is so morally, emotionally and intellectually incoherent that it’s bound to become a best seller."[2] Publishers Weekly stated that "Sebold can write, that's clear, but her sophomore effort is not in line with her talent".
[edit] References
- ^ Book Expo GalleyWatch: Which Fall Books Got the Biggest Push? New York Magazine, June 5, 2007
- ^ Mom’s in the Freezer by Lee Siegel New York Times October 21, 2007
[edit] External links
- Review of Advance Reading Copy of The Almost Moon
- An interview with Alice Sebold (concerning The Almost Moon) at Pan Macmillan website
