The Shipping News

E Annie Proulx

Andrew described the central character of the book as a person who does not do anything well. The book starts with the character making a marriage to a shocking woman who is then killed. The character can see past his infatuation for this woman and as part of his healing process relocates himself to Newfoundland to work on the local newspaper. Andrew said he felt that the book was well written in a matter-of-fact style and successfully describes how he copes with a small island community as being part insider/part outsider who is accepted in some ways but not others. Andrew praised the great set pieces in the book picking out Nutbeams' leaving party from the Gammy Bird as an outstanding piece of writing.

Andrew concluded by saying that he would describe 'The Shipping News' as being highly recommended.
Andrew 26/4/98

Gill had also read the book and characterised it as a great study of an out of the way sort of place, where everyone knows everyone. She also commented that the food in the book was quite revolting. Andrew picking up on the spirit of the place noted that the weather was very important to the book - gloom, rain and wind, but that this established a strangely optimistic note in the book. He also noted another great set piece in the book when the main character buys an unseaworthy boat and tries to go out to sea in it. Referring to 'Snow Falling on Cedars' Gavin made the commented that local newpapers and journalists made good settings for novels set in remote places as they give a natural insight into the community.
Gill 26/4/98

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