Review of Some Other Time by Author’s Name
When I first stumbled upon Some Other Time by Author’s Name, I was drawn in by its promise of exploring the complexities of marriage, self-discovery, and the whirlwind of modern family life. As an Amazon First Read selection for January, I thought it might be a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. However, about 12% in, I found myself gasping for air amidst a sea of passive-aggressive remarks and a protagonist, Ellie, who felt less like a character and more like a caricature.
From the outset, Ellie’s life seems steeped in a familiar tension, yet failed to present any depth. A woman on the brink of divorce should come with layers of emotion, but her insufferability got in the way. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being forced into the role of a reluctant partner on a journey I had no interest in taking. The opening chapters revealed a character who thrives on criticism—especially towards her husband, Jonah, and daughter, Maggie. Her judgmental outlook made it challenging to empathize with her plight.
Ellie’s portrayal of marriage struck a sour note for me. Early on, she reflects on Jonah’s role as the navigator in their lives, a notion elevated to the status of marital truth. The juxtaposition of their impending divorce against this submission felt trite and bizarre. I found myself cheerfully disagreeing with the sentiment that being a passive participant was a recipe for happiness. The writing, filled with moments that highlight her shortcomings, did not quite serve to elicit sympathy.
I was particularly turned off by some of the language and observations that felt almost regressive. One moment stood out: Ellie’s assertion that “a woman is so dumb she can’t screw in a light bulb” offered nothing but an eye roll. The condescending way she dismisses her daughter’s dietary choices also signifies a potential internal struggle with her own identity—one she seems determined to resist. I couldn’t help but wonder how much of this portrayal was rooted in the author’s own experiences, nudging readers towards a realization that perhaps Ellie’s world is a reflection of societal berating rather than an isolated case.
Then, there’s the author’s writing style. The excessive descriptions and repetitive references to characters’ appearances, especially hair color and styling, took me out of the story. I found myself laughing rather than gasping at moments that I believe were intended to create a serious atmosphere. At times, it felt like the author had an obsession with parentheses that distracted from the narrative flow. Additionally, the reliance on clichés felt like a missed opportunity to explore themes of identity and acceptance more organically.
While I threw in the towel early, I do believe this story has a specific audience—those who revel in character studies that evolve out of uncomfortable suburban dynamics. If you’re willing to stick through critiques and questionable dynamics, you might find Ellie’s transformation, however insipidly rendered, resonates with you.
Despite my experience with Some Other Time, I find myself hoping it finds readers who see in Ellie a reflection of their struggles and triumphs. For me, though, it’s back to the bookshelf to seek out that elusive connection—a story where the emotional journey captivates rather than tires. If you’re in for a critique of privilege and misunderstandings of familial roles, you may find it worthwhile. As for me, I’ll just savor the idea of what Some Other Time could have been.