This was purchased at the Borders going-out-of-business sale in Clearwater, Florida. I have flagged it to read on Kindle so I can stop hoarding this copy.

Now traveling in my Fiction and Literature bookbox!

Chosen from flewry's Fiction and Literature bookbox

I wish like fury I could be more fair to this book. The problem is, in my head, when I pick up a lifetime overview of a woman born into a small Manitoba community, with the title 'The Stone XXX,' I immediately flash to one of my most revered books, 'The Stone Angel' by Margaret Laurence. Although I know that's unfair, this book suffers by the comparison.

From reviews I've read, I see that Carol Shields has pioneered a new method of storytelling. We see the central character almost exclusively through the eyes of those who surround her. Even for the brief time she's the narrator, the story is in the third person rather than the first. I agree that we get an interesting and multi-faceted look at Daisy, and I like some of the segments quite well.

BUT, I longed for the voice of Hagar Shipley, with all her faults, prejudices, pride, and stubbornness, telling her own story and capturing me forever.

I know this is a much-admired book, so I'll give it another try in a few years.

On OBCZ shelves. Released for gypsysmom's Canada Day Challenge.