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Thursday, February 18, 2016

What We Thought: Lucky Us by Amy Bloom



Afternoon Book Club February 2016
Lucky Us
Amy Bloom

Lucky us by the New York Times bestselling author of Away, Amy Bloom has written a wide ranging story with elements of comedy and tragedy with odd characters and their circumstances. Their humanity shines throughout despite hardship and pain. Readers spent time deciding whether or not some characters had good intentions despite despicable actions. They were not ready to forgive some of them, but continued to accept the story anyway.

Some readers agreed that a major theme was about mothers and the women who nurtured children who were not their own. Baby hunger was so profound that the characters went to extraordinary lengths to satisfy it and to help those who needed to take care of children while others had no interest in motherhood.

Readers were puzzled about where the story the story was going with the multi-ethnic and gay characters. The story held together despite forays into bootleg era Chicago, 1940’s Hollywood, World War II Germany and post war Britain. Readers liked the passion, daring and self-sufficiency of the sisters Eva and Iris. Readers remarked that some of the story lines were left hanging and wanted more elaboration about certain events. All in all everyone enjoyed reading the book and were very enthusiastic when discussing it

Readers were liked the ending that described a photograph of the Eva’s family that Danny the youngest member of the family took with him to college. It depicts the successful cohesion of what remained of family after all of their trials and tribulations.

“You know, the crisis passes, the crucible cools, and there we are, slightly improved, not much altered.”  Amy Bloom

Have you read Lucky Us?  What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.

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