Wally Lamb’s “She’s Come Undone” isn’t the usual sort of novel I would select, however I just joined a book club. It seems just like the kind of novel a book club would go for.
It is described as a coming of age tale told from the perspective of Dolores Price, who starts off as a young girl in 1956. Her parents’ marriage starts to unravel rather dramatically. The novel is replete with all kinds of classic personal traumas, including divorce, bullying, sexual abuse, mental illness, sudden death, and all sorts of various unpleasantness.
Lamb is a pretty talented writer. He seems to have either done research or has been exposed to those who have faced some terrible trials. I have a day job where I have some exposure to the consequences of some of these upheavals.
There are moments when Dolores demonstrates some inspirational tenacity. Lamb infuses her with a rather biting wit that helps the reader not tumble into complete despair over her various plights.
There are times when the novel just seems to go a little longer than necessary. It’s still an interesting journey for the most part, and I think most readers will want to see this one through to the end.
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