the moon, the snow

Author: Nan Weizenbaum
ISBN: 978-1449961602
Publisher: CeateSpace
Publish Date: January 27, 2010

Although, in my opinion, the book started off as wordy and at times boring, in the end it was worth read. It was uniquely divided into subchapters using tree branches and chapters using pieces of fruit. The setting is in a Pacific Northwest town of Shanksford in the midst of the winter season. Since it is summer, one of the hottest, where I was reading this novel, it was given a refreshing feel as it was describing the snow falling and people dressing in layers. It also gave some hot and steamy accounts as well, which were not suited for the younger reader. There is also a bit of a history lesson about the town, which was carefully included and gave an insight of the region and how it was developed. Even though, I don't think this was necessary to the story line, it did add interest.

I was able to identify with the main character Aurora as I think many other women can. A lot of women of all ages and all walks of life, have given up everything of ourselves to devote all to the person they love and unfortunately when that person leaves we are lost. This abandonment can lead ourselves doing things that are completely out of character for us. Aurora started to give her body to every man she could. Most of the male characters were men of opportunity using Aurora for their appetites and not really caring for hers. One character that was not of the norm was Danny who seemed more down to earth, especially since he lived in a Teepee. He was the more sensitive friend that Aurora needed. Intermingled in the before mentioned players are other town folk that were sometimes mere mentions many of whom were experiencing life's up and downs. Most live without T.V. s, radios, telephones or even electricity. They have to adapt to the environment even if it is rely on the strength of others.

The finishing pages of this book are completely up expected and were never hinted at. It is a full circle of lives coming together as maybe the moon is a symbol of. I recommend this to only adult readers who are patient enough not to skip ahead to the end. I believe the author is trying to give insight to the fact that we are all interconnected and how we can effect each others lives.