Whistler

Ann Patchett. Contemporary Fiction.

My sister texted me a picture of the Whistler book cover one

Tuesday afternoon. Have you read this? I just read the

first 40 pages and now I might have to stay up half the

night to keep reading.

I read Bel Canto decades ago and remembered it with vague appreciation; I tried to read Tom Lake five years ago and couldn't stand it. My opinion on Ann Pratchett was biased toward the negative but my sister knew I couldn't resist a dangling lure. I just checked it out on Libby, I texted back, I'll let you know what I think.

Seven hours later, I admitted to my sister, I started reading Whistler this afternoon and am embarrassed to admit I never made it back to my work desk after lunch. I just read the book! I feel cheated! I was becoming sadder yet somehow excited for Eddie's death scene, then NOTHING...

I know, she replied. I felt that way, too. But I genuinely loved Eddie.