The Almost Moon
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | October 16, 2007 |
| Founder | Alice Sebold |
| Products | Novel |
| Parent | Little, Brown and Company |
The Almost Moon represents the third published work and second novel by American writer Alice Sebold, who is also recognized for her memoir Lucky and the popular novel The Lovely Bones. Released in the United States on October 16, 2007, by Little, Brown and Company, this book delves into intricate family relationships alongside psychological themes.
Synopsis
Helen Knightly, a divorced mother working as a professional art model, unexpectedly kills her agoraphobic mother, who is afflicted with advanced dementia, through suffocation. This deed seems both impulsive and the realization of a long-suppressed wish tied to Helen’s enduring quest for maternal approval. During the following 24 hours, Helen contemplates her upbringing, marriage, and role as a parent while striving to hide the killing, enlisting her former husband’s assistance in the concealment.
Reception
Critical reaction to the novel was varied. Several reviewers commended its unflinching depiction of violence and mental health issues in American society. Eileen Battersby of The Irish Times likened it to Jeffrey Eugenides's The Virgin Suicides, emphasizing its "staggering clarity" and emotional profundity. Helen Dunmore from The Times remarked on Sebold’s "darkly humorous critique" of literary conventions, whereas Kim Hedges of the San Francisco Chronicle described it as "both unsettling and captivating." Lee Siegel of The New York Times criticized the narrative as "morally, emotionally and intellectually disjointed," but anticipated it would achieve bestseller status. Carole Angier writing for Literary Review viewed it less favorably compared to Sebold's prior work, arguing that it does not effectively awaken readers to tragedy. Michael Antman of PopMatters considered it "significantly more authentic and impactful" than Sebold’s earlier bestseller.
On the other hand, Anna Shapiro from The Guardian labeled the story "implausible yet balanced with realistic detail." Michael Antman in Village Voice questioned the genuineness of the characters’ emotional responses following the murder. Sam Anderson in New York Magazine doubted its novelty, suggesting Sebold revisits familiar motifs without expanding her creative boundaries.
External links
- An interview with Alice Sebold (regarding The Almost Moon) at Pan Macmillan