To author Maria Semple’s
credit, the reader never quite knows the direction that Where’d You Go, Bernadette is taking. The novel was popular and continues to be so
for a reason, as it’s highly original and probably like nothing you’ve ever
read before.
Even though she used to be
a gifted architect, Bernadette Fox is now a recluse, preferring to keep to
herself in the Seattle that she despises. Her daughter, Bea, attends a
hoity-toity private school, and all the other mothers there just don’t
understand why Bernadette won’t get involved more. Elgie is Bernadette’s husband and world
renowned at Microsoft for his revolutionary TED Talk and invention. Per Bea’s request, the family plans a trip to
Antarctica, but Bernadette disappears before they can make it there together.
Rather than write a
straight narrative, Semple chooses to tell the story of Bernadette through
Bea’s eyes, as well as through a series of e-mails, letters, and the like. In this fashion, she manages to create a dynamic
book that’s filled with black comedy and “I can’t believe she just said/did
that” moments. It shouldn’t work, but it
does, so just read it! You won’t be disappointed in this very unique book.
MY RATING - 4
