Comments on: the maytrees

By: cynthia

cynthia — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 00:34:17 +0000

Gatto, your comment makes me want to read The Maytrees all over again… I read it before I’d spent much time in Provincetown and before I’d ever found the dune shacks that are sprinkled along the coast on the right side of Route 6 as you’re coming in to Provincetown. So, although my guess is she set it in one of those, I don’t really remember enough details of the book to know if that makes sense. So I am no help to you…although it is on my list to write a post about those dune shacks. I’m so happy you not only read the book but reread it and that you found my words about it. –cynthia

By: Gatto Nero

Gatto Nero — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 18:05:35 +0000

I have just read and reread this book, and find it incredibly rich, for all its spare and strange language.
And having spent a fair amount of time in Provincetown, I’m wondering about the setting for Maytree’s dune shack. On Route 6 heading into town, there are large dunes to the right, beyond which, I think, is the start of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Did Dillard set it there, do you think, or somewhere in the West End of town, facing north to the ocean instead of south? Thank you.

By: structure echoes content | catching days

structure echoes content | catching days — Sun, 30 May 2010 12:35:56 +0000

[…] Some of this post–what I understood about the structure from my 1st read–also appeared in my 1st post on The Maytrees. […]

By: the person underneath | catching days

the person underneath | catching days — Sat, 22 May 2010 16:23:39 +0000

post #2 on The Maytrees

By: cynthia

cynthia — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:52:24 +0000

In reply to Patricia. Patricia, thank you for your nice comments about the blog. It's fun to see you here. I definitely recommend The Maytrees, and if you read it, please let me know what you think. At first I didn't like it so I read quickly. Now I want to read it again...

By: cynthia

cynthia — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:44:34 +0000

In reply to Tricia. Tricia, sometimes when I find a book is too slow, I wonder if I'm just not in the right mood for it at that moment. I never found this one slow, but I did think the tone was a little difficult at first--like someone who doesn't want you to get to know them. But it softens up over time. Not every book is for everyone, but you might want to give this one a second chance.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:11:58 +0000

In reply to Darrelyn Saloom. Darrelyn, you'll have to read the book to find out why she bade her solitude good-bye---I'm not going to tell you : ) And I definitely recommend The Maytrees for your nightstand!

By: Patricia

Patricia — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:50:49 +0000

Thank you Cindy! I haven’t commented before, but I want you to know how much I love this blog. And I now want to read this book. I didn’t love The Living, so I haven’t read any more of Annie Dillard’s fiction, but you’ve convinced me. And the structure sounds really interesting.

By: Tricia

Tricia — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:58:01 +0000

I’ve tried twice to read this book–I have a different but beautiful white book jacket –but it was too slow for me. Now that I’ve read your post, I can understand a little clearer the motive and will have to give it another try.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:08:26 +0000

In reply to lisakenney.

Lisa, I can’t believe I haven’t read The Maytrees before. I enjoyed your post on it. Here’s the link for those who have already read the book! (spoiler alert): http://eudaemoniaforall.blogspot.com/2008/12/maytrees-by-annie-dillard.html

Have you read any other of her books since you read The Maytrees?