Comments on: Book Review: Lorrie Moore's A GATE AT THE STAIRS

By: Thuy Dinh

Thuy Dinh — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:43:26 +0000

Hi jultaylor,

Thanks so much for reading my review of Lorrie Moore’s A Gate at the Stairs and also sharing with me your dead-on, detailed observations about the book. It’s interesting how people either love or hate this novel, and I think it says a lot about the times that we live in. The critics of Lorrie Moore’s work seem to prefer a more linear, conventionally-structured, or more consistent, fast-paced work, and those who profess to be her fans are willing to take the time with the book, submitting to her various literary quirks. In some way, A Gate at the Stairs is not unlike a 19th century serialized novel, in which a lot of weird, odd, inconsistent things happen (due to the length and breadth of the form itself), but in some other way, her novel is very much grounded in the 21st century, with references to post 9/11 political and social sensibilities, and with the acknowledgement that the world we live in is disjointed and in search of deeper meanings.

I’m reading Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park right now and am struck with similar feelings. (I never thought I would see parallels between Lorrie Moore and Jane Austen). Like A Gate at the Stairs, Mansfield Park in some way is both a macrocosm and microcosm of a particular universe. Fanny Price is not as sarcastic or knowing as Tessie yet like Tessie she’s an innocent and also a searcher of meanings as well as an explorer of social limitations. Have you read Mansfield Park? I’m very much struck by your comment about A Gate at the Stairs, “where there is much going on… but not much happening.” In Jane Austen’s world, there is also a lot going on internally but outwardly there’s an appearance of stasis.

Isn’t it odd that, given the similarities between Lorrie Moore’s approach and Austen’s, Moore is not (yet) as popular as the famed author of Pride and Prejudice? In fact, you could say that pride and prejudice is the sub-theme of A Gate at the Stairs.

Thanks again, jultaylor, and many more happy readings (and revelations).

Thuy

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:40:53 +0000

Hi jultaylor,

Thanks so much for your insightful comment. I’ve forwarded it to Thuy for a response.

By: jultaylor

jultaylor — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:58:55 +0000

Oh Thuy, after happening upon your insightful review a few weeks ago, I just had to read the book. It’s very significant that you began your review with the Beatles reference, as music is so important to the story.
I have to say…that Moore took her time with the beginning and getting to the heart of the story is reassuring in the long run. She is such a lovely writer with such an interesting way with words, it seemed as though I was in the middle of a good indie film…where there is much going on…but not much happening. Hmm, does that make sense? But when the not-much-happening turns into the nitty gritty of the story, oh my, look out. I could hardly bear to read Sarah’s story of her previous life with “Edward”. Heartbreaking. And just as heart-wrenching, Tassie saying good-bye when she stares death in the eye.
Well, I also loved the literary references throughout, such as Robert’s science teacher being named Mr. Holden, and Tassie and her parents discussing if Americans would have to wear a scarlet C were we still English Colonists (two of my favorites).
Loved this book…the beginning, the middle, and oh that ending.
Thanks so much

By: Thuy Dinh

Thuy Dinh — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:12:21 +0000

Thank you, Shell Sheree, leOpard13, and Reader #9 for reading this review of Lorrie Moore’s A Gate at the Stairs. As Shell has remarked, this is an “intense” book, but in a good way. I think it’s truly an act of courage for Ms. Moore to write such a novel, since it’s a deliberate throwback to an earlier time. A Gate at the End of the Stairs reminds me of the 19th century French novel Camille by Alexandre Dumas fils (Verdi based his opera La Traviata on the novel, about a tubercular courtesan with a heart of gold who’s in love with a young dandy but drives him away because she doesn’t want him to be involved with the kind of woman that she is). In fact, the grim image at the end of Camille almost mirrors the scene near the end of Moore’s novel with Tessie literally facing her brother’s death.
I think it’s hard for us, as 21st century readers, to relate to this uncompromising look at love and death, but at the same time, there’s a sense of raw honesty and deep respect for the reader that comes across in the novel. This seriousness is very rare in today’s cultural climate. If you have the time, I think it will be worthwhile to check out this novel. Despite its unrelenting outlook, the novel, like Tessie, maintaịns its luminous innocence and deep affirmation of life. It will stay with you. It may even change your life.
Again, thank you all so much for reading this review. It means a lot to me. (I also don’t think that only English lit majors (which I was) enjoy “serious novels.” You will, too.)

By: Reader#9

Reader#9 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:02:38 +0000

Not for me, but really well researched.

By: le0pard13

le0pard13 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:57:17 +0000

This is a wonderful review. You’ve provided a thoughtful examination of the novel, Thuy. Thank you for this.

By: Shell Sherree

Shell Sherree — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:33:00 +0000

Thanks so much for the in-depth review ~ this one sounds rather intense.