Here is a link to a podcast review of The Grey Wolf. I invite you to have a listen and share your thoughts.
I was surprised to hear the podcaster’s remarks, given her love of the series. I would say that although I completely understand her point of view, as I also understand and think all opinions of all books are valid, I don’t know if I agree with some of the things she says, like summarizing the book as “empty and sad”, and saying that the book was “devoid of heart and soul” and that it was an “all over the place mess”.
I also do not agree with her prediction of #20. I think LP has stated the opposite? I believe she’s said that in past interviews? Please correct me if I’m wrong.
There is no argument that there is little of the coziness of Three Pines and our friends who live there. But it has been eye opening to me to see how much of those elements readers were yearning for. And to have had to have waited two years to feel that familiarity again and then feel the disappointment when the familiarity was missing must be quite devastating for some readers. Add to it the current climate in America (and the world, to be quite honest), and the disappointment increases exponentially. So I do understand the readers who felt disappointment, but it makes me sad to read that many were so disappointed. Personally, I really enjoyed the book and I felt quite a lot of heart and soul.
It is so interesting how diverse the reactions are!
I will add to say that I’m not a Penny fan in that I jump to her defence whenever there is any negative comments or criticism. I know that there are many readers who feel strongly against any criticism. I feel that I’m a fair reader and have had my fair share of issues with various aspects of some of her previous books. I am just observing a strong wave of disappointment and disapproval from some readers, and was surprised because I didn’t anticipate that response.
Maybe this speaks to the diversity of Louise’s books. How she weaves historical information into the plot. How she makes us feel at home with Three Pines and its diverse inhabitants. She widens our horizons with new and interesting geography. She intrigues us with her mystery and lessons on human behavior. There are so many threads in her novels some of which speak to each of us louder than other threads. When the thread that carries the loudest voice is missing we are disappointed. For me the timing of Grey Wolf’s release might have had a greater impact on me than I anticipated because of the political scene in the US. I really needed to escape to the safe harbor of Three Pines when I read it. I will reread it and will be curious to see how much, if any, my feelings change with the passage of time.
Like Libby Baker and Susan Ault, I find it challenging to read “The Grey Wolf” without thinking of political issues and concerns in the U.S. Still, Three Pines is both a wonderful place to set that aside for awhile and an inspiration for moving forward. Three Pines folk do not merely accept; they stand up as well.
And just as those in Three Pines stand up for what’s right so will we!
And your Canadian neighbours are right here with you all as well.
I recall an interview that Louise had where she was discussing All The Devils Are Here and she knew that not setting the book in Three Pines would be a risk. But she said it was one she had to take. She is very aware that in taking chances she may have readers that will not fully embrace it. I may not always like the direction in some of her stories or character arcs but I fully support any writer who is pushing their talents forward to grow and try new things. And Louise is always exploring new themes, asking new questions that I find fascinating. Like Libby says there are so many threads in her novels.
I do not live in the US but we certainly have our fair share of corruption in Cape Town. I loved “The Grey Wolf”. Louise gave us wonderful insight into the multiple difficulties of ageing within a character who also manages great responsibility, our beloved Gamache. His vulnerability was palpable which certainly raised my empathy. A much needed response in our world of aged leaders. Yet I still felt the warm embrace of his family, his colleagues and the community of Three Pines.