The Animators

A Novel

paperback, 384 pages

Published Sept. 5, 2017 by Random House Trade Paperbacks.

View on OpenLibrary

4 stars (3 reviews)

"In their first year of college, two young women, one from a Florida swamp, the other from a Kentucky holler, both outsiders at their prestigious east coast college, meet in "Introduction to Sketch" and become instant best friends. A decade later, Mel and Sharon's lives remain intertwined, but so much else has changed. Now a semi-famous New York filmmaking duo, they draw upon their own pasts to make intimate animated movies, a process that has left their personal lives--including their friendship--in tatters. When tragedy strikes, Mel and Sharon must return to their home states to confront long-buried secrets and try to restore damaged relationships with their families, lovers, and each other" --

4 editions

Review of 'The Animators' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

I can't decide how I feel about this one.
√ Well written
√ Passes the Bechtel test
√ Cared about the characters

I think what I'm struggling with is this: it's only 370-ish pages but it took me the greater part of a month to read it. Each time I sat down with it, I didn't feel like I made much progress, but it wasn't a terribly dense book. Perhaps it's because this book focuses on two talented artists and friends who - despite their talent - struggle to mature and lack any real sense of responsibility. I find I can only handle that in small doses.

I'd love to hear how this landed for other readers.

avatar for EkiTeebi

rated it

4 stars
avatar for confusedmuse

rated it

5 stars