My review of The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

This is my 2nd Anne Tyler (my first was Breathing Lessons) and I'm on
page 1 of A Spool of Blue Thread. Do you think I like her? I do.

I went to my library and borrowed the movie (William Hurt, Kathleen
Turner, Geena Davis). Geena plays Muriel, Hurt is Macon and Turner is
Sarah.

The movie was great and the dialogue was 100% from the book.

The ending was unexpected but after reflecting on it it was perfect. A
reviewer should not spoil. I'm just trying to get you interested. I have
ordered a copy of both books and will gift two friends. I absolutely
loved both books, Tourist 5 stars, Lessons 4.89 stars.

So far I've told you nothing about what happens. I find it best to
review shortly after finishing. So what comes to mind?

Macon and Sarah lost their 7-year-old son Ethan who was murdered when he
was in the wrong place at the wrong time. This sends their 20-year-old
marriage into a tail spin. She asks for a divorce leaving Macon totally
gobsmacked. Macon has a strange job; he writes travel guides for adults
who prefer their home town habits to anything that might be going on in
Paris, San Francisco, Canada where their business requirements might
send them. Anything outside of Baltimore basically. The author's books
all are Baltimore-based.

And let's not forget Edward, Macon and Sarah's Corgi. He tends to byte,
bark, annoy. When Macon needs to go on one of his trips to gather
helpful guide notes he needs to board Edward. Enter Muriel (Geena Davis
in the movie (best supporting actress award recipient)) who works at
Meow Bow (a pet shop). Muriel is non-stop, offering dog training, home
visits etc. etc. It's pretty clear Macon is on her radar. They are both
partnerless.

Macon is non-committal, depressed, unable to be moved by anything it
seems. We meet his two brothers (Charles and Porter) and sister (Rose).
As a family they play a card game they call Vaccination. All the time.
Emotionless. Predictable. Boring.

A parallel love story (have you detected any yet?) emerges as Julian
(Macon's boss) gets invited to dinner. Rose is getting on (she's 38). A
ring is bought and will be given to her at Christmas.

Muriel has a kid, Alexander. A sickly fellow, bullied and fatherless. He
befriends Edward, the dog. Everyone's amazed dog hair and his allergies
are OK together. Plus, when Macon involves him in some faucet repair
work, a wonderful "father/son" relationship begins.

I haven't yet mentioned that the book is funny.

The most unexpected twists are non-stop. For example, Rose and Julian
end up splitting up and later Rose is hired on to manage Julian's
business. When Macon goes to Paris Muriel has somehow slipped on the
plane and won't leave him alone. Then Sarah shows up. In Paris. Macon is
in the middle of two women whom he loves but can't seem to get rid of.
Or decide whom to marry / unseparate from.

Anne Tyler is a master of dialog. Macon, Sarah, and Muriel are lonely,
damaged. Muriel is *alive*, goes on buying sprees, invites herself to
everything. Here's a favorite quote: (Macon's thoughts on Muriel)

quote

The way people talk to each other reveals how complex, fluid and both
believable and unbelievable we humans are.

I highly recommend this book.