All Bark and No Bite

Educational? Check. Historical? Check. Tragic? Timely? Cautionary? Check, check and check. Enjoyable? Not so much. Somehow, although The Shipping News had kind of a grey overtone, it managed to sidestep the depression that pervaded this story. Boy, can Annie write, but it was a long haul to get to a disappointing destination. Tons of sad history. Unfortunately, probably accurate. If you want to feel justification for being overwhelmingly discouraged, here's your vehicle.