I really, really enjoyed this sweet, poignant story from Anne Tyler. I was actually a little sad when I finished the last page. The characters were so...moreI really, really enjoyed this sweet, poignant story from Anne Tyler. I was actually a little sad when I finished the last page. The characters were so honest, flawed, and down-to-earth; I grew quite attached to them as I read. It made me think, how would I react if I lost someone I truly loved and then saw them again after their death? Would I believe my eyes? Would I try to talk to them? I guess one can never gauge how they would act until they were in the same situation, right?
I was pleased that by the end of the book, Aaron was able to reconcile his guilt and feelings over his somewhat unhappy marriage to Dorothy and her untimely death. His remarriage was just the right place to end the book. It seemed to give us readers a closure to the story. And doesn't everyone enjoy a happy ending?(less)
I didn't really know what to think when I first started this book. I have read Jackson before, so I am familiar with her southern style and I really e...moreI didn't really know what to think when I first started this book. I have read Jackson before, so I am familiar with her southern style and I really enjoy it; she is one of my favorite authors. This one though, took a while to grow on me. I ended up really enjoying it in the end. I fell in love with all of the characters. I was even able to see through the "bad ones" and gain an understanding of them as well.
This wasn't my favorite of hers, but I would definitely recommend it. Especially to fans of Jackson or southern writing.(less)
This book was a tough read; very intense. The horrible abuse that the characters of the story were subjected to was heart wrenching. It was almost pai...moreThis book was a tough read; very intense. The horrible abuse that the characters of the story were subjected to was heart wrenching. It was almost painful to read their story. One could almost feel their pain as the recalled the abuse they suffered at the hands of their stepfather.
It was also tough for me due to the author's melodic and descriptive writing style. I found myself having to reread sentences quite often to fully grasp and appreciate the author's meaning and intent. In the beginning of the story it was a little difficult to keep track of who was who and which character was narrating, but once I became accustomed to the writing, this story really pulled me in.
It was encouraging to read about two ordinary people trying to overcome their abusive past and move forward. I liked the fact that the author didn't over-simplify their lives and have a "happily ever after" style ending. Instead he wrote them as real people with real flaws. I appreciated that.(less)
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the premise of the story--that true love doesn't die, and I especially loved the fact that true love won out in th...moreI really enjoyed this book! I loved the premise of the story--that true love doesn't die, and I especially loved the fact that true love won out in the end. The characters were well-written and I was able to connect to them easily. I liked that the story began in the present and then flashed back several years to take the reader back to the beginning of Brian and Joanna's love affair. It helped me understand the depths of the character's emotions.
The one thing that I had a hard time with was how Joanna's son dealt with the fact of his parent's breakup. Even though he was a mature boy, I don't know that a fifteen-year old would have been fine with it and made some of the statements that he did. And that Joanna would allow her son to be a witness to the final argument between all of the adults seemed a little off.
Other than that though, I thought this was a wonderful story. The author was able to describe emotions and feelings so well, that at times it was hard to believe this book was written by a man. The pace and flow of the story seemed so natural. I look forward to more books by Mr. Walker!(less)
Loved this story! We see more & more books written from a dog's perspective these days, but this one truly stood out from the rest. I loved Enzo's...moreLoved this story! We see more & more books written from a dog's perspective these days, but this one truly stood out from the rest. I loved Enzo's voice; his strength; his character. While reading this story I laughed, I cried. Really, really enjoyed this one.(less)
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