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This is the first novel I have read that is structured in such a dominant linear fashion, like a series of "slices of life" instead of a main story with backstories and side stories. In the past I have rejected such novels because they seem too easy to create. But if anyone can master this, it would be Sue Miller. What do you all think?

Shirley I didn't view it as a "slice of life" way of story telling. I saw it as Miller using a omniscient narrator who jumped in and out of the sensibilities …moreI didn't view it as a "slice of life" way of story telling. I saw it as Miller using a omniscient narrator who jumped in and out of the sensibilities of many characters, but who spent more time in the character/sensibility of the widow, Annie. I thought it was masterfully done and I'm off to discover more books by Sue Miller. This was the first I'd read by her.(less)

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I can't figure out when this take place. There are no references to cell phones, and only a couple of references to computers (in Graham's store). Can anyone help?

Tory This frustrated me too, the whole first part of the book I thought was current until I was much further in. There is mention of the main character bei…moreThis frustrated me too, the whole first part of the book I thought was current until I was much further in. There is mention of the main character being a little girl in the late 40s/early 50s, and I believe Graham's first marriage was in the 60s. As other have noted, the later parts of the book are somewhere around 2008. (less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Nancy I don't have the book any more, it was a library copy, but Annie discovers the affair at the party she has after Graham's service. She finds Rosemary …moreI don't have the book any more, it was a library copy, but Annie discovers the affair at the party she has after Graham's service. She finds Rosemary sobbing in Graham's office and Frieda confirms the affair a day or so later. Maybe halfway through the book......(less)

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Here's something I'm looking forward to seeing when I read this: It always annoys me when a career, say, "photographer," gets used like "brown hair" -- w/no indication that the character is a visual person who takes pictures, is just used for "texture" or cause it sounds cool. Or a "bookseller" shows no insight into what that's like. I hope SM doesn't do that. Plus questions about WHEN the novel takes place?

Nancy Swiniarski They talk about Barack Obama being nominated and running for President. Then it's a span of about three years, I think.

…moreThey talk about Barack Obama being nominated and running for President. Then it's a span of about three years, I think.

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I also wondered about the way in which Graham was described as having somewhat re-invented himself. (this is not a spoiler; the information is not at all central to the "plot".) But here is little to suggest that his younger persona in anyway influences his character as he is perceived by almost everyone throughout and I wonder if people really can radically reinvent themselves that much?

Marylou Ambrose I wondered that, too. It takes more than growing a beard and getting new clothes to reinvent yourself. But it sounds like he went from a nerd to a coo…moreI wondered that, too. It takes more than growing a beard and getting new clothes to reinvent yourself. But it sounds like he went from a nerd to a cool guy just by doing that. It made me wonder why Frieda didn't do the same thing. I also don't get what was so magnetic about Graham. The author tells us a lot of things but doesn't show us. (less)

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