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Renee
I'm with you! The book exasperated me! The premise that these adult daughters had not already heard the story (and not much of a story at that) a million times beggared belief. Very disappointed. I finished it only because I usually love the author.
Deirdre
The characters are all so ridiculously cheerful and completely superficial-- except maybe for Duke. The 3 daughters behave like they are middle school kids, totally annoying. And nothing really happens... I waited with expectations... and waited....
Kathy W.
It seemed very self indulgent to me. I can't believe the daughters wanted to hear this story again, even with Covid changing a lot of dynamics.
Missy
It was a boring story. I finished it and just did not find anything I liked about the book.
judith
Yes, I'm at 50% & feel the same way! Jumping past/present doesn't help, but find myself not caring about about a summer romance 25 yrs. ago. (Plus, I don't like Lara's "joy" at being trapped during the pandemic...toxic positivity about an unspeakably horrible event.)
Amy Kasprzak
I did not develop any bond or caring about the characters. This was a superficial story. I finished it last night. I hoped it would get better but it just didn’t. Very disappointed in Ann Patchet.
I also need to add that the comment made about “heroin addicts” at the carnival was shocking to me.
I will never read another one of her books.
I also need to add that the comment made about “heroin addicts” at the carnival was shocking to me.
I will never read another one of her books.
Beverly
I only finished this book because I have loved Ann Patchett books and I didn’t think she would let me down. It is the most boring book I ever finished. It does not get better. It’s more of the same.
Laura
Just finished it and I never came to care about any of the characters.
Maryann Decicco
I started reading it and was struggling a bit and wondering if I should continue. I switched to the audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep and really came to appreciate the story. I like the idea of learning to appreciate the joys of an ordinary life.
Jane
I actually live near cherry orchards in Northern MI, and a huge fan of Ann Patchett. So I was really looking forward to this book. But I was disappointed in the whole format, and especially the ending. Glad to see I’m not the only one to feel let down.
Michelle
I felt the same way. I finished it because that’s just how I am… but told myself it was an utter waste of my time. I honestly don’t understand what all the hype is about either. I gave it 3 stars but may change that to 2 stars.
Sharon
Stay with it. Some lovely surprises
Andrea
I've made it through 3 chapters. So far, I agree -- utterly boring and written in a confusing way. Maybe I'll try a couple more chapters (since I paid full price for this book and was looking forward to it!), but I'll DNF the thing unless it perks up. Ugh.
Sandra H.
Same. The book never kept my attention and I had to force myself to finish. This was the first and likely last Anne Patchett book for me. Very unsatisfying.
Mary Berger
I was "in a mood" stopped reading when it went to a new timeline. - picked it back up a month or so later and really enjoyed it.
Debra Mendler
I, too, felt that way through the first half. But the book and characters grew on me. Also some interesting twists. I left feeling good about the book.
Sue
I thought it was just me...now I don't feel so guilty about stopping! I couldn't find a plot and hoped something unexpected would occur....apart from me falling asleep every 2 pages! Useful feedback...wish I'd done my homework before I bought it but as many say...Ann Patchett is usually wonderful. Bel Canto is one of my favourite books.
Martha Panek
I found the composition tricky to read. The style wasn’t what I was used to in other AP books. After completing the book I listened to the audio version (only because I was traveling and had downloaded it months ago). The sentence structure flowed better coming out of Meryl Streep’s mouth.
I could not buy into the daughter’s obsession with Duke. Lara said her daughter’s behavior as a young teen scared her. Then oddly, she got over it?
Lara’s last visit with Duke at the rehab hospital was weird. She was obviously still not over him but that scene was ugly. Why did Lara welcome him to the farm many years later?
I gave the book 4 stars because there isn’t a 3.5 option.
I could not buy into the daughter’s obsession with Duke. Lara said her daughter’s behavior as a young teen scared her. Then oddly, she got over it?
Lara’s last visit with Duke at the rehab hospital was weird. She was obviously still not over him but that scene was ugly. Why did Lara welcome him to the farm many years later?
I gave the book 4 stars because there isn’t a 3.5 option.
Kelly Kitzman
I just finished it- but only to hear Streep read the audio version. I strongly dislike stories about theater groups. This was the slowest book I have read in ages. The short twists at the end seemed Ike after thoughts. And frankly were not worth trudging through the rest.
Kathryn Brooks
I’m probably not even going to make it halfway through. Thanks for the warning.
Tess
Thanks for asking this question and for the readers who answered. I'm halfway through the audiobook and probably wouldn't have made it this far except for Meryl Streep doing the narration. I think it's time to DNF.
Kirti
Same. I was excited to read this book because of all the great reviews but I struggled to finish it.
Colleen
Yes. I actually struggled through the first half of the book.
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Sep 14, 2023 06:22AM · flag