The Known World by Edward P. Jones.

[Mary]

Does Jones ever tie the story together? I'm about 80 pages in and several characters have been introduced, but I feel like the story is very disjointed. Also, it drives me crazy that he introduces the character then gives one sentence about what happens in 20 years (the end of the character's story).

The writing itself is good - a cross between a novel and a text book. With slightly more novel.

[Mary]

I did finish it. And I liked it. My comment about the textbook was because there was a lot of figures from the census thrown in there (particularly at the beginning), not that it was dry, but there were a few areas where it felt like I was reading non-fiction.

However, I liked it. I am glad I stuck with it. Especially since it really picked up after about page 100 or so...

It was sad, but I don't suppose there's any way to write about the subject that wouldn't be sad, it's a sad period in our history.

[Jean]

I loved this book. The jumps in time were at first a bit confusing, but quickly I was drawn into Jones' stories within stories, and enjoyed a sense of closure by knowing the end of some stories, even while being pulled through the larger narrative.

[Sarah]

I thought this book was beautifully done (and the ending clever.) But the very pretty death scenes were just a little too contrived for my taste.

[Donna]

I loved this book and have been waiting for another novel from Jones.

[Rosalie]

I read this some time ago, but remember it as a favorite. I, too, am waiting for another book by Jones.