This book is strong in character.
Summary:
Five neighbors in Minnesota form a book club (the name of the club was
given to them by one of the husbands) and stay friends through three decades of
divorces, war protests, adoptions, childbirth, son's coming-out, spousal abuse,
cancer, etc.
I might recommend this book.
Why?
It wasn't bad, but I was disappointed because I loved the first book I read
by Landvik (Patty Jane's House of Curl). The book club members were each
featured in alternating chapters and the joys and tragedies of their lives were
realistic, but each woman seemed one-dimensional. Chapters began with what book
they read and included how they coordinated decorations and refreshments, which
was fun -- anyone would love to be part of this book discussion group! Less
effective were letters written by one character to her dead abusive mother.
Intended to give the reader a window into Faith's psyche, they instead were
unwelcome interruptions. In short, too MUCH happened in this book to make an
emotional impact.
Other suggested reading:
Sagas of female bonding have been done better elsewhere, notably
Patricia Gaffney's Saving Graces and the weeper Beaches by Iris Rainer Dart.
(A great read whether or not you remember the Bette Midler movie version.)
I
definitely recommend Landvik's Patty Jane's House of Curl! Grab that and skip
the new one.
Employee Initials: SB
Review Date: May 2003
Read other reviews by this staff member.
