Thought Provoking Read
In the midst of her husband Ben's public scandal Helen discovers that she has a gift for convincing people in similar crisis to accept responsibility and ask for forgiveness. The subject is definitely timely and the characters are realistic and intriguing. Dee does a skillful job of creating characters that are flawed but sympathetic and I found myself caring about them and wanting to know what happens to them. The book raises many questions about personal and family responsibility, whether we are playing a role or being our true selves, and about our capacity to forgive. I could go on about all the issues raised but suffice it to say that the book is well written and thought provoking and would make an excellent selection for a book club. I thoroughly enjoyed this intelligent book and I definitely recommend it.
Rated of 5
by Jeff S. (Murfreesboro, TN)
An enjoyable read
This the first book by Jonathan Dee that I have read. I can't compare it to any of his other works. I can, however, compare it to the two most recent books I've read. Those books are the most recent releases by J. k. Rowling and R. L. Stine. The J. K. Rowling was terrifically depressing and disappointing while the R. L. Stine was just ridiculous. One Thousand Pardons was a pleasure to read and made me feel good again. While the characters are all far from perfect they are very real and extremely well written and I found myself hoping that everything would work out for them. The book was both insightful and original. I have not read a book that was similar to this in plot although the plot never seemed that original. I think this means that Mr. Dee has achieved something remarkable. He has created a story that makes you cheer for regular, flawed people while also being able to forgive them for questionable choices they make along the way. Recommended.
Rated of 5
by Marybeth T. (Bellingham, WA)
Enjoyed
I really liked this book. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me interested until the end. This is the first book I have read by this author and I love the way he captured the moods and essence of a fourteen year old girl. I think this would be a good book group book. Lot's of think to discuss. I was a little disappointed in the end. A little to tidy for me, but over all a good read.
Rated of 5
by Eileen F. (Ridgefield, WA)
A feel good read. A Thousand Pardons, was about taking responsibility for your actions and then attemping to make changes. It covered a lot of social interactions of people and how they affect relationships. I was lost several times in the direction of the story, as well as disappointed in the feel good ending. In spite of this, I would recommend it to a friend for a beach read.
Rated of 5
by Bobbie D. (Boca Raton, FL)
A Thousand Pardons - Can you ever forgive ? A Thousand Pardons is a book that begins with what you at first think is a typical happy family. It soon turns out that they merely live in the same house. And it probably would have continued except for a young woman who enters the story and the house of cards come tumbling down. The author gives you real insight into the unhappy husband and father, a wife who becomes a mother and a housewife too quickly, and an little asian girl who is trying to make sense of her life and why her natural parents gave her away! And then, just as things unfold as you would imagine, an old school acquaintance enters the picture and it is like a new story and a mystery. The development of the leading characters and how they change as the story progresses is so well done! It all could have gone so differently. The book should certainly appeal to book clubs and to people of all ages.
Rated of 5
by Alice S. (East Haven, Ct)
A Thousand Pardons
This book was a good read. There were a number of character plots within the framework of the book. Helen, the main female character, becomes a self sufficient working woman because of circumstance and seems amazed at how capable she is. Reading about her transformation was realistic enough that it reminded me of some women I have known in my life that were forced to go out into the "working world" and surprised themselves by how sharp they really were. Her daughter Sara is a typical alienated teen until she realizes her parents (particularly her Mom) are not the losers she assumed they were.
Rated of 5
by J W. (Davis, CA)
Forgiveness
This is a book of self forgiveness and forgiveness of others. It begins with a family - father, mother, daughter - living a typical suburban life. And then, because of boredom, that life falls completely apart. It's interesting that in the beginning the family unit is just existing in the house and, in the end, they are beginning to 'live' in the house. I found Helen's transformation authentic in the beginning. As it progressed, I found myself wanting to tell her to wake up! But, she is who she is and Hamilton explains that better than anyone else. All of the characters learned much about themselves and each other. In the end, all were changed in degrees and began to forgive each other and themselves. A good read.
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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of 5
by Linda D. (Williamsburg, Virginia)
