(6/4/2017)
On the pro side: the issues involved in family dynamics can be trying and can bring any family to the brink of destruction. The main character, Joan, is not a simple person, but complex with varying degrees of emotions and acceptance. The family was discussed in very honest, sometimes brutal clarity. Decisions made were explained clearly and left no doubt why the results were as written. The books within a book was a unique feature.
On the con: It became a book of lists; every major statement had explanation, explanation, explanation, etc. to the point that it became obnoxious and expected. Some descriptions were not necessary and only seemed to add to word count for the book. At times, the story faltered and evaporated while reading. There was no true ending to this book. After reading 531 pages, who knows where the characters end up? We can guess; however, it is a pet peeve of mine to not close a book and feel, wow, that was a great story.
The first 400 pages were great, the final 131 were somewhat painful. I don't feel better for having read this story.