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The View from Mount Joy

The View from Mount Joy
A Novel
by Lorna Landvik
Hardcover: Sep 2007,
368 pages.
Paperback: Sep 2008,
384 pages.

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Page 2 of 4 There are currently 24 reviews
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Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Anne
The View from Mount Joy
I really liked this book. At first I was a little concerned that it was another coming of age story. Not so interesting to a 63-year old woman. But, while there was a little of that--the story quickly evolved into a fascinating account of family, biological and otherwise. The characters were very well drawn, and seemed like people one would like to meet and be friends with. There were a few tears, but after all life contains a few tears. I am encouraged to read other books by Lorna Landvik after reading The View from Mount Joy. All in all, a very good read.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Teresa
Colorful characters, downhome charm
Book clubs will surely love this wonderful novel with quirky characters and warm, witty dialogue. Growing up in the 60's and 70's, we follow Joe through his teens into adulthood with his family and friends as they navigate the waters of love, life, and reality. It will alternatively make you laugh aloud and cry. A very good read - as all of Lorna Landviks' books have been!

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Julie
A great book for bookclubs!
Having never read a Lorna Landvik book, I wasn't sure what to expect from The View From Mount Joy. What I found was a great book with so many wonderful characters. This would be a fabulous choice for any bookclub due to the complexities of the characters. There would be so much to talk about.

After reading this one, I plan to read more of Lorna Landvik!

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Loren
Visit with old friends
This is one of those books that make you forget that you're reading. It's more like a visit from people you've known a long time who have come back to tell you how life's been going for them.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Jennifer
The view from this mount was mediocre
Lorna Ladnvik developed the story around the universal truth that life never turns out the way you expect. As always, her writing is filled with unexpected, delightful description and insight. This time, however, her characters failed to capture my heart. I did not connect to the characters, so for me, the emotion of the plot felt false and contrived. Reactions to the book, within a group, will most likely be quite diverse, so with mild reservation, I would recommend it for a book club selection.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Kristen
Surprised
I had a preconceived notion in my mind when I began reading this book that it would be a story that would bring only tears to my eyes for its sappiness. I was wrong; this story is full of surprises as well as tear jerking moments and a delightful read. I think it would definitely be a good pick for a book club because it explores life in all its glories and darkness that everyone has experienced at one time or another and it’s written without the tiptoeing around to avoid offending those that are ultra sensitive.
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