Rated of 5
by Nancy G. (Oceanside, California) Improbable Villains
Well written, engrossing and shocking at times - it kept me turning the pages. The author's description of the characters was a little uneven - I would have liked to know a few of these people a bit better. The hateful feelings that two of the main women characters had for each other seemed a little over done, however. Who can carry animosity to that extreme? Maybe I'm just naive.The unlikely attachment two other characters developed for each other became more reckless as time went on and the end of that affair was a violent shock. The most unbelievable part of the book was the use of the peacocks. I've not read anything quite like it! Sometimes I judge a book by gauging whether my book club(s) would like it! In this case, I'm still undecided.
Rated of 5
by Rebecca W. (Mansfield, PA) A Good Hard Look Looks Good
Napolitano's insight into the lives of Flannery O'Conner and the townspeople of Midgeville really gives readers something to sink their teeth into. The people, the events and the dialog are believable and easy for the reader to relate to. Flannery's cynical observations hurt because they are truthful and to see the downward spiral of all the characters becomes a reflection of Flannery's own feelings about her health and loneliness. However, the ending leaves readers with just the right amount of hope that everything will turn out ok.
Rated of 5
by Martha P. (Issaquah, WA) Not impressed
In this fictionalized account of the life of a famous and revered Southern author, Flannery O'Connor seems only incidental to the story. I hoped to learn more about Ms. O'Connor than that she had lupus, raised peacocks and was a devout Catholic. Cookie was a stock character, Melvin left me wondering what any woman saw in him besides good looks and money, and Joe, Bill and Lona were right out of a soap opera. Admittedly, I laughed out loud at the "peacock stampede". Poor Flannery, she must be turning over in her grave to be portrayed sniveling for forgiveness at an asylum; I would never believe it in a million years. To really know this great author read her work and a good biography.
Rated of 5
by Barbara A. (Roswell, GA) Well worth the read!
As a Georgia resident (but not native), I thoroughly enjoyed Napolitano's exploration and examination of the lives in a tiny Georgia town, transformed by its most famous daughter, Flannery O'Connor. Napolitano does such a beautiful job of connecting the reader with Flannery and those highlighted individuals from her life, it has spurred me on to read Flannery O'Connor's works. I would highly recommend this book!
Rated of 5
by Carole G. (Hollidaysburg, PA) A View From The Grandstand Of Life
This story captured both my interest and my empathy for the various characters from the very first page. As their lives moved forward I sensed a feeling of knowing and understanding each character, their intricacies and motives. A fascinating thread of the ever present peacocks is expertly woven throughout the storyline, perhaps representative of disappointment, passion, dominance, and what you learn to live with. The plot is about life, not as they dream it will be or plan it to be but simply the reality of what is. Lives intermingle, expectations are altered, needs change, people change, opposing forces clash and ... time passes by.
Rated of 5
by Kate G. (City Island, NY) A Look at Small Town Life
Flannery O'Connor was a Southern novelist and short story writer who had moved up North to live and write. She returns home to her mother in this novel, as she has become chronically ill with lupus and can no longer stay alone. As told through the eyes of several of Flannery's neighbors, seemingly benign interactions set in motion changes which affect them all. An engaging story which will resonate even after you have finished.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
The best book I've read in a very long time and the first ever Bo Caldwell novel for me. I'd never before read anything about missionaries to China,...
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With a poetic voice, Ratner plunges us into this personal trial of a royal family wrenched from their home in Phnon Penh, Cambodia, during the late...
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First time novelist Vaddey Ratner captured my heart and senses in this novel based on her childhood in Cambodia. Her story transcends any news story...
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Amazon cuts off 5200 affiliates in Minnesota(Jun 19 2013) With Minnesota's online sales tax law due to take effect July 1, Amazon has played a familiar card by cutting ties with 5,200 members of its Associates...
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of 5
by Nancy G. (Oceanside, California) 
of 5
by Martha P. (Issaquah, WA) 
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by Barbara A. (Roswell, GA) 
