Rated of 5
by Sandra E. (Bend, OR) Failed Expectations
What a disappointment! Being an enthusiastic, voracious, and eclectic reader, I have rarely experienced such failed expectations. Given the rich backdrop of our history (WWII through the Civil Rights era with a nod toward the coming feminist movement), I found he lack of character development disappointing and somewhat astonishing. With that kind of tapestry, what I encountered were poorly-rendered sketches of characters rather than the rich portraiture I felt could have been - and the characters never moved off the canvas for me. Some of the sentences are lovely, and I happen to enjoy the "switchback" chronology the author employs, both in books and film, but I continued reading on awaiting a sense of satisfaction/recognition/empathy which never came. I was left in the final pages with an overwhelming sense of "Is that all there is?" I felt the original story line was terrific, and I frankly expected to receive a heavy tome in the mail - so perhaps it is a case of taking on too much. At any rate, given the potential, I have to rate this one a "2", which I've not done before.
Rated of 5
by Christine B. (st. paul, MN) Next to love- After the War
Following three women through 20 years of friendship, despair, and unexpected losses in love and life make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I liked the format of hearing about their experiences through each woman's perspective . Their stores of course are intertwined but make us realize that new beginnings are available to all of us through the love and support of our friends. Even though this takes place after World War II, its story would be just as effective today. I highly recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by Wandel (Morrilton, Ar) Next to Love
I found this book very ordinary. At times she wrote beautiful sentences, other times I could hardly follow. There was not one character that I really liked. I felt like there were to many unresolved situations.
Rated of 5
by Molly K. (San Jose, CA) What is Next to Love
Next to Love came with promise, excitement, nostalgia, and expectations that were well beyond what I found. Ellen Feldman created a tableau of interesting players. In the mix were whites, blacks, Jews, a rich banker, and a woman from the “wrong side of the tracks”. The story is told through chapter sets, each chapter covering several years with a sub-section devoted to each of three women. I liked watching the characters change over time as the country changed with them.
But, in the end, the story was boring and somewhat predicable. The dialog is often stilted and the characters unsympathetic. Only twice did I find myself wanting to know more about how they were dealing with the issues at hand.
Told in the present tense, the writer often seemed to be an invisible wall between me and her characters. I suppose present tense is intended to make the narrative more intense, perhaps create a sense of urgency. For me, though, it is overused, intrusive, and annoying. Feldman dots her story with historical snippets to let us know she did her homework and to put a framework about the women’s lives.
Okay, okay, so I expected the distaff version of The Best Years of our Lives. The book did not deliver.
Rated of 5
by Mary Lou M. (N Royalton, OH) Next to Love
An extraordinary book! From page one it carries the reader away to another time, when the whole world stood together to win a war that would end all wars. Heart wrenching at times, wives, mothers & girlfriends waiting & praying on the home front for their soldiers/sailors to return to them. The view into three women's lives during this trying time is eye opening and at times you feel as if you are intruding into their private thoughts, hopes & fears. A beautifully written book, one of the most insightful tales of World War II from the perspective of three very different women. Would highly recommend this book, thank you Ellen Feldman for such a beautiful story!
Rated of 5
by Lisa F. (Newton, MA) Wonderful Read
I thought Next to Love was a great read. I love the way it was written in the present tense. I felt like I was watching from afar the three school friends grow up, marry and how each of their lives turn out within the historical context of WWII through the early 1960's. Familiar historical events become very personal and the author drew me in to really care about all the characters. I think it's a great book club book as there is a lot to think and talk about. It makes you think how the war and afterwards affected each character and how each of us believe we would respond to all the different situations and relationships. A good book always stays with me for weeks and this one is having that affect!
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Full Story
of 5
by Sandra E. (Bend, OR) 
of 5
by Christine B. (st. paul, MN) 
of 5
by Wandel (Morrilton, Ar) 
of 5
by Mary Lou M. (N Royalton, OH) 
