What readers think of I Know This Much Is True, plus links to write your own review.

While I enjoyed reading parts of this book, and the author's literary technique was quite good in places, in the end I felt there were too many ideas and characters (and just plain "stuff") crammed into it. It was like a cow's mouth and, for that reason, hard to take. For me, Dominick's grandfather was a terrible role model (even if you accept the idea that his was a "confessional" memoir which I had trouble doing).

There is entirely too much violence contained in this book in an ambivalent or concealed way. It is essential in the present state of our society that violence should be unambiguously and unequivocally condemned and denounced, not played around with in a way that is partly an aggrandizement, partly a hidden endorsement, and partly comical.

For example, it wasn't at all clear to me that Tempesta's desire for "forgiveness" and to "come clean" was sincere, but, rather that he was arrogant, boastful and just the opposite of penitent.

Many other aspects of the book seemed to contribute to what Dominick's therapist might call a "bifurcated" (or mixed) comprehension (perhaps purposely done by the author but still in poor taste in my book).

This is because, to my mind, tongue-in-cheek mixed messages involving violence to women (i.e., to the Monkey--hunted down like a criminal and precipitiously incarcerated in a mental hospital for attempting to protect Tempesta's wife who
was ultimately driven to suicide--almost killing her own daughter Constantine in the process) are in poor taste (no matter how concealed behind a veil of grandiose "literary" achievement).

Many other books I have read in fact show lesbianism (Tempesta's finding the Monkey and his wife together in bed) as a credible outcome of a socially underwritten code of male chauvinism and arrogance that has no mercy.

After all, who do oppressed and persecuted women have to turn to if not each other?

In conclusion it is easy to say that "mongrels make good dogs," etc. and that "love grows from the rich loam of forgiveness," but actions speak louder than words, and I have the distinct feeling that if, by some miracle,Tempesta, Dominick (or even, maybe especially, Ray) were given the opportunity to live their lives again less violently or oppressively that they would flunk the test hands down and be supremely incapable of ever doing so.

Although it was somewhat of a fun read, this dishonest aspect ultimately turned the book into just a lot of double-talk and empty words for me, no comparison whatsoever to Dostoevsky.

I just finished reading this book today and it was truly amazing going through the emotional rollercoaster that this book makes you go through. I recommend it 10 times! And thank goodness for Mrs. Patel's therapy and closing session. It really helped me put this book down! Thank you Mr. Lamb.

I read She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb and immediately obtained "I Know This Much Is True'. I'm have just a few pages left and I so hate for this story to come to an end. Need more books by Mr. Lamb! Both books are absolutely great! Absolutely Amazing. My 16 year old daughter is pursuing writing and I'm amazed at her also...what do the thoughts come from to put down on paper such great reading! Mr. Lamb is truly blessed with the gift of creative writing.

The book has many insteresting developments in the storyline and the characters that kept me thinking and dreaming even after finishing the book two weeks ago.

The images and references of the monkey and the rabbit(s) were obvious sybmols that linked the story of grandpa Dominico, Concettina's "little bunny rabbit", Dominick's dreams, and the closure with Princess Evil Eye. In a twisted way, I was amused how it all tied everything together.

My favourate part of the book is Dominico Tempesta manuscript. The way the manuscript was "translated" makes each and every sentence subtlely comical and yet honestly reflecting how Dominico felt about his parents, siblings, the church and God, his cousins's neighbors, his wife and daughter, and the Monkey.

I felt for Diminico hard life as an immigrant and I shared his feeling of achievement. I could not help to think of an alternative ending to Dominico's story where he treated his wife nicely and lived happily ever after. And for the Monkey, I wished that he asked her to rest and took care of her if she was sick instead of abusing her.

And much like Dominick, I was afraid to finish reading the manuscript to find out who his father was.

I am a fifteen year old from Ft.Myers Florida. I was told by a teacher that I would have to read a book as part of my semester grade. Which I was extremely upset about due to the fact that I hate reading, or should I say hated reading. I went and looked at my families book collection and picked up I know this much is true by Wally Lamb. My mother advised me not to read it, for she was positive it would upset me. I read a page, and then another and found the book as addicting as cigarettes. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me find a joy in something so dear. Reading. I would love to thank Mr. Lamb in person someday for making me look at everything in a whole new light. I am looking everywhere to buy a Shiva the Destroyer of my own, I wish Doc Patel lived around here so I could easily obtain one. When I finished the book I didn't know what to do, I started crying hysterically because I no longer could have my daily dose of reality. My parents couldn't believe how much I enjoyed the book they are besides themselves with happiness that now I read for pleasure, and so am I. I am sorry for taking up so much of your time, but I just had to let you know. Julia

I have just finished the reading what was possibly the best book that I have ever read! Although I was at first intimidated by its size I was captured by the first paragraph and I held on until the end. This book did what so many others fail to do. Many authors are able to have insight into the human psyche but none that I've experienced so much as in I Know This Much is True. Every character, especially Dominick, is 3 dimensional. They became real to me in the days that I read the book. I am sure that they will stay with me always. The book was very satisfying and surprisingly had a well-earned "happy ending". I must also comment on the craft and skill of Mr. Lamb who like and Indian woman at a loom, made many individual threads into a beautiful masterpiece. The book flowed and even taught me lessons in life. I recommend this book to any and everyone! Read it right away! You'll look at it and say that you don't have time--but as you read--you'll find yourself making time to find out what happens next! Now my review is proportionately as long as the book! I apologize but give thanks again to Mr. Lamb for the experience.

Dear Wally Lamb. I read both your books because I saw that they were on Oprah. I was deeply touched and moved by your novels because they reflect my life so much!!! I was wondering where you get the inspirations for your novels? Have you been listening into my conversations with my counselor? I love your books and I hope that you continue to write more novels as they provide inspiration to keep on living as your books seem to reflect my life so well. Thank you for listening to my opinion and have a wonderful day.

As a rule I tend not to cry in books, but this was the first to make me. This book is amazing, that is all I can think of to describe it. I thought at first that it was because I'm at the perfect stage in my life to read it BUT I came to the conclusion that this man is not only an awfully talented writer but researcher as well. He understands people like no other writer I've ever experienced. Wally Lamb has inspired me to continue writing.