Ellen C

I had been looking forward to reading this book because I lived in the area where this book takes place. I really tried to finish this book, but it was too much like a high school history textbook. The author does include side comments, which are interesting, sometimes humorous, and some information about daily life and routine happenings.

But for the most part, it seemed to be a list of activities that the heroine does. I never got a sense of why the heroine does the things she does. She meets people, but the information is not developed as to what happens. I needed more of a story.

I can't say I liked this book because it is a disturbing story of a family ruined by jealousy and guilt. The author develops the reasons and outcomes using words thoughtfully. Such as, "…I felt like we were falling endlessly from a great height, our desperate arms locked around each other, both snare and salvation."

The twists of personalities and their actions will provide multiple topics and nuances to be interpreted and discussed. I've found that often my most stimulating book discussions come from books I didn't enjoy, but made me think about subjects often avoided. For this reason I give 4 stars.