Sandra M

I thought this was just a fair read, nothing extraordinary. Something in the style, story telling, and character building, left me wanting and expecting more. It did, however, bring up many issues and observations worthy of discussion.

The book, for me, raised many questions….How do we connect as a family? How does any sibling get over being in the shadow of another? Is resentment a common thread that runs through families? How does one deal with a controlling parent? When should a secret be revealed, if ever? Is the truth always the best way to deal with issues? When and how should we determine to end a life? How do we feel about organ donation?

This book shows how people react differently in times of crisis. It shows how letting go is the most unbelievable heartbreaking thing to do. It confirms that emotions can play a major part in every decision we make in life. It lets us see how we often can take care of plants and animals, yet do not know how to nurture and foster relationships in our own lives.

I think that this book will start the wheels going, a mile a minute,in everyone’s mind. I know that my mind was consumed with many questions about my own decision making and family relationships.

I gave this book to my 12 year old granddaughter, Madison, to read and review..the following is what she had, to say: "I really enjoyed reading this book. I am a child of divorced parents, and totally related to the main character. Reading this book reminded me of all of the feelings that I had, ....and that I still have when it comes to divorce. I especially liked the fact that I really got to know the people in the book and that it was easy to read. Most of all, it made me think about forgiving and forgetting. It really stressed family and communication. I think that no matter what kind of family you come from, you can enjoy this book. I think that every age group can read this book. And, everyone might learn some things while reading this book."

Before reading this book, I had not read any of Pat Barker's novels. If this is her "superb new novel," I am quite disappointed. This book has nothing in it to keep me engaged or interested. The characters are thin, the time line keeps jumping... and the story, for me, has no passion. Reading this novel was work.