Lorna M

I enjoyed this book and probably will recommend it for my local book club. The characters really came alive, and the story was believable (and heart-wrenching). I had some trouble following the time line - couldn't seem to match the dates at the beginning of the sections with what was happening in the story. I also had difficulties following some of the prose (that may have been intentional on the author's part, and it may make more sense on a second reading, which I plan to do).
Kim Scott is an accomplished writer and does a fine job of describing two incompatible cultures. The characterization of several of the people was especially vivid - Bobby, Chaine, and Jack Tar stand out particularly.

I enjoyed the book very much. It was more than simply a memoir of a dysfunctional childhood (there are more than enough books of that genre around now). The connection between the author's grandmother (Kay Swift) and George Gershwin added interest to the family story. Kay Swift was a fascinating, charismatic, and very musically talented woman. As a fan of George Gershwin's music, I found his relationship with her fascinating.