Ellen F

Initially I was reluctant to begin reading this book since none of what I thought it might be about appealed to me. It was the only book I took on vacation thinking I will be forced to read it. Was I ever wrong! Excusing myself early each evening and lingering in our room in the morning to read, I quickly became engrossed in the story. Jonathan Miles does an excellent job of unweaving the story so that the reader cares about the characters and wants to know more about them. Was it a miracle? The reader is left to decide that. Miles is a master at describing the mystery of life.

Like her previous books Shreve has written a story that grips the reader and doesn't let go. This story is based on true events following one family through a natural disaster and it's aftermath. The characters are developed quickly and the story just takes off. There is never a feeling of "just get on with it". Each turn of the page as the story unfolds takes the reader closer to the inevitable ending. I just wanted Grace's story to go on and for her to finally find some happiness in life after all that's she's been through.

I'm director of a small, rural, public library and facilitate two book clubs. I also belong to two community book clubs so I've read and discussed hundreds of books. I'll start by saying I enjoyed the book but felt it was slightly predictable. Historical fiction is not my genre of choice and was delighted the author made the setting and characters come alive. Traveling will be a focus in my retirement and this book put Sri Lanka on the map for me.

After a slow start introducing the main characters, the story took an interesting turn. The story became more engaging when the threesome visited Helen's family home and Ed's interest in Helen became apparent. I liked the way the author intertwined the lives of the two men even though at times it seemed a bit contrived. I'm a librarian at Polo Public Library in Illinois.