Ann Patchett is a marvelous writer and this latest piece of work is no exception. I initially rated three stars on goodreads, then changed to four based on the writing alone. The lengthy obsession over what once was lost before letting go was hard to swallow, but I suppose many of us do the same over what has escaped us, not by our own doing. Overall, an excellent read, although I found the ending a bit preposterous if not unrealistic.

Not sure this is really a mystery or suspense, more of unethical or questionable behavior and inappropriate sexual behavior as seen through the eyes of a child. Too many innuendos and not enough answered questions. Awkward ending, at least IMHO. Had great potential.

Found this book to be disappointing. The storyline lacked depth; felt rushed. The writing was so-so. It could have been a brilliant book, however by the same token, felt and read like bits and pieces of other material out there. One of the main characters, Christopher, was annoyingly annoying.
The ending was a let down as well. Supposed the be a sequel, but doubt I‘ll bother reading it.

Well written, fast paced page-turner. Twisted, intriguing with a WTH ending.

Good enough read. Well written and generally interesting enough. Far cry from Towles' A Gentlemen in Moscow, however; which, to-date, is by far, the best book I've read this year

It was ok and just ok, for me personally. Almost gave it a Pan rating and literally almost bailed on the book. Edit: thought about it...changing the rating. Not nearly as well written as other books I've rated "so-so", nor does the storyline excel compared to those books I've rated so-so", albeit for varying reasons.

My first book by this author. Ignored the hype when first published and decided to give it a go now; pleasantly surprised to find the book lived up to the hype. Family drama, blended families and the messiness it entails. Found it interesting that there was no lead up to marital troubles with one of the couples; but at the end of the day, I suppose it doesn't really matter.

Torn between "so-so and "good". Enjoyed the book, well written, in terms of structure. Douglas and Claire marry; Douglas in love; can't believe a woman like Claire would marry him. Claire, quite fond of Douglas, married him because he offers stability. Start a family and Douglas just never fits in. I felt quite sorry for him at times. Dry humor, which I love. Overall, a good enough read.

While not a page turner, and, info fact, a "slow moving" book (for me), it's a very good book and very well written. It's a relationship story that I'm absolutely positive many can relate to. Love, lust, secrets, lies, affairs and the insufferable pain that goes along with it; hope, forgiveness, feeling trapped, anger, resentment and love all over again. Poignant.

Overall the book was an okay read. I think would have been better served with fewer storylines and more focus on one or two of them, not that they didn't work or tie in, but it was a bit lighthearted for my tastes; although could have been darker given the number of secrets being harbored by nearly all the characters. Quick, easy read with mostly likable characters..

My first ever audiobook! Excellent both as an introduction to audiobooks and the material itself. Loved Noah narrating his own book and such a lovely voice as well. Outstanding story and a lovely tribute to his mother who really, really thought outside the box (literally and figuratively), given the political and social climate in South Africa during and after apartheid. Enjoyed immensely.

Ugh. I read this because, well, so many reviews said the storyline was disgusting/horrible; I was compelled no matter how much I told myself not to read it. I rationalized: how bad could it be? The book was good, albeit disturbing. I feel guilty for saying so. I struggled to give it a thumbs up; I feel almost morally corrupt. I'm still struggling to accept I enjoyed the book, if not the subject matter.

Intriguing storyline, stunningly beautiful, painful and emotional at times....but never a continuous paragraph to expose the emotions; more along the lines of disjointed, independent feelings jotted down here and there. Given one of the themes in the books is dementia, perhaps it was written this way intentionally? Also, a character makes an appearance early on, disappears and comes back but with no tie in that I could gather.

If you've read any of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, or Gabriel Garcia Marquez' One Hundred Years of Solitude or Love in the Time of Cholera, and enjoyed the overt and subtle humor found therein, you'll love this piece. Historically educating, emotionally satisfying and at times, at just the right tempo, humorously set forth. Who would imagine a man condemned to live the remainder of his life inside a hotel, would live such a full one?!
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No surprising ending, no twists in the plot; simple straightforward recounting of a crime and the trial that followed. However, brilliantly laid out and written. Highly recommend.

Enjoyed this book quite a bit! Really captures how things fall apart in relationships, and the struggles we go through trying to pick of the pieces.

Torn about this book. The protagonist is a tortured soul; a direct result of an unresolved crime -- the lead in to the book itself. Lack of resolution really bothers (I recognize not everything can be nearly tied up) REALLY upset w/how he ruined the one relationship that might have healed him 😡

Thought I had it all figured out....about five separate times! 😂. Definitely going to read more of Sharon Bolton!!