Sigh. I really liked the characters and was pretty invested in them. However, the story ended up being very one-note and exploring the issue of becoming a mother (or not) in a largely unsuccessful way. Read 3/4's and then message me for the ending. It will be more satisfying that way.

Russo brings humor and insight into the banal and ordinary through the beautiful use of language and shifting perspectives. The story takes place over three days in a small town through the eyes of its blue collar inhabitants, yet it somehow bigger than those three days.

When asked what's wrong.... "Everything. Nothing. Both true; neither accurate."

"Idiocy, after the fact, resisted precision"

So the story is a bit over the top, but the construction and writing are so strong that I ended up really enjoying it. The author builds suspense and your mind is constantly working to anticipate where the story is going. I would say great for beach or plane when you really aren't looking to go deep, but to simply be entertained.

The author does a great job of hunting down sources, reporting both sides of a shaming, and recording his reaction to it all. However, the integration of psychological evidence to explain emotions/behaviors is weak. Perhaps that is my limitation - wanting to know WHY. This book lives in the gray- and if you are comfortable with this, you will likely really enjoy this book. I just felt that it never built to a revelation.

Comparing this to Agatha Christie is a total insult; comparing to Girl on a Train is closer. The narrator is vaguely disturbed, boozey, and completely unlikeable. The set up is laughable - luxury ship with 10 cabins taking its maiden voyage with a combination of investors and members of the press. The narrator makes no sense: has a heart-to-heart with an ex in the hall after he essentially assaults her. This book is absurd in all the wrong ways.

Comparisons to Agatha Christie are way off; comparisons to Girl on a Train are closer. The narrator is a vaguely troubled, a bit boozey, and generally unlikeable. The situation is absurd. It's a boat with 10 cabins and the guest list includes a combination of investors and members of the press - what?? This is not a fun escape that encourages you to suspend disbelief. It's just inconsistent and absurd in all the wrong ways.

Comparisons to Agatha Christie are way off; comparisons to Girl on a Train are closer. The narrator is a vaguely troubled, a bit boozey, and generally unlikeable. The situation is absurd. It's a boat with 10 cabins and the guest list includes a combination of investors and members of the press - what?? This is not a fun escape that encourages you to suspend disbelief. It's just inconsistent and absurd in all the wrong ways.

Comparisons to Agatha Christie are way off; comparisons to Girl on a Train are closer. The narrator is a vaguely troubled, a bit boozey, and generally unlikeable. The situation is absurd. It's a boat with 10 cabins and the guest list includes a combination of investors and members of the press - what?? This is not a fun escape that encourages you to suspend disbelief. It's just inconsistent and absurd in all the wrong ways.

This book tells the stories of three women during the ramp up and start of WWII. The characters are one dimensional and unappealing. There is little difference between the motives/maturity of the 16 year old and the 37 year old. Both are falling for someone they shouldn't... As WWII is erupting. The surrounding female characters are despicable female stereotypes. Too many good books out there to waste time on this one!

This book tells the stories of three women during the ramp up and start of WWII. The characters are one dimensional and unappealing. There is little difference between the motives/maturity of the 16 year old and the 37 year old. Both are falling for someone they shouldn't... As WWII is erupting. The surrounding female characters are despicable female stereotypes. Too many good books out there to waste time on this one!

A classic mystery whodunnit story. The narrator is a great character who guides the reader through the story with a good deal of humor. Please make this a movie with Maggie Smith in the lead!

Love the main character and the depth of description of dog training. I really expected to go further with narrator's journey and didn't really feel satisfied with the ending. And I know it's an allegory, but it didn't feel like the complete story of the character.

So, this is my favorite new author - I love his voice and the devices he uses to make characters memorable. That said, this is the weakest of three books of his that I've read. Still a worthwhile read!

Not as strong as A Man Called Ove, but still a special read. The characters are so quirky they are real. There is an amazing build up at the end - will she or won't she....

Read this book. Not since Owen Meany or Olive Kitteridge has there been a character and story I know I can recommend to anyone and they will fall in love.

I love the perspective Chevalier brings on the lives (and power) of women at various points in history. This story is set where I grew up- outside of Oberlin in rural Ohio. I grew up knowing that Oberlin had been active in the Underground Railroad. Great to read a story imagining it.

Got it out of my mailbox Saturday morning, finished it Monday evening. Just breathtaking - from the smallest details to huge story it tells, everything is perfect. It won't make you feel better about this world, but it will make you better understand it.

The best thing I can say about this book is that I finished it, so I must have cared enough to see what would happen. The main character is flat and in likeable- not even in a love-to-hate way. He is inconsistent - ranging from willfully ignorant to deeply knowledgable (as it serves the author).

This is one of my favorite books of all time. Stephen King always creates rich characters and this book is no exception. He does an amazing job of building suspense while creating a compelling narrative.