This book was a great read. Out of the gate, I was sympathetic to Melita. In her youth, Melita seemed somewhat hopeful, ready to fight for equality in a culture of inequality. But we see her situation go from bad to worse. I feel like initially presenting her in this sympathetic manner gave her character a lot more complexity when you see what kind of person she’s become later in life. As the book goes on, Melita becomes harder and harder to empathize with. But we also, little by little, get the puzzle pieces showing how Melita became so dysfunctional.
We’re treated to a decent size cast of characters in this book, but I thought the portrayal of all the characters were excellent. It’s a real strong point of this story, and Anderson’s writing. We get a close up look at the both good and bad aspects of virtually everyone, and some of them are hopelessly flawed individuals. When you find yourself rooting for a character that’s pretty much a dirtbag to overcome their flaws so they can make things right, the character has been written well. And there were a few characters like that in this book.
The dynamics of Melita and her daughter Emily’s relationship were poignant and realistic. And we’ve all known people like Ross, who can never seem to keep it together for long. Maggie and Clara were such great side characters, showing friendship, compassion, and support when Melita needed it most. I also liked Troy, who was doing his best to be sympathetic to Melita, but at the same time, was protective of his wife and family. I was really pulling for Eddie too.
Oh, and I was really amused by a short revelation about Sue Norton from Florida, that Melita had been talking to online. I was like, wait, what? It was good.
I enjoyed the way that the story was told, alternating between time periods. It was a perfect format for telling this story. This book had a big span, told over most of a lifetime. Despite bouncing between different times and character perspectives, the narrative was easy to follow. The story took some twists and turns that definitely kept me engaged. There were some big things that tied together at the end that I thought were cool. I feel like the book had a good resolution, but I also found myself wanting to know what happened next for some of the characters. But I suppose that’s a product of getting invested in the characters because they’ve been well written.
Through all of the drama and dysfunction in this book, it still somehow held on to hope. And I felt that hope when I finished the book. This was my first Gill D. Anderson book, and it left me wanting to read more from this author.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Kirsten McNeill
A sweet story of relationships!
Reviewed in Canada on February 21, 2021
