Helpful Score: 9
5.0 out of 5 stars Absorbing and compassionate family story..., October 2, 2009
I loved this book on many levels. The complex and finely drawn characters were easy to love even though each was flawed and affected by trials, tribulations, unfulfilled hopes, and unattainable dreams. This is a family story, and all members of the McKotch family have a story to tell -- their own version of the ties that bind and, ultimately, how that binding can't ever be completely undone no matter what happens.
The parents, Frank and Paulette, and their children: Billy, Gwen and Scott, have not ever come to understand themselves or each other. They are trapped in self destructive patterns that prevent them from seeing themselves clearly. Their choices and behavior reveal how those delusions prevent them from forming long lasting relationships. The family, whose ties were already fraying, comes completely undone after Gwen is diagnosed with Turner's Syndrome during the summer of 1976. The resulting fallout from that discovery, and the affect that her 'condition' has on the family members, is painful for each. The lack of communication, the manipulations, and the betrayals force the family to a final confrontation that brings a satisfying conclusion to this poignant novel.
This is definitely one that would be perfect for book clubs as it begs discussion and will provide many hours of thoughtful consideration long after the last page is turned. Enjoy!
I loved this book on many levels. The complex and finely drawn characters were easy to love even though each was flawed and affected by trials, tribulations, unfulfilled hopes, and unattainable dreams. This is a family story, and all members of the McKotch family have a story to tell -- their own version of the ties that bind and, ultimately, how that binding can't ever be completely undone no matter what happens.
The parents, Frank and Paulette, and their children: Billy, Gwen and Scott, have not ever come to understand themselves or each other. They are trapped in self destructive patterns that prevent them from seeing themselves clearly. Their choices and behavior reveal how those delusions prevent them from forming long lasting relationships. The family, whose ties were already fraying, comes completely undone after Gwen is diagnosed with Turner's Syndrome during the summer of 1976. The resulting fallout from that discovery, and the affect that her 'condition' has on the family members, is painful for each. The lack of communication, the manipulations, and the betrayals force the family to a final confrontation that brings a satisfying conclusion to this poignant novel.
This is definitely one that would be perfect for book clubs as it begs discussion and will provide many hours of thoughtful consideration long after the last page is turned. Enjoy!
Helpful Score: 4
I really enjoyed this book until the end. It wrapped too quickly; the ending was too picture perfect to be believable.
Helpful Score: 2
An original story concept; interesting and well-written.
Helpful Score: 1
I was looking forward to reading this book. I had heard so much about it! And it was good, until I finished the first section (1976). After that, it was too many details, lost my interest.
Helpful Score: 1
100 pages in and I just can't finish this one! It's rare that I don't stick with a book, but I am just not interested in the characters or the storyline ...
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this as a summer read. My original hope - that the book would address how siblings are impacted when one of them has a serious medical condition and/or how siblings would support each other - wasn't realized. The family members were all so caught up in their own personal dramas that they weren't there for ANY other family member. (And strangely, each family member seemed to only have one friend to confide in outside of the family. No circle of friends, no social lives, just one friend.) That said, however, it certainly delivered on the premise of providing a family drama. Each family member seemed a bit stereotyped to begin with, and some were less likeable than others; I didn't enjoy the chapters featuring Scott so much, but Gwen's chapters were great. By the end of the book I felt the characters had become more rounded out and their behaviors were at least somewhat explained. For me, the ending pulled multiple story strands together and satisfied.
Engrossing story of family, love, heartbreak, and everything in between. The writing easily flows from one character to the next, allowing you to person intimately; and you care about what happens to them.
Have never read anything by this author but was quite impressed...enjoyed this story and will be ordering others.
Jennifer Haigh's first two novels were good; this book is excellent. The characters are developed thoroughly as individuals and as part of the family unit. The reader is able to observe the dynamics that contribute to their adult choices, their miinds and their hearts. They are seen as flawed, as vulnerable, as loving people. At the conclusion of this book, we know them very well. The book was obviously meticulously researched, and I learned a great deal along the way, which is always a good thing. The plot flowed seamlessly toward an ending that resolved any questions. Jennifer Haigh is an extremely gifted writer.
I regret wasting my time reading this book. It started off great but went downhill after the first few chapters. If you like reading about dysfunctional family members who can't pull themselves up and out even when they are adults then this may be the book for you. It definitely wasn't for me.
