It had a rough start, some of the writing towards the beginning forced me to reread a sentence or two to get to their meaning. Too many words and emotions in one sentence? Once we get to the point where we are introduced to all the characters, it flows simpler.
I loved the packaging of this little book, it was quite adorable. A cute little hardcover with a vintage cover, but I had mixed feelings about the contents. I could not bring myself to empathize with any of the main characters; and the subject matter was pretty shallow, or convoluted. I can't make up my mind. It is good that it was an 'easy read'; I am glad to not have spent a lot of time on it. I do not think I enjoy reading about flippant infidelity or trying to find something sensible or positive to possibly come from it. Once I finish a book I would like to come away with a lesson learned, or a sense of accomplishment, but I didn't quite get any good feelings from the book. The subject matter was just not something that could offer a positive take on it. Such as the synopsis warns of disturbing events, but I certainly disagree with the idea that Laura was transformed into a high caliber artist. Humph!
I did enjoy the imagery of the gardens that the Riders had created, I would love to visit such a place. The story was interesting when imagining what in the world was Laura Rider thinking; is she a little off her rocker? All this sinning and emotional upheaval just to learn how to write a romance novel? But for those who don't mind the silliness of the premise then it could be a fun adventure, it is so strange it could be witty. And as I said, it is a quick read therefore if you do decide to read it this is not a book that will take a lot of time, so you won't be mad at it for that.

Share/Like this Review?

Well, this is a bizarre little book. I bought it partly because it was $3 and I had desperate need of something to read on an airplane, but my choice was based almost solely on the whimsical cover and the fact that Jane Hamilton is a respected author (I haven't read any of her other books and after this, probably won't). I had no idea where the author was taking the narrative through the novel, so that's something (I guess?) but the conclusion wasn't satisfying nor worth even the short read. The title character Laura Rider is not likable or relatable. Actually, I didn't understand a single character in this book or why they made any of the decisions they did. Apparently this is supposed to be a meta romance novel about writing a meta romance novel, but the story itself is no fun and the book left me under-whelmed. I'm hardly pondering how the author wove together story and concept to reach a thought-provoking conclusion...because she didn't do that at all. Usually, I can find at least something about a novel to enjoy, but not this time. This one is a waste of a good cover image.

Share/Like this Review?

My least favorite so far from Jane Hamilton. I just found this book plain weird. I really didn't care what happened to any of the characters. It was an easy enough read if you're in the mood for an easy read, but if you have a large TBR pile, skip this in favor of something else.

Share/Like this Review?

Laura and Charlie Rider own and run Prairie Wind Farm in rural Wisconsin, with Laura ruling and delegating, and Charlie obliging along. While she is planting and pruning, Laura Rider listens to Jenna Faroli of the famous Jenna Faroli Radio Show and dreams of writing a romance novel. She envisions Jenna simultaneously as a teacher, a confidante, and the heroine of her book. Charlie's chance encounter with Jenna on the side of the road is the turning point, and Laura sees it as a chance to understand what makes Jenna tick. Together, Charlie and Laura begin corresponding with Jenna via e-mails that are at first friendly, but become increasingly intimate. Jenna's interest is at first a surprise, but pretty soon they are all crossing lines they never thought they'd cross.


I ran through a gamut of feelings while reading Laura Rider's Masterpiece by Jane Hamilton. My initial thoughts were that the characters were just weird, plain and simple. There were too introspective, too I-believe-in-aliens-and-think-my-cats-have-human-like-lives. Delving deeper into the book, I became interested as to how their lives would turn out, as to how they would ever escape their self-made messes. Finally, I thought of how unlikeable the characters were. Usually, there is at least one that I sympathize with or root for; Laura Rider's Masterpiece had none. All were either manipulative and selfish, or aloof and out of touch with reality, or hypocritical and arrogant.


That said I did enjoy the book, and more so after the first twenty pages. At first it was almost too dreamy too be enjoyable, but it eventually moved along into an interesting look at the characters' motivations. Each was scheming to reach his or her objective, and I do not believe anyone actually did.

Share/Like this Review?