I almost quit reading – then I got to page 58 and I was
hooked. The four members of this family
are damaged, damaged by each other, damaged by their past, damaged by their own
actions. The characters are finely drawn, believable and you get to know them intimately. The situations are timely and true. The writing is expressive. These are people
and situations you want to know and care about deeply – even when they are
being incredibly stupid in their actions. The tempo and tension increase as the
book travels to its conclusion. There is
sufficient humor to lighten what could be a depressing book.
I especially liked the sections about Barkley and his
illustrious Catholic high school. The politics of schools are spot on (I’m a
former teacher at a religious school). I
rooted for Julie to detach from her stifling marriage and find (re-find?) herself
and her dreams. The male writer got women right –Julie, Ginny and Margaret.
Book groups will a plethora of topics to discuss, including
the endings for each family member.
5 of 5 stars
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