Helpful Score: 2
Another of Jane Smiley's books about relationships and betrayal ... this one centered around men and business - and, of course, the business of family. As usual for her, very well written, excellent character development. The pace is pretty good. My only criticism ... the general theme of how people always disappoint you.
Helpful Score: 1
I normally love Jane Smiley's books and I always think they're well-written, but this one was excrutiatingly boring.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a novel set in the 1980s of the United States, when it seemed that the Good Times would roll on forever. The story concerns an amiable, trusting, well-liked, 'good' man, a real estate agent, who is lured down the shady paths of easy money. It's a story about principles, greed, ambition, and The American Dream. The setting may be real estate development, but the novel's real subjects are relationships in many varieties. Smiley's characters are extremely well drawn and believable. The plot moves along and is intriguing. Good Faith is a great read.
A BIT DATED NOW, BUT STILL, JANE SMILEY EVEN DATED IS LOTS BETTER THAN MANY
This story takes you right into the heart of the real estate business boom of the 1980's, so real you feel as though you are living it!
Interesting perspective into the Real estate market of the 80's. Enjoyable read!
Beautifully written.
Jane does it again. This is a witty, quick read that is great for
travel. Her depth of characters is amazing.
travel. Her depth of characters is amazing.
An early Jane Smiley, 2003, and a well-told tale. Joe Stratford is a messily divorced nice guy who sells real estate. He makes a good living and is comfortable in his life style...but there is no challenge. Then the challenge appears,..you know the one, quick and easy money, riches beyond mere "comfort".
What happens to Joe nice-guy when tempted outside of his comfort zone? Jane Smiley in her inimitable way will guide you through the challenges of Joe's life. A good read...and there is a lesson!
What happens to Joe nice-guy when tempted outside of his comfort zone? Jane Smiley in her inimitable way will guide you through the challenges of Joe's life. A good read...and there is a lesson!
Jane Smiley brings her comic timing, empathy, emotional wisdom and her ability to deliver slyly on big themes and capture the American spirit to the seductive, wishful, wistful world of real estate. Her funny and moving novel is about what happens when the American Dream morphs into a seven-figure American fantasy.
This was so boring to me that I could not get past the first chapter.
Pffffftttt..not even CLOSE to what I thought I would it be. I ain't telling!
