Helpful Score: 5
I am not a big fan of Kathy Hepinstall's writing. I hated "The Absence of Nectar", and this book didn't change my mind. The premise is extremely far fetched - a rape victim who unknowingly falls in love with her attacker. Readers have raved on and on about a story of love, loss and redemption. I was less enchanted. Ms. Hepinstall takes pieces of a puzzle and forces them together to form a neat little package for the ending. Happily ever after? Nonsense. I didn't buy it - the crime too heinous and the journey to forgiveness was unconvincing. Not recommended.
Helpful Score: 3
Without revealing too many details to potential readers of this book, I must say that the very concept of "The House of Gentle Men" is a unique and inventive one. Hepinstall has an ingenious way of intertwining the characters and events, keeping the reader smack in the middle of the actions and emotions of them all. This is a remarkable "first novel". Give it a go.
I enjoyed this ... very very different than anything else I've read ... it will really make you think about what you can and cannot forgive in your life. I am becomning a huge fan of Kathy Hepinstall!
Modern day myth, great insight into life.
Compelling, weird book. The unique setting and story line gives additional strength to the author's superb writing style. I highly recommend this book for serious fiction readers.
Absolutely loved it.
This is a book about forgiveness, in many forms, set in a really unusual premise. I read it straight through and liked it well enough to seek other books by this author.
