Helpful Score: 3
I didn't expect to like this book after having read some bad reviews, but I really liked it. There was a realness to the story, it wasn't sugar coated, which I thought was wonderful! The characters were believable and I cared about them, Emilia especially. I may not be a stepmother myself, but I really felt for her. This is a very good novel and I highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 3
I couldn't put this book down. Well written and believable prose from the narrator. The characters were authentic and lovable- even through their shocking flaws. I am not sure how I feel about the ending- maybe a little too clean. If you'd like to read a book about real life and the trials of love and other impossible pursuits, then read this book!
Helpful Score: 3
Waldman is such a good writer! She took a subject that always frustrates me and taught so many lessons from it. I couldn't put the book down and read it in one sitting.
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent, page turning, heart crushing, true-to-life book. I was annoyed to have to pay attention to anyone or anything else while reading this - I just wanted to read!
Helpful Score: 3
This was a wonderful book. It gave me a whole new perspective on my stepmother's life.
Helpful Score: 3
Waldman has written an excellent book about loss that truly shows the effect losing a child has on the mother, as well as those around her. This ripple effect of Emilia's grief is so profound and yet presented so subtly, you really do not get the fully effect right away. It is a slow-burn, a creeping anguish, a total shut-out to all those who may be grieving with her.
It is heart-wrenching, but not sappy and whiny. It is purely a reflection on loss and grief, and was quite intriguing. I would hesitate to bring this book to anyone who has lost a young child unless you talk about it before it. Wonderfully written, and I am very excited to start another Ayelet Waldman book, Red Hook Road.
It is heart-wrenching, but not sappy and whiny. It is purely a reflection on loss and grief, and was quite intriguing. I would hesitate to bring this book to anyone who has lost a young child unless you talk about it before it. Wonderfully written, and I am very excited to start another Ayelet Waldman book, Red Hook Road.
Helpful Score: 2
Ayelet Waldman writes about very human characters, with all of their talents and faults. They are not always likable, but are always interesting. The story will keep you turning the pages. The issues: step-parenting, grief, adultery, love, will keep you thinking. And the Manhattan setting, Upper East and Upper West side, Central Park, is an essential part of the book.
Helpful Score: 2
Ehhh.... This book was a little annoying - entertaining, I suppose, but books centered around a bitter, grieving person are not really as sustainable as this one made itself out to be. Also, it seemed very drenched in New York... and I felt outside of its targeted audience, simply because I have never lived there. And the "precocious" 5-year old was UTTERLY UNBELIEVABLE. It wasn't quite girlie enough to qualify as Chick Lit, and, frankly, not good enough to qualify as Literary Fiction. Still, it was somewhat engaging and was certainly a fast read.
I loved this book. It was engrossing and beautifully written, and it makes you think about your own relationships with your family.
Helpful Score: 1
Let me start by saying that I read this book because Daughter's Keeper, one of her others, is one of my very favorite books. I feel that Ayelet Waldman is a good author, one who is very technically proficient in writing, and who is clearly quite intelligent. This book though just really didn't do much for me. I found the main character Emilia to be whiny, annoying and self-indulgent throughout the majority of the book. I felt that nothing really happened, the book didn't seem to progress AT ALL until maybe the last 20 pages. It was an easy read and certainly better than many others out there, I just felt that there was no growth, no progress, until the very very end. All in all, mediocre.
Very good. I love the way Waldman writes. A bit of a tear-jerker but good.
WOW- Have never read her novels but was hooked from page one. the story line is wonderful all mothers (especially stepmoms)
Great vacation novel.
I enjoyed this story. I like Ayelet Waldman's style.
Book was good
