Helpful Score: 3
Wonderful book. Told from the perspective of two females - one in 1961 and one in 1919. Altho I have not read Ann Hood before she drew me right in from the very beginning. Her writing style is descriptive, but very easy and flowing. About 2/3rd of the way thru the book I thought I had it all figured out - Nope! Only partially - Hood had a definate twist later in the book, that actually brought the whole story to a satisfying conclusion. This book is well worth the read.
Helpful Score: 1
The story alternates between the lives of Vivien who lost her boyfriend in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and Claire, a 1960s housewife. Both women mourn their loves and what could have been. Since his remains were never found, Vivien refuses to believe that David has passed away and searches for him for years on end. On the other hand, Claire seems to have it all: a beautiful house, a family, and a husband with a very good job. However, Claire mourns the passion that once was and is torn between playing Happy Families and running away and finally living her life on her own terms.
Though their stories were a bit predictable, the writing and historical references were spot on. I also loved the device the writer uses in beginning each chapter with an Emily Post etiquette tip on how to deal with those in grief. It's especially poignant as it relates to the woman's role of Vivien and Claire's times.
Though their stories were a bit predictable, the writing and historical references were spot on. I also loved the device the writer uses in beginning each chapter with an Emily Post etiquette tip on how to deal with those in grief. It's especially poignant as it relates to the woman's role of Vivien and Claire's times.
This is a well-crafted, intertwining story about two women from different time periods, Claire in 1960 and Vivienne in 1919. I found this to be a deeply complex story concentrating on grief and loss of love. I was immediately drawn in when I realized that it took place in San Francisco and Napa, places that I am quite familiar with. I was also thrilled to be able to slip back into my childhood in the 1960's when the author perfectly described what it was like to be a mother and wife at that time. This was a page turner of a book that will stay with me long past the last page. Highly recommend.
