Mark H. (recyclist1954) - , reviewed on 4/7/2011 + 33 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

Don't be fooled by the title: This is far more than the story of a widower. It is the well-told story of the people around him. Julia Glass takes the reader into the life of the widower, his grandson, a gay preschool teacher and an illegal-immigrant gardener and weaves them together in a compelling tale of life, love and turmoil brought on, it seems, by the best of intentions. Each has a story to tell and Glass tells each with a unique voice so that the reader can recognize who is talking even before Glass tells. Each man has his strengths and his failings, both of which contribute to his personal challenges and dilemmas. And, in the end, they are brought together through one of their shared tragedies. They may not live happily ever after at the end of this story, but Glass certainly leaves that possibility open. It is hard not to root for all of them to find happiness and love in the story that comes after the book is done.

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