Barbara M. reviewed on 12/3/2022 + 152 more book reviews

I've read two other books by Diane Hammond--"Hannah's Dream" and "Friday's Harbor: A Novel"--and enjoyed both so I requested "Going to Bend" on paperbackswap.com. I was disappointed in this book--it seemed very bleak. The two main characters--Petie and Rose--are 30-something adults who have been friends since grade school. Both grew up poor but Petie had a much more traumatic life. The author gives hints about it but the truth isn't revealed until near the end. I suspect the author's intent was for the reader to admire the characters--especially Petie--for keeping going even when life is a continuous struggle.

I don't recall the size of "Hubbard," the town where most of the book is set, other than it is a small town. Everyone seems to be poor/struggling. There wasn't much going on in the book. After a while, I just wanted to be done with it and did finish it. I may read another of Hammond's books--per a Google search she's written three others (Homesick Creek, Seeing Stars, and Keiko's Story) which hopefully will be better than Going to Bend.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details