Laura Lippman is one of my must read authors; however, this book is not one of my favorites. Im used to being engrossed in one of her stories from the opening pages. This book bounces from the present to earlier years, explaining how Helen/ Heloise got into her current situation. I found this to be very distracting and a bit irritating.
The main characters of Val and Helen/Heloise are very firmly fleshed-out they speak and breathe. Val, as the bad boy, is not very likeable. Unfortunately, neither is Helen/Heloise. I could not find common ground with her. However, I found her to be a fascinating specimen to study.
By the end of the book, Lippman wrote something Id been thinking: Helen/Heloise was reliving her adversarial life with her father with the men she chose and those who chose her. It seems that we are doomed to relive those issues that we dont resolve.
To be honest, Ive been so enthralled by the Tess Monaghan series that Ive been less enthusiastic about Lippmans stand alone novels with the exception of her amazing book, WHAT THE DEAD KNOW.
Would I read this book again? Yes, Helens unique story will be with me for quite awhile. The story caused me to evaluate my perceptions of Helens career choices. 4 stars
The main characters of Val and Helen/Heloise are very firmly fleshed-out they speak and breathe. Val, as the bad boy, is not very likeable. Unfortunately, neither is Helen/Heloise. I could not find common ground with her. However, I found her to be a fascinating specimen to study.
By the end of the book, Lippman wrote something Id been thinking: Helen/Heloise was reliving her adversarial life with her father with the men she chose and those who chose her. It seems that we are doomed to relive those issues that we dont resolve.
To be honest, Ive been so enthralled by the Tess Monaghan series that Ive been less enthusiastic about Lippmans stand alone novels with the exception of her amazing book, WHAT THE DEAD KNOW.
Would I read this book again? Yes, Helens unique story will be with me for quite awhile. The story caused me to evaluate my perceptions of Helens career choices. 4 stars
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