Andrea H. reviewed on 1/28/2012 + 4 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

I have to say I'm somewhat conflicted about this book. I really came to care about the main characters: Golden, his father Royal, Golden's wives Beverly, Nola, Rose, and Trish, and his daughter Glory and her brother, Rusty, a heartbreaking scamp. The book is full of humor, heartache, hope, redemption, courage, and faith, and despite how absurd the story line became, it was all still totally believable.

My biggest gripe is how long it takes Udall to get the story moving. His tendency to meander and go off on various tangents, especially just when the action is getting started, eventually became MADDENING! And for all that the characters went through, I'd hoped for a slightly more hopeful/brighter ending. I think more scrupulous editing could've made for a more heightened and suspenseful read. And the way the story line concluded for two of the characters in particular really disappointed and frustrated me (I won't spoil it). However, this was still a really good book written by a very talented author who's insights into people and humanity is so spot-on that sometimes I felt like I was reading about actual people.

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