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kimberlykalil's review
4.0
I'm almost embarassed to say I liked this book. It's a really easy read and though I was a little disappointed with the ending, I did enjoy reading it. If you have a little extra time, it's worth reading. But there are plenty of other books that are much better.
iamsatan666's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
kellybelleb's review
4.0
I read this book in one day while sitting on the dock on vacation in California. It was a quick read and was written in the style of all of Shreve's books -- a slow-paced, lilting prose. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
tyra_b's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about the book. While I enjoyed the story...I didn't enjoy the writing style. I don't remember feeling that way about other books I've read by her so maybe this one was just written differently.
karenstory's review
2.0
I read this back in 2018. I am now bringing this review to Goodreads.
This book was recommended to me. So when I saw it as a free book exchange I grabbed it. Sorry I wasted my time.
Storytelling abrupt.
Choppy.
Depressing.
Bland female lead character.
Outlandish plot line.
To be donated at earliest convenience. Maybe next reader might feel differently.
This book was recommended to me. So when I saw it as a free book exchange I grabbed it. Sorry I wasted my time.
Storytelling abrupt.
Choppy.
Depressing.
Bland female lead character.
Outlandish plot line.
To be donated at earliest convenience. Maybe next reader might feel differently.
dhb1964's review
3.0
It's been a while since I've read Anita Shreve and I picked this book up primarily because it takes place in N.H. at the shore. Her descriptions of the area are always so beautiful and while I can't imagine swimming in the cold, New England water even in July or August, I appreciate the descriptions of the airy summer house, the crashing waves and salt air.
The storyline isn't quite as strong as past Shreve novels such as Fortune's Rock or The Pilot's Wife, but I thought she did a good job at describing most of the characters and the family dynamics. One area that could have and should have been developed more was the tension between Ben and Jeff. It's hinted at during the introduction of the brothers, but there's no real sense of it throughout the story. The other area that I found a bit weak was how the relationship between Sydney and Jeff developed. Something just didn't feel right in how it began. Despite this and despite the fact that I found the ending to be a bit too implausible, it was a good beach read.
The storyline isn't quite as strong as past Shreve novels such as Fortune's Rock or The Pilot's Wife, but I thought she did a good job at describing most of the characters and the family dynamics. One area that could have and should have been developed more was the tension between Ben and Jeff. It's hinted at during the introduction of the brothers, but there's no real sense of it throughout the story. The other area that I found a bit weak was how the relationship between Sydney and Jeff developed. Something just didn't feel right in how it began. Despite this and despite the fact that I found the ending to be a bit too implausible, it was a good beach read.
saramiles09's review
2.0
Not my favorite Shreve book, the beginning of the story seems way too forced. I also found it hard to connect with any of the characters. I don't know if that's because I've changed since I first started reading her work or what, but it's disappointing.