Diana

Months later I am still thinking about the characters. They were so well developed, and the story so emotionally involving, it's as if I may have lived in that little town for a time.

Maybe another presenter?

The synopsis was interesting. The characters were least interesting. Maybe they were undeveloped?

Possibly.

I wouldn't cut a character. But I never became involved with the characters. I didn't care what happened next.

I love science fiction and fantasy. I was disappointed that I didn't like the book.

A wonderful, heart breaking, hopeful story. A very good read. Difficult to put down. Excellent characters, story line and and narration. Enjoy.

I do not understand all the five stars. I couldn't disagree more. This amateur effort is nowhere near a classic. The plot is thin and the characters woefully undeveloped. At times it read like a cheap bodice ripper (romance novel). The author repeatedly required suspension of disbelief which this reader could not do. Bright spot: the old Jacob narrator was good and old Jacob's story was enjoyable. But this could not carry the book. I struggled to read the whole thing, and unfortunately I shouldn't have bothered.

Like another reader said so well, each book is a visit with old friends. I have only one more book to go and that makes me sad. The author's frequent digressions into his pleasant descriptive writing can be soothing and spellbinding.

The scene description of the Good Husband approaching the hotel for his meeting with the client was nice. I can still see the scruffy dog drowsing in the sun. I can faintly hear the fly, unnoticed by the dog, flitting around the narrow part of his nose, and I can smell the good cooking of the hotel chef drifting through the open windows.

The characters in this book continue to pop into my head years after reading it. I will read it again soon.

I am a huge fan of Lawrence. This book was tough to read due to the emotional intensity, but I couldn't stop. Engrossing. I was addicted to the story and of course the characters. The exquisitely beautiful language often juxtaposed uncomfortably with desperate human situations.

The book read like an engrossing novel. My husband and I read it together. Our dinner conversations became enjoyable mini-book club discussions. I highly recommend this book to those who are fascinated with the seamier side of Ameican history, and, of course, the American mob. Great book.

This is a good follow up to the Bob Woodward books on the Bush presidency (Plan of Action; State of Denial). While Woodward employs a painstakingly detailed micro-perspective of one U.S.administration, Albright's approach gives us a whirlwind tour of current world politics from the macro-perspective of her long experience. Read this one as soon as you can. It will be dated by January 2009.

After getting to know Sarah's work on National Public Radio, this was my first of her books. Entertaining!