Scan barcode
jlmreader's review against another edition
2.0
So disappointed with this book. I've really enjoyed the other books by Alice Hoffman that I've read, but this one just didn't seem as well written. The premise is great, and presents real questions about wrongdoing and how one makes amends. It also points out how one person can impact many lives around them - for better and for worse. But there is so much to explore here that just isn't played out in the novel, including a teasing attempt to add some magic realisim and some very unrealistic actions by law enforcement officials.
jbojkov's review against another edition
3.0
Frankly, I do not remember this book at all, but I like Alice Hoffman in general so I gave it an I liked it rating just for that.
writingwwolves's review against another edition
5.0
This is my last read of 2015 and I'm very glad I chose this one. The story gripped me from beginning to end, although at the start I felt Hoffman was far too descriptive... as I read further into the story though, I understood why she had done this and my heart aches for Jorie and Collie. The way that the story was told in third person, and then occasionally from Kat's point of view really worked for me. The cliff hanger ending is slightly frustrating but I appreciate it because it means I can't get mad at the verdict Hoffman may have chosen. "Ethan" makes my skin crawl and his character was written fantastically. The entire story hurts my stomach and filled me with emotion, but I absolutely adore it. It's on a different level to The Probable Future - the only other book by Alice Hoffman I have read, and I really cannot fault it.
lori_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
How could someone so perfect commit such a hideous crime? Hoffman didn't do enough for me to buy the story. Interesting premise, but not a great execution.
luellabenkess's review against another edition
1.0
I feel like I have just wasted quite a bit of my time. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, not much happened and it was mainly waffle.
I don’t think I will be attempting any more of the books from this author.
I don’t think I will be attempting any more of the books from this author.
k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition
3.0
Ethan and Jorie Ford lead the perfect life. They adore each other and have a beautiful young son. Everything isicture perfect until the day the local police show up to arrest Ethan.
I devoured this book. It was an interesting premise. What do we do with a criminal who has forsaken and moved on from the crime and begun to live an honest and productive life.
As for the three star rating, I felt like the story started off strongly, but by the end, I had developed a strong dislike for almost all of the characters, except Charlotte. I think this had to do mostly with charcter development. Or maybe I just don't like contemporary drama.
I devoured this book. It was an interesting premise. What do we do with a criminal who has forsaken and moved on from the crime and begun to live an honest and productive life.
As for the three star rating, I felt like the story started off strongly, but by the end, I had developed a strong dislike for almost all of the characters, except Charlotte. I think this had to do mostly with charcter development. Or maybe I just don't like contemporary drama.
thecottagebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Quite an uncomfortable read about trust, that you take people on face value and what happens if after 13 years everything has been a lie, who they are is a lie and that actually they are capable of doing something truly terrible. Very moving, loved it.
chiaraogan's review against another edition
3.0
This one was a little too Lifetime movie for me. Also, the narrator voice was weird - almost like a voice over. And it was strange that one character was always in 1st person when everything else was the stilted 3rd person.
leighnonymous's review against another edition
3.0
This novel beautifully juxtaposes deception with redemption, and makes you question whether or not it's truly acceptable to lie in order correct the wrongs you've done in the past. The theme is similar to that of "The Kite Runner", but this main character chooses a redemption attempt over the course of a lifetime.
You'll have to decide for yourself if he is successful or if the end of the book is a suitable ending, but you'll be pleasantly drawn in with Hoffman's writing and haunting imagery. Worth the read.
You'll have to decide for yourself if he is successful or if the end of the book is a suitable ending, but you'll be pleasantly drawn in with Hoffman's writing and haunting imagery. Worth the read.