Reviews

Fantastic read! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because it was a bit hard to follow the characters on audio. It follows the Milton family from the 1930’s through present day-ish from their decisions to work with Nazi’s to the race relations in America in the 60’s. Very well done!

katiegilley's review against another edition

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5.0

This book had a Kate Morton feel to it given its lush, atmospheric setting. But here is what was most compelling to me: how people can go to the grave with HUGE secrets that are lost to subsequent generations. We live our lives with devastating secrets - experiences that we think about every single day that we never share with those around us, yet affect every aspect of our relationships. And those secrets die with us.

This book was ambitious - it stares down white privilege and explores racism during some pivotal times in US history. Yes, it falls short in many ways but I believe it was a brave effort. This was beautifully written, wonderfully atmospheric, and kept the family's secrets right up until the end. I couldn't put this book down!

novelette's review against another edition

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2.0

Welcome to meh. The characters are snobby and elitist. They get chances for redemption, but they flat out refuse. The ending...spoiled brats who know they are spoiled.

jen_111's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

3.0

shelleydavis's review against another edition

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3.0

While the story line was decent, I think the author had the characters ramble on unnecessarily- I felt like they never really got to the point but talked themselves in circles. The jumping back and forth between different generations was a bit confusing especially with all of the Evelyn’s. Also I was curious that the oldest brother never comes up- like ever...... did none of the other characters realize he existed?? I also felt like there was a lot unsaid about Moss and Reg’s relationship. Overall it was a really long winded story for an okay plot that had the potential to really take you back in time.

stace_a's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

deanab's review against another edition

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3.0

I really wanted to love this book. The story sounded very compelling and like something I would absolutely enjoy. But the first 200 pages just drug on and on. I had read a few reviews at about page 100 that encouraged readers to stick with it so I did. After page 200, the story did really start to grab me and I didn’t want to put it down. But then it felt a bit rushed. I also feel like I found a mistake. On page 292, it shows Moss’ death on August 22, 1959 but then mentioned that the party on the night he died is on August 25, 1959 and The Guest Book was signed by Len on August 25. I kept going back to check the dates.

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