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atticusmammy's review against another edition
2.0
Torn between 2 and 2 1/2 stars on this one. I spent the entire book being irritated at Cece for her unending and unhealthy obsession with Joan. What a weak, wishy-washy woman she is - ashamed of her son, indifferent to her husband, totally absorbed with Joan. I kept hoping Cece would wake up and grow a spine but she let Joan call the shots until the bitter end.
nicoletort's review against another edition
4.0
3.5, tripped to 4 because I powered through the bulk of it in a day before it was due back and found it very compelling.
tvisser's review against another edition
3.0
I am not sure how I felt about this book. There were times when I wanted to yell at CeCe and times when I felt sorry for her. I guess part of it is that I can't imagine the life she led - and some of the choices she made. I am glad that I finished it...
lmatakas's review against another edition
3.0
I'm disappointed because I loved DiSclafani's last book-this one wasn't quite "enough": it wasn't dark enough or deep enough or engrossing enough. Middling fiction on the relationship between women at best, unfortunate obsession at worst. Ah well.
foodosaurusrex's review against another edition
3.0
The main characters were both insufferable for a solid 75% of this book. Cece was annoying and slightly pathetic, and Joan was selfish and aloof. It dragged on and on in a pathetic back and forth with one friend desperate for the other's attention. Cece annoys you, and Joan just seems like an asshole. But eventually you learn a little more about Joan and start to feel for her and what she's gone through, but it's almost a little too late. I enjoyed the Texas high society in the 50's aspect of it, but the characters left a lot to be desired. Can't decide if this is 2 or 3 stars, so we'll go with 3.
joliekaye's review against another edition
1.0
On it's face, this book sounds like a good read—sink into the glamour of 1950s socialite Houston; enjoy the thrill of a mystery. The author even sets up some deeper explorations of promise—the depth of friendship, relationships between mother and daughter and motherhood in general, the careful tension between loved and being loved.
Unfortunately, none of this promise is delivered on. The scene-setting feels contrived, with lots of namedropping and history that's inserted artlessly. The friendship between the main characters is so far from a realistic female friendship that I originally assumed the author was a male. The characters in general are paper cutouts, not easily connected to and unrealistic. As the book goes on, it becomes harder and harder to suspend disbelief in the situations and how they play out. There's also a lot of dawdling self-examination by the narrator that doesn't move the story along.
For me, this book culminated in a rare across-the room-toss and chagrin I'd spent my reading time so unwisely. Save yourself the frustration.
Unfortunately, none of this promise is delivered on. The scene-setting feels contrived, with lots of namedropping and history that's inserted artlessly. The friendship between the main characters is so far from a realistic female friendship that I originally assumed the author was a male. The characters in general are paper cutouts, not easily connected to and unrealistic. As the book goes on, it becomes harder and harder to suspend disbelief in the situations and how they play out. There's also a lot of dawdling self-examination by the narrator that doesn't move the story along.
For me, this book culminated in a rare across-the room-toss and chagrin I'd spent my reading time so unwisely. Save yourself the frustration.
deannabean's review against another edition
2.0
The summary of this book made it seem a lot better than it actually was. 369 pages of whining and pining to no avail. All of the characters were atrocious but I was just enamored with them enough to want to find out what happens. Nothing happens. Such a disappointment.
gretchenkuhsel's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mklein319's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
aschwennsen's review against another edition
2.0
Finished this book a few years ago & forgot to add it but honestly that has provided me with the best way to describe my feelings towards this book: I had to read the plot description and *three* reviews before I could remember if I’d read it or not. The book summary makes it sound way better and more interesting than it was. The beginning was good but it fizzled quickly & I just can’t recommend it to anyone. Also I was so annoyed by the main characters (except the husband).