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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
I should stop reading Anna Quindlen's novels because this early one was one of the few I really liked. But I'm still a fan of her Newsweek column.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another tear jerker. I remember sobbing at the end of this book. It is the story of a woman abused by her otherwise handsome, popular husband. Even though I read it a while back the book has really stayed with me. I highly recommend this book.
I read this book for a book club, and I remembered I read it many years ago when Oprah selected it for a book club.
While I didn’t care too much for the writing style, I do think the subject matter is important and the story does lend itself for good book club discussion.
Apparently a movie was made from this book, I think maybe I watched that too a long time ago.
While I didn’t care too much for the writing style, I do think the subject matter is important and the story does lend itself for good book club discussion.
Apparently a movie was made from this book, I think maybe I watched that too a long time ago.
This book was insanely powerful and very well written. Franny made the right choice to leave Booby however they should of moved again at patty's suggestion.
Franny staying in Florida is likely what caused Bobby to find them and take Robert. It was heartbreaking how Robert chose to take Bobby's side of things over hers. In the end, a semi happy ending where she doesn't have to hide anymore but she doesn't have Robert. Would of loved to know what happens between them.
Franny staying in Florida is likely what caused Bobby to find them and take Robert. It was heartbreaking how Robert chose to take Bobby's side of things over hers. In the end, a semi happy ending where she doesn't have to hide anymore but she doesn't have Robert. Would of loved to know what happens between them.
After reading other reviews on this book it seems the most common complaint is that it reads a bit like a Lifetime movie. And I share that complaint. There's enough "woman drama" in here to keep bored housewives entertained for a week. Domestic violence, hair dye, fear, rediscovery, a potential good man, true love! That doesn't mean the book isn't readable and doesn't pull you in, but it does mean it's repetitive and uses blunt emotion and stereotypical tropes to grab your attention.
I've committed to reading through my backlog of books or releasing them once and for all. I put off reading this (despite some strong recommendation from someone long ago) because come on, that's some grim subject matter. And how could it be "fun" to read (my aim in 2015, apparently: "Return the 'fun' to reading!")? And again, given the subject matter, how could this book not be wooden and preachy or salacious or some other awful thing?
I suppose the answer is in that magical combination of mind, heart, and writing skills. It makes me wonder what her own relationship to abuse was: friend/relative of a victim? Former silent sufferer? Ace journo hell-bent on research to uncover the "why"? Dunno. But a gripping read, and what I can only guess is a good look into what it's like to try escaping from your abuser.
I suppose the answer is in that magical combination of mind, heart, and writing skills. It makes me wonder what her own relationship to abuse was: friend/relative of a victim? Former silent sufferer? Ace journo hell-bent on research to uncover the "why"? Dunno. But a gripping read, and what I can only guess is a good look into what it's like to try escaping from your abuser.