Scan barcode
snailberrylaura's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
tamracielle's review
3.0
Love Ann Tyler, but this isn't her best. Still worth a read because...Ann Tyler.
nerdie_kitten's review
4.0
Slow but subtle.. What a Tyler does best is to illuminate life is not about what ones acheives but how one gets to that point, and that the most meaningful moments are not only memorable ones but the interstitial spaces and everyday conversation between ordinary people.
heartofoak1's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lauloulew's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Beautiful book, my first Anne Tyler and it won't be my last. Such real characters and a plot that I couldn't step away from.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook performed by Kimberly Farr
3.5***
The novel follows Willa Drake, her hopes, dreams, disappointments and joys – over 5 decades, from 1967 when she’s a schoolgirl trying to cope with a missing mom, to 2017, when she’s longing to become a grandmother and not sure she ever will be.
I like the way that Tyler explores the everyday drama of life. Not much happens – as far as a plot to carry the reader along – and yet much happens in terms of the character’s life. I don’t always relate to Tyler’s characters, and certainly there are many incidents in Willa’s life that I haven’t shared, but I often feel that I know these people; I recognize the scenarios among my friends and acquaintances if not in my own experience.
Willa frustrated me for much of this book. She was so passive that I wanted to shake her, although always a good person, kind-hearted and generous, obedient and responsible. Perhaps her role is life IS to be the “giver” but she needs to make that decision for herself, rather than just accept it. Ultimately, she understands much more about the situations she finds herself in than most people give her credit for. She is a confidante to those who need to confess, and she remains calm in a crisis. As wonderful as it is for those around her (for any of us) to have a Willa in their lives, I am pleased that she finally seems to be looking at what SHE needs, wants, desires from her life, and beginning to dare to assert herself.
Kimberly Farr does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobook. She set a good pace and had the skill to different the many characters.
3.5***
The novel follows Willa Drake, her hopes, dreams, disappointments and joys – over 5 decades, from 1967 when she’s a schoolgirl trying to cope with a missing mom, to 2017, when she’s longing to become a grandmother and not sure she ever will be.
I like the way that Tyler explores the everyday drama of life. Not much happens – as far as a plot to carry the reader along – and yet much happens in terms of the character’s life. I don’t always relate to Tyler’s characters, and certainly there are many incidents in Willa’s life that I haven’t shared, but I often feel that I know these people; I recognize the scenarios among my friends and acquaintances if not in my own experience.
Willa frustrated me for much of this book. She was so passive that I wanted to shake her, although always a good person, kind-hearted and generous, obedient and responsible. Perhaps her role is life IS to be the “giver” but she needs to make that decision for herself, rather than just accept it. Ultimately, she understands much more about the situations she finds herself in than most people give her credit for. She is a confidante to those who need to confess, and she remains calm in a crisis. As wonderful as it is for those around her (for any of us) to have a Willa in their lives, I am pleased that she finally seems to be looking at what SHE needs, wants, desires from her life, and beginning to dare to assert herself.
Kimberly Farr does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobook. She set a good pace and had the skill to different the many characters.