johndiconsiglio 's review for:

Run by Ann Patchett

3.0

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This is my second Patchett novel (2016’s Commonwealth was excellent) so I’m not quite sure why her books enflame fans & haters alike. There’s not much to get worked up about in this intimate Boston fable that touches ever-so-lightly on race, faith & family. Widowed former mayor has 2 adopted black sons. A snowy evening car accident brings together a colorful cast, all with stories to tell, secrets to hide & names like Tip & Tennessee. It’s burdened with clichés & coincidences. (Why are so many people out in a snowstorm?) Contrived, but genial.