For the first time, I find myself reading pages and chapters over and over again. Wherever the book happens to fall open. Just for the pleasure in the skill of Kingsolver’s writing and the worlds she lets me see. I’m hooked!

Absolutely loved this book!

I always enjoy the writing style of Barbara Kingsolver. Although this book may not be her best, it was a very good read

No real ending to a confusing double story. Lost my interest several times, writing unnecessarily difficult to follow. Author appeared more interested in vocabulary than storytelling. Would not recommend.

Kingsolver seems to have gotten more difficult to read in recent years. (I'm Bored and confused by the Detailed Descriptions and worn out from reading the same page over and over. Of course, I first read her years ago. Im older now too so maybe it's me.

I love Barbara Kingsolver. And I really tried to read this book. I kept wondering how someone as brilliant as Kingsolver could write some thing as boring as this book? I was certain I just needed to give it time. I gave up halfway through. It’s just so boring.

Excuse for a liberal rant, which would have been okay if plot made sense and characters were appealing. Rare miss by Ms. Kingsolver, whose previous books I have admired.

First chapter draws you in - occasional clever wit but wonderfully realistic description of human relationships. Of grief, longing. I want to continue with these people, learn how they cope with unavoidable change.

Pages and pages and pages of boring, pontificating, political diatribe- save yourself some time by watching 5 minutes of CNN to receive the same message! I read for entertainment and to escape into another world away from the exhausting partisan finger-pointing in all forms of media! This book has no real plot- the modern day portions of it consist of dull characters sitting around delivering Kingsolver’s political sermons- literally nothing interesting happens regarding the historical house used as a teaser to draw in a potential reader. I kept reading it only to discover the fate of the house... but as it turns out, its fate was revealed in the first few pages with no further development! Maddening waste of time. Here’s some good old- fashioned capitalism for ya, Kingsolver, I will NEVER spend another dime of my hard-earned money on anything you write! EVER!

Very disappointing. Didn’t care about the characters and the historical narrative underpinning the present day story.