This book was a really interesting story about family dynamics and the way we view the past. The portions about time passing and patterns being established I really liked. That said, I found the ending less than what I hoped it’d be, and I think the book could’ve been maybe 30 pages shorter. All in all a good time!

She is a good writer with good descriptions but this book never really hooked me. I stuck with it because I thought it would improve but it ended up never going anywhere.

This novel is unlike any other I’ve read in that it conveys the depth of anger and unforgiveness and the violence those emotions wreak on humans and relationships, while also containing a gentle undercurrent of connections and love that last beyond the damage. It also positions the physical environment, the house, as an enduring character and driving force in the relationships and the lives of all the other characters, regardless of their relationship to it. I will be thinking about this book for a long, long time.

It’s a story of love and hate, joy and heartbreak, otherwise known as a family.

I held off reading because it seemed almost mainstream but it’s anything but. Really engaging and not meandering, like I expected. Beautifully written. Loved it.

A lesson in forgiveness, letting go, and living life in the present. Powerful family drama.

It starts off slow but pick up within 15-20 pages. Just hold on.

Good but long winded. If you’re looking for action packed or the “psychological thriller” eye roll. This isn’t it. If you’re looking for slow, steady, and no excitement, you found it.

Tom Hanks’ performance added an extra layer to this novel of two siblings journey through decades. While I expected the story to revolve around the house, I drove across country listening to smart and sassy characters develop. The family relationships made this a dynamic story and relatable. No such thing as a normal family, and she shows the brokenness and resilience of love. Patchett weaves a tale that puts her in my favorite authors list.

The characters are lackluster and feel flat and the story isn’t really exciting not sure how it got so many positive reviews.