Both title and author were unfamiliar to me, but going on a glowing review from NPR, I decided to give it a shot and was ultimately glad I did. Told in alternating stories, O’Farrell seems most assured in her storytelling when she writes about motherhood and the complex emotions that go with it. Her descriptions are some of the most vivid I have ever read on the subject and are sure to prompt lively discussion when read for a book group. That I still remember and ponder some of her observations is a testament to a worthwhile read. But be forewarned that this story also faces some glaringly obvious plot devices and uneven character development, both of which prevented me, at least, from really loving this book.

posted Mar 13, 2013 at 12:08PM

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