About the book
At an inn in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, seven former schoolmates gather for the wedding of Bridget and Bill. The weekend brings revelation and recrimination, forgiveness and redemption. This is Anita Shreve‘s twelfth novel, and is her most ambitious and moving to date.
Reviewed by U3A
Enjoyed by most members (male and female). Decided that it was more of na exploration of people’s inner thoughts than a linear story.
Star rating ***
Review by Goodworth Clatford WI
Characters more important than plot but all well constructed. Setting was good; not claustrophobic in spite of the limited setting. For some it had been a life changing experience.
Star rating ****
Review by Enjoying Books
Interesting, well drawn characters – the story unfolds slowly. The Halifax novelet sometimes intrusive although becomes more relevant as the story progresses.
Star rating ** to ***
Review by Lee
Not one of Anita Shreve’s best books but still a page turner. All felt the story within a story disrupting. Overall poor narrative structure spoiled a good basic theme. Some felt the story within the plot more interesting than the novel itself.
Star rating ***
Review by Reading Enthusiasts
The book divided our book club with the majority disliking it. However, we managed to discuss it for a long time. Some felt it was easy reading, yet others felt there was too much going on and thought that it wasn’t gripping. Strangely some of our club enjoyed “the story with the book” better than the actual book.
Star rating **+