Rating: Summary: Still suffering the after shocks... Review: I finished reading this book last night desperate to get to the last section. Yes, this book is like a puzzle and the more you read the more desperate the desire to find how this story all fits together. Its interesting how the three sections of the book are each written in a different style which reflects the ages of the characters. I must admit there were parts especially in the second section where you ask yourself, "Why am I reading this again?", but I must give you the following advice, continue it will be worth it! The last few pages do shock you, more than you can imagine. The day after I am still feeling the aftershocks as I replay the entire book in my head. This is truly an expereience similar to riding a rollercoaster. Any book that can do that to you is worth the time and effort...
Rating: Summary: Not Your Typical Shreve Review: I could not even believe that this was written by Anita Shreve. I absolutely love her other books, but I found this one such a disappointment. The cheesy dialogue between the two main characters and the constant referencing to Mary Magdalene were very annoying and grating. The ending, which some may find clever, only further unnerved me. For all you Shreve lovers out there-trust me-SKIP THIS ONE!!!
Rating: Summary: Terribly Disappointing Review: Although her writing style was interesting, I found the end of this story to be bitterly disappointing and certainly not worth the journey!! Actually, the end makes no sense and left me feeling cheated. I've enjoyed other works by this other, but feel I cannot recommend this one.
Rating: Summary: Still Asking Questions..but LOVED IT Review: I could not put this book down and was late for work in the morning while finishing it. The ending has me confused.....can someone please clarify that. Must read!!!!!! You will not be able to stop turning the pages and most of all DO NOT SKIM....otherwise you will have to go back and read again.
Rating: Summary: Who is the Storyteller here??? Review: That Anita Shreve is skilled at the craft of writing does not mean she is skilled at the art of storytelling!! This is the only book by Shreve I have read and it will be the last. The book irritated me, but not until the last few pages!!! I enjoyed the story UNTIL I read the end, which made me feel disappointed in the whole book. The reason I give it any stars at all is because I do think it is well written, and I did admire her style. For me, the problem with it is the "story". I don't like endings that completely negate the emotional and psychological attention I put into reading them. In my opinion, the ending shows a lack of respect for the reader's time and involvement.
Rating: Summary: Excellent! Review: I finished reading this book over a week ago and still cannot get it out of my mind. It is the best love story I have ever read. The ending puts such a dramatic twist on the whole story and can haunt those who understand it for days.My advice to those who read it......don't peak ahead to the end. A lot of people seem to be confused by the ending and thus have not liked the book. However, I immediately got it and don't understand the confusion. My advice if you are confused....think about it this way.....not everything in this book is what it seems. An excellent book......I highly recommend it. This is my first time reading a book by this author, but it will not be my last. I found this story captivating, thought provoking and very haunting. I read so many books that most of them have been forgotten within weeks of reading them......this one I will never forget!
Rating: Summary: Call Me A Hopeless Romantic Review: This is the third Anita Shreve book I've read and my favorite so far. The book does get off to a slow start but stay with it. I thought that the way the author tells us the story about Thomas and Linda's love story starting at middle age and going back in time was very clever. I enjoyed both characters and could identify with Linda who seems to be a very level headed grown woman with a slightly colored past. The end of the book is so unexpected that I'm still catching my breath.
Rating: Summary: The Last Time They Met Review: I found the first 80 pages to be sheer torture, but I persevered and was richly rewarded. I could not put the book down until I finished it. I am not convinced I understand the ending which leaves me frustrated. Having read both The Pilot's Wife and Fortune's Rock, which I devoured, I was excited to read this book. Would someone please confirm the ending of this book to me please?
Rating: Summary: Beautiful Love Story Review: This is a beautiful love story...but is it really? The twist at the end of the book turns everything you have just read upside down and makes you question the entire book. I enjoyed reading the book in reverse chronological order, though I did find it a bit confusing in the beginning. A lot of references are being made that you can't put together until the second and third sections of the book. This is the first time that I've read a book written in this style of sequencing and I enjoyed the piecing together of the puzzle. I enjoyed the touching love story and complicated relationship between the two lovers.
Rating: Summary: Back to the Future with Anita Shreve Review: I've read all the reviews that praise this book, and all that lambast it as a total waste of time. Truthfully, my own opinion lies somewhere in the middle. This was my first Anita Shreve novel and I was disenchanted by her unsympathetic characters, disjointed writing, and annoying use of italics. On the other hand, I did enjoy the story of first love, true love. If everyone has a soul mate, then surely Thomas Janes was that to Linda Fallon and vice versa. Perhaps no love is quite like that first great love that totally engulfs you and colors all your relationships after that. Linda and Thomas seemed to be proof that marriage to others, bearing children with another, and enjoying a highly successful career could not diminish the love they shared in high school. They both knew their love was one that would fill a lifetime with joy and devotion. Perhaps the best thing I can say about this novel is that Anita Shreve did a masterful job of building suspense to reach the chilling and shocking conclusion. Only because she had aroused my curiosity could I muddle through this often boring story to find out what happened to Linda and Thomas. Would they be together again? Would their horrible secret from high school ever be revealed? And what exactly did Thomas do at the writers convention in Toronto that set tongues wagging? It was often hard to follow them as the writer took us backwards in time, but I was glad I stayed around for the last page and the split second that changed everything.
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