The Weight Of Water

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Summary: Another Masterpiece from the Master
Review: Anita Shreve writes hauntingly beautiful books about important moments in our lives. The Weight of Water is a bewitching tale that most probably rings a bell in every woman's life.

Hasn't every woman imagined her loved one having an affiar - seen the signs and been absolutely sure but been wrong (we hope)? Anita weaves these feelings in amidst a haunting tale of murder and intrigue from the 1800's.

I have read all of Anita's books but this was definitely one of my favorites. I found it hard to put down and I also responded to many of the main characters emotions - many times I wished I could reach into the book and shake her.

Shreve is destined to be one of this generations best novelists!

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Summary: Our Reading Club's First Book Selection
Review: Having just created a Reading Club with 14 women of diverse backgrounds, ages, and Ethnicity, this book proved to be an excellent choice. Chosen predominantly because of the author's prior work and recommendations from this site, it yielded an invigorating read by sweeping the reader into two different stories set within one novel. Although at times I found the constant transitioning from the current day story to the SmuttyNose Murder story disruptive, I soon realized there was a reason for this style of writing and that perhaps Shreve was trying to lead the reader to some story parallel's. I was quite surprised that so much of the novel involved the actual historical story of the SmuttyNose Murders. I enjoyed this immensely as it kept the reader questioning the outcome of the investigation even centuries later. This book had much discussion material and I would recommend it for a group if interesting and lively discussion is what you are seeking. I look forward to reading more of her works.

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Summary: Couldn't put it down!!!
Review: We just returned from a trip to southern Maine and Portsmouth, NH (where I bought this book)-- I loved the challenge of being on your toes to know which story the author was referring to at times. If you judge a book by its ability to pull you into the plot(s), then this is just top notch -- loved the writing style!! I'm sorry I finished.

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Summary: Surprisingly good after The Pilot's Wife
Review: Don't get me wrong. Anita Shreve is a marvelous writer. A first rate story teller, she draws you into her books. But the Pilot's Wife, though well written, was melodramatic and depressing--much to much so for me. The Weight of Water, although it deals with heavy issues like death and adultery, had me completely immersed. Her train-of-thought method of relating past and present events kept my interest until the very last word. Here is a book I found hard to put down.

So if The Pilot's Wife wasn't your cup of tea, give Ms. Shreve another chance with The Weight of Water!!

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Summary: A good read for a rainy weekend
Review: I had never even heard of Anita Shreve until a friend of mine handed me this book. Since I am naturally wary of books that I have not chosen myself, it took me months to uncover this one but finally, finding myself at loose ends on a cold and wet weekend, I picked it up and hardly put it down until the last page. The author is very adept at telling two tales and at luring the reader into both worlds without any bumps. The writing is top-notch, evocative and clever. I am a big fan of Ruth Rendell as well as her books written as Barbara Vine and this novel gave me the same reading pleasure.

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Summary: took too long to read such a short book
Review: I read this because I enjoyed Pilot's Wife & filming on Weight of Water is taking place on the outskirts of my city. I enjoyed the switching back from present to past, although I would have preferred more "past"; clever how the language changed. Overall, a pretty boring book, sadly; I was hoping for more. Sean Penn, Elizabeth Hurley & Sarah Polley star in the film. Now, we have to guess who plays who. How about Penn as the "murderer," Hurley as Adeline, Polley as Maren?

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read
Review: This is my second Anita Shreve and I have just been searching for more of her books!!! She has become one of my favorite authors!!!! The Weight of Water is fabulous. The intertwining of the two stories is interesting and well-executed. Ms.Shreve paid close attention to all of the characters, which was evident in a clear understanding of their individual motivations. This is an excellent book, both for the murder mystery and the story of Jean. Excellent work!!!

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Summary: Another interesting Shreve read!
Review: There's nothing wrong with a book that is written without the usual fanfare. What I mean is that I think it was intentional that Shreve left many things up the reader's interpretation. That's the beauty of her writings. She need not spell out everything for the reader. I did prefer The Pilot's Wife, but The Weight of Water is a must read for Shreve fans.

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Summary: Disappointed after reading The Pilot's Wife and Where or Whe
Review: Did I miss something in The Weight of Water? I was very disappointed with this book, especially after reading The Pilot's Wife and Where or When. Both the story lines in this book were weak. I wasn't even moved by the ending.

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Summary: It Moved Me More Than Any Other Book EVER
Review: Please do not assume that this book moved me tremendously because I relate personally to its story; quite the contrary. I have little in common with the either the characters or the events they experience in the book. The fact that this book, without reminding me of my life in any way, could grab hold of my soul and turn it inside out demonstrates how hugely stunning a work it truly is. I had to take a two-hour drive after reading it, and then returned home to start it all over again, wanting to catch the nuances in the beginning of the book that hint of what's to come -- the nuances I didn't catch the first time around. I read avidly -- a book a week -- and have never, ever been so moved by a book. The last few chapters literally made me moan and sob and cry out, "No, no, NO!" At one point my eight year-old son came into the room and looked at me lying on the couch, book in hand, tears running down my face, gasping for breath. He stretched himself across me and said, "Gosh, Mom, you don't look so good." The point is this: I cannot adequately praise this book -- not for its story, nor for the phenomenal way its written. It was a reading experience of a lifetime. I don't see how another book could possibly be as intoxicating for me. It is a tragedy that should become a classic, along with Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. Ms. Shreve, my admiration for you knows no bounds. I first read "Where or When" -- it was terrific. Then I read "The Pilot's Wife" -- it was even better. Next I read "The Weight of Water" and am left wondering -- despairing, really -- if I have, at age 34, reached the zenith of my reading experience. Of course, if I were able to find and read other books that do the same thing to me this one did, I'd probably collapse from emotional exhaustion and never get anything done. Forget the five stars: I give it a TEN.