Rating: 
Summary: Dive right in!
Review: This is an excellent debut for Joanna Hershon. I picked this book up at the library and was not disappointed in its progression. While the prologue did not have much to do with the rest of the novel, I feel that its purpose was to set the background for what was to come. The story begins in 1987 when Aaron brings his girlfriend, Suzanne, to his family's home in New Hampshire. We get a glimpse into his parents relationship, or lack thereof as Jeb really doesn't communicate with anyone. We meet Aaron's brother Jack and their little sister Lila. There seems to be an ongoing rivalry between the brothers that is never really explained. Jack is the wild one, he has no fears. He lives on a day to day basis and has no real plans for his future. Aaron on the other hand is his complete opposite. He plans everything, he's the good looking one with the world at his feet. And yet, despite all of this, he still feels like he has to compete with Jack. Then there is Lila. When we first meet her she is eight years old, but already wise beyond her years. She is doted on by both of her brothers and she is equally in love with them. She loves to be at the centre of their attention. Only a short time after their arrival, Aaron and Suzanne accompany Jack to a party. It is here that we get a glimpse into what Suzanne really wants...and that is a chance to be with Jack. The real tragedy occurs later that night, in the woods, by the pond. The forces of jealousy and anger rear their heads and a life is snuffed out. They are three people who have no idea that their actions will have consequences that reverberate for many years to come, especially on the life of a little girl lost...Lila. The rest of the book deals with the issues of obsession and the healing power of redemption. It is an eerie account of one woman's search for the truth, the truth of what really happened that night by the pond, and the quest to find her true self. It is a moving story of love and loss. I really enjoyed this novel and will definitely look for further books by this acclaimed writer.
Rating: 
Summary: MARVELOUS !!!!
Review: This is the touching story about the destruction and resurrection of a family torn apart by tragedy. The writer is brilliant in her portrayal of the complexities of her characters and their situations. It is a book that one will read and become totally engrossed in the characters and the circumstances of their lives - a book that is difficult to put down. I eagerly look forward to her next novel.
Rating:
Summary: Very Dramatic Story of a Family
Review: This was a book I just couldn't put down. It is the story of one family. The parents [60's hippy types] are not a major player in the novel but provide an important insight into the background of Aaron, Jack and Lila and how they were raised. When the boys were just teenagers and their sister only 9 years old a terrible tragedy happened to the family that threw them all into a tailspin. Lila, ten years later goes in search for her one missing brother and tries to piece together what happened. She witnessed in part the happening, but was so young and it has definitely distorted her life and how she lives it. She is in some ways mentally effected by the whole thing and has a very strange behavior pattern that at times was disturbing to read. I'm glad I did cintinue reading though because it was worth it. This author deals with a very terrible tragedy with such depth and drama. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful and engrossing
Review: What a wonderful find. This novel is beautifully written. Full of detail that makes it sensual and lyrical, not at all overpowering, the book draws you in to the story. It's one of those that I couldn't wait to get back to, to see what happened next as the story unfolded at such a wonderful pace, while at the same time I didn't want it to end. The characters are complex and we get good insight into them, but we never fully know them, which I like. When I finished the book, I just sighed "wow." Hershon is a gifted writer and I look forward to more works from her.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Debut Novel!
Review: What an incredible debut novel from writer Joanna Hershon. I couldn't put this book down and was actually a little sad when I finished it. The poetic verbiage and sensory details turn this story into a masterpiece. A coming-of-age story and love story rolled into one, this work presents us with the complexities of the human mind, the inner workings of a restless heart, and the beauty of ordinary things. The characters were believable and tangible, with multi-facted personalities and intriguing personal strengths and flaws. This book is entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time; capturing your imagination and pulling you into the character's world.
Rating: 
Summary: This One Sinks Like a Rock!
Review: Yikes--where do I begin? There was not one well-developed character in this entire book! The plot begins promising enough, but the characters are so blah and undefined that I ended up not caring at all about what happened to them. Ms. Hershon spends page after page on mind-numbingly dull details that add absolutely nothing to the plot or characters. I saved this book to read on my vacation and was very disappointed. Read The Lake of Dead Languages instead--it is a thousand times better!
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