Rating: 
Summary: trite and hackneyed
Review: I found this book rather amateurish with tiresome cliches, boring stereotypes and a rather unimaginative, trite story line. Predictable and at times Ms. MacDoanld stretches the boundaries of belief. I understand that the author was attempting to contast the stark dichotomies of the pristine, hermetical family with the harsh, crass evil in the world, but please, the writing is so unseasoned that it detracts from any "message," from whatever the point of the novel is attempting to make. Ms. MacDonald's
"poetic license"was irritating, using one word sentences, incomplete sentences and a mish mash of popular songs of the day. I wanted to find something to keep me going after spending $29, and in the end it was only with the thought that I might be able to recoup some of back by selling it to a used bookstore. There are too many other credible pieces of literature to enjoy than to waste time on this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I love a book that makes me think as well as feel and this is top of the line for me! I finished this book wees ago and still the characters and the story are with me. I've passed it along to my friends and family and they've all loved it. At first it sems like it will never end, the book is long, then you are hoping it never does! Read and Enjoy!
Debbi
Rating:
Summary: Way Wow!
Review: I never made it through this author's first novel: *Fall on Your Knees.* Trudging through it, I felt like Atlas carrying the weight of the world, under which I fell on my knees and, like that poor dear in the commercials, couldn't get upAh, but this second novel is talkin' `bout My Generation - complete with soundtrack and immersion in the history and pop culture of the times. It is often not pretty and the reader feels likes a passenger on a slo-mo train wreck while it happens. But it's beautifully written and well worth the time and trip. Like Harper Lee's Scout in *To Kill a Mockingbird,* Ann-Marie MacDonald's Madeline McCarthy will linger with you long after you leave the book. Another time, another trial. But the good Gregory Peck was not up there in Ontario. There's a surprise "Who-Dunnit" from clues craftily placed thoughout. Duck, Cover, and get this Book, eh?!
Rating:
Summary: still thinking about this book a week later
Review: I picked this book up after reading a rave review in People. I was engrossed the entire novel and found myself holding my breathe at times when I was unsure of what would happen next. Although the topic is disturbing the insight into the mind of the child victim is amazing. The author doesn't go for easy endings or solutions but is true to the complexities of life. Raced to the store to pick up her prior book.
Rating: 
Summary: Just finished listening to the audio...
Review: I picked up the audio of this book knowing nothing about the book or the author except the description on the box -- which I didn't even read completely. It sounded like a family story, so I thought I would give it a try. I have been listening to it almost non-stop for at least a week, and found it completely engaging. It is all of the things that I see described in the favorable reader reviews here. The complexity and the descriptions, the family story, the mystery, and the ethical dilemmas are all wonderfully crafted. The voice of Madeleine, whose child's point of view is used for a major portion of the book, was very real, imparting humor, sadness, childhood fears, and a wonderful relationship with her dad that reminded me of my own father. Hearing the book read to me (by the author) seems particularly appropriate, there is so much apparent randomness, very like human thought processes. I thought that the phrases spoken in French by Mimi, the mother, and her children, particularly her son, would be lost to me, because I couldn't SEE the words and so frequently didn't know what was said, but it got so that I knew what they were saying (they say that tone of voice carries more than 50% of the meaning of spoken words -- no truer example here). Because of its complexity, the book is difficult to describe, and some of the readers here have done a good job. In any case, I found it wonderful and was moved by it, finding unexpected tears falling down my cheeks at the end. I recommend the audio particularly.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible Story Telling
Review: I read Ann-Marie MacDonald's first novel "Fall On Your Knees" and felt that was an incredible sotry. I believe this is just as good if not better. It takes place in 1963 Canada. It is about an Air Force Family and what takes place at the base they are presently stationed at, Centralia in Ontario near the US border. The father, Jack, is quite a likable all around guy who gets in over his head on a secret mission that just about destroys him. The wife, Mimi, a French-Canadian is perhaps my favorite character. She is such a typical 60's mom. Actually all the characters depict the early 60's right down to the smallest detail. The story is mostly told from the 9 year old, Madelines, point of view. It involves child abuse and murder and espionage and it all intertwines to make for quite an exciting and enjoyable read. Ms. Mac-Donald captures the times so well it takes me back.. I was a child from the 60's and appreciate her well defined descriptions of life as it really was then, right down to when the young girls sign each others autograph book at the end of the school year......boy, can I remember that!!!! This is not only about going down memory lane. It is a good mystery and character study of real everyday people and circumstances that can so truly happen in anyones life. I appreciate Ms. Mac-Donalds writing and look forward to her next novel.
Rating:
Summary: Still enthralled with the story
Review: I think this book was amazing! I have read a lot of the reviews and everyone that disliked it just seemed to be too impatient to finish it. Although it maybe could have been shorter, if you really read it and pay attention to the details you become so involved with the family that you feel like you know them. I loved Madeleine and I really felt like I was living in Centralia myself, seeing all of the events unfold themselves. I would reccomend this book to anyone.
For someone who really loved "Fall on Your Knees", "The Way the Crow Flies" puts it to shame. This book is definitley better thought out and structured better than "...Knees", which had too many stories going on.
Great Read!
Rating:
Summary: An absolutely worthwhile read
Review: I was again amazed at McDonald's style of writing. I was constantly engrossed me in this wonderful book as well as "Fall On Your Knees". I was disappointed in having to finish the book. This story is written from a little girl's perspective of molestation, murder and political mahem of the '60's. I look forward for Anne-Marie McDonald to release another novel to the public.
Rating:
Summary: This book struck a chord....
Review: I was captivated by this book. I too fell in love with Madeleine, even her adult self, as sudden as the transformation was. I identified with the military life of moving, the lack of sense of home, it made me take her to my heart even more. I was appalled at the crime and who committed it, the chapter of discovery of the culprit was hard to read, for the victim's sake. It did help to know French, for all the little phrases interspersed. I loved it more for the length, it made it wonderful to really sink into it. Highly recommended if you have the time, I had trouble putting it down long enough to get dinner on the table.
Rating:
Summary: This is a great novel
Review: I was fascinated by the pace and the atmosphere and the characters in this novel. It may be the "Great Canadian Novel". I am about the same generation as the main character and was able to relate very well to her. Do yourself a favour: read this book.
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