Rating: 
Summary: Anita Shreve disappoints
Review: Just had to write my first review to express my complete dissappointment in this book. I am a big fan of Anita Shreve's writing and usually look forward to her books. This book was a major let down for two reasons.The first problem was the style of narration that she uses, particularly the way that she jumps back and forth in time. This is usually an effective literary device, however it did not work well in this novel. There was too much information left out, with no forshadowing. This left the reader way too confused about events referred to. In addition, the beginning section in the present time frame dragged on too long and was uneffective because without well developed emotional bonds to the characters (she did not effectively introduce the characters) it resulted in a confusing mishmosh. The second, and greatest flaw of this book was the ending of course. It left me angry, because I feel that it was way too unexpected and gimmicky. It was not a valid ending because it did not make a statement in relation to the rest of the novel. It was put in for shock value and did not have a purpose in relation to the rest of the story. All in all, this was a waste of my time. Buy it used or take it out of the library if you must waste yours.
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad; it's been done better
Review: I thought the "gimmick" didn't make much sense. I do like the idea of writing about unrequited love and a long search for love extending over many decades. If you do too I'd recommend reading "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Marquez. I think it's a better book in every respect. Askold Wawryszyn
Rating: 
Summary: Shocking, but wonderful
Review: I really liked this book! I love a total shock at the end of books, even though this was not the ending I wanted (hence the 4 stars) or expected. The whole book weaves the story of linda and thomas so perfectly that you get to know them and it makes the ending so much harder to accept. The way the author drops small clues throughout the book for the ending is so subtle that you dont even pick up on them untill you are forced to re-evaluate the whole book at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who can accept a not so happy ending, or likes to read thought provoking books.
Rating:
Summary: CONFUSED
Review: I have not finished this book yet. It is going to be hard to do so. The way the dialog is written, sometimes I can not tell who is speaking. Everything jumps around from past to future to now I am not sure what is going on. Nothing is clear, I can't figure out the characters or if I even care about what happens. I purchased it because of "The Pilot's Wife".
Rating: 
Summary: Great!
Review: I found this book to be absolutely fantastic. I had read the Pilot's Wife, and the Weight of Water. I found this book to be right up there with the Pilot's Wife. The storytelling is definitely something unique, in that it goes back through time. The characters are impossible not to identify with, and you find yourself engrossed in their tale. Every detail of this plot is explained throughout the novel, and makes it impossible for the scenery not to come alive. The ending was fascinating, an actual surprise that I didn't see coming! A Great Read!
Rating: 
Summary: Quite Shocking
Review: This book kept me turning the pages as I got more interested in the love affair between Linda and Thomas. Shreve paints the the story so clearly that she draws the reader right into the plot. Eventhough I enjoyed the story, the ending just didn't cut it for me. The story was too rich with detail and emotions to have ended the way it did. I think the author needed to give the reader more clues throughout the story in preparation for the for the ending. If she would have done this, maybe the ending would have made more sense.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time nor you money
Review: It is rare that I am so disappointed in a book that I can't find much to redeem it. This is one of those instances. This was the choice for my book club. Right from the get-go I had problems with the way the author writes the dialogue. I guess that should have been a clue as to what was up, but I missed it. It was just irritating. The there was all the coincidences in Linda and Thomas meeting at various times. I hate when someone tells too much of the story in a review, so I won't go into too much. I shall say this - the author let me down as a reader. What she does at the end, she may feel is a new "gimmick", but it has made me determined to not read another of her books. If you are so inclined to read this, or as in my case it is your book club's selection, I would suggest checking it out at the library. Also, don't get too involved in caring about the characters. It will be sure to save you money and the agony of feeling what a waste.
Rating:
Summary: Everlasting Love
Review: I thought this book was a beautiful love story. I really got wrapped up in the love the two had for each other. The book started slow at first, but it soon draws you in. Using the flashback technique kept you wondering what had happened, but overall, I think it was a good approach. I was somewhat dissapointed with the ending, but I think it presents a good point about everlasting love.
Rating:
Summary: Hated the ending
Review: I enjoyed the book, but think that the ending is a terrible betrayal of the reader and the characters. Its just doesn't fit. Like she didn't know how to end the book and took the easy clever way out.
Rating:
Summary: Definetely keeps you guessing
Review: I thought this book was fantastic. Great suspense in writing the book in reverse order. The reader can really feel the love and passion between Linda and Thomas. The ending is so shocking but well worth the wait. The parts about Africa were written and described so beautifully I felt like I was there with them. I highly recommend this book for the anticipation, passion, and emotion of the whole thing. Great read...
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