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Summary: Captivating but I felt manipulated
Review: I was captivated as I read this book, thought the facts of the historic murder initially put me off. It seemed insensitive to write about such a tragedy specutively and for people's entertainment and to make up such sensational material about the historic victims. I was fascinated, though, and got so involved with the story for a while that I put aside my initial feelings of voyeurism and distaste. Much of he writing was so evocative felt and thought the author did a beautiful job of showing and not telling and totally drawing me in. The sense of place was powerful and the interweaving of tales mezmerizing. When I finished the whole book, however, I felt annoyed. Both the historic and modern plots had implausibilities that ruined the story for me and seemed contrived. I felt as if things happened for effect rather than flowing naturally and authentically from the characters. I simply did not believe the historic account could have happened as it was told and felt again that this was disrespectful to real people for others' entertainment. The modern death seemed incongruent, too, and added for horrifying effect, not really related thematically to the historic tale or the modern one. It was a beautfilly written book that seemed to not live up to its promise and make the seeming authenticity of the earlier feelings inauthentic. But I still would recommend it as much better than most books with lovely and captivating passages, an engrossing and compelling plot, and much in the characters that was real and of the essence and what one reads books for, insights about people and how we feel.
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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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