Here on Earth

Rating:
Summary: No sugar-coating on her characters.
Review: I loved this book. The author depicted the characters in a real manner, not sugar-coated. They had faults and made mistakes and she told their story in a believable way.

Rating:
Summary: About an inch away from a Danielle Steele Novel
Review: I'm surprised that this is an Oprah book. There's no depth to the characters or the plot. I feel no connection to their lives or decisions. Based on this novel, I would not read another Alice Hoffman book.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed!
Review: I must agree with the reader who urges the rest of you to read "Turtle Moon" and other Hoffman novels before giving up on her. I am a "die hard" Alice Hoffman fan, and have read everything she has ever written. Normally, I find myself spellbound by the beauty of her storytelling. Her characters and imagery were powerful (as always) in "Here on Earth", but this particular story was too similar to "Wuthering Heights" for me to find it original or even remotely interesting.

Rating:
Summary: A WINNER! ALICE HOFFMAN IS A MASTER STORY SPINNER
Review: Alice Hoffman is one of my new favorite authors. Practical Magic was her first novel that I read and when I picked up Here on Earth, I had no idea of the literary treat that was in store for me. Her descriptions of the autumn New England landscape make you feel the chill in the air, smell the woodsmoke, and see the vivid crimson leaves. March Murray is a real woman and you can feel her love for an obsessive man burn like the destructive fire that it is. A story of loves found (not necessarily human!) and loves lost, Here on Earth is a beauty of a book, one I could n't put down and constantly thought of when I wasn't reading it. It was my friend, and thank you, Alice Hoffman!

Rating:
Summary: Stay Away!
Review: I have never read any other book by Alice Hoffman and, based on this book, I will never read a second book by her. This book was so shallow. The characters were shallow, the plot was non-existent and there was not a likable person in the bunch. March stays with Hollis and, then leaves Hollis for no apparent reason. There is no explanation as to why she puts up with his abuse and there is no explanation as to why she suddenly comes out of her haze and leaves him. The ending was predictable and telegraphed almost immediately. I have rarely read a book as bad as this one.

Rating:
Summary: A true page-turner!
Review: I read this book in 2 days, I just could not put it down. It IS dark in the most intriguing and humanistic manner. I know it may seem unrealistic but it is not. I know women who will go beyond reason for what is actually the illusion of love. They pursue it almost to their own destruction. I could relate, sad but true. Here on Earth is a great book and Alice Hoffman is a wonderful author.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: Wow, is my first comment. I have not watched Oprah's book review of the novel, nor any other review of the book before I read it. It was the first novel of Alice Hoffman's that I have read. Alice, whether you know it or not, you wrote about a very sad chapter in my life that thankfully ended up with a happy ending. I finished this book in tears, because I was once "March" and I was involved with a "Hollis". This book touches on a subject that is very threatening to most people; and that is the fact that domestic violence is not always defined by physical abuse. More often than not, it is emotional abuse through the deprivation of loved ones, familiar surroundings, and the passivity of our society in dealing with matters such as this, that is more damaging than physical scars. More important still, this kind of abuse comes from what many people see as "possessive love". Even more threatening to the well-educated is the fact that it can happen to anyone. We know everyday that there are people in this world who are unfaithful, people who stay in "bad" marriages, and people who are abused, or abuse their children. Sometimes they are our friends, neighbors, relatives, or even ourselves. I think you did an excellent job writing about a fundamental part of our humanity-we are all complex creatures that are capable of compassion, love, fear, hate, jealousy, and rage. My real complaint about this book has nothing to do with the writing, but the way in which the book is portrayed by the reviewers. At first glance, one has the opinion that it is a steamy love story (in which case it is on the surface.) However, there is no mention in clear voice of the real guts of the novel. By the way, would you please tell the Washington Post Book World that there is nothing "fictional" about this situation? (In reference to their quote on the backside of the paperback book). Thank you for such an incredible novel.

Rating:
Summary: A book that at times, will make the hair stand on your body.
Review: This is not a book for those who strictly enjoy the straight & narrow path of storytelling. Alice Hoffman writes with a reality that makes one ponder whether to read further or not. However, if you do read the rest of the book, you'll find it was worth it. Once you learn Ms. Hoffman's writing style it tends to grow on you -- it's an acquired taste that sneaks up on you.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent - a realistic portrayal of an abusive relationship
Review: I enjoyed this novel, which I read in one day while traveling. It was painful in that it acurately reflects an abusive relationship. I have experienced a very similar relationship and recognize the truth in this book. It is very easy to be disgusted with March's behavior unless you have been there. My feelings for Hollis changed as the story evolved: sympathy for a lonely young man to dislike and finally, satisfaction in his violent death. (Perhaps for me, this book is a little too close to home?)

Rating:
Summary: For those who did not enjoy Here on Earth...
Review: Please do not give up on Alice Hoffman! I have read all of her books and found Here on Earth not to be up to her usual high standards. Please read Turtle Moon and Second Nature and of course Pratical Magic. You won't be disappointed !!