Well written with interesting character development.

I read this novel in anticipation of hearing the author at a library event.

There is a trend with this author in creating quirky narrators and somewhat dysfunctional families.

It's quite fascinating to observe how she crafts these unique characters and the dynamics within their families.

I'm waiting to see which of her novels will be my "favorite" as each one seems to have its own charm and depth.

And I'm really looking forward to the firsthand discussion of her books at the library event.

I will confess that I watched the movie adaptation of "Map of the World" thinking that I'd get a taste of that plot.

But I wonder if the novel was that popular when it was published.

Maybe the movie adaptation brought more attention to it.

I'm eager to explore more of the author's works and learn about her creative process.

Hopefully, the library event will provide valuable insights and a great opportunity to engage with other fans of her books.

A truly touching family story that has endured through the decades and across generations. It centers around Madeline, as the title implies, but it's not always solely focused on her. Mikey O'day is my absolute favorite character. I just loved his unwavering positive spirit. In fact, I found myself enjoying several of the characters, and I felt that they were all very well developed. Madeline's relationship with Julia, "Dad," and the rest of the family was tender and perhaps realistic for the era in which the story is set (although maybe not so much in the present day). The story is more about the relationships within the family than it is about specific events. It delves deep into the emotions and connections that bind them together, making it a truly engaging and heartwarming read.

This book is not Jane Hamilton's best work.

If there were half ratings on Goodreads (as there really should be), I would give it 3 1/2 stars.

It is not quite as dark or as riveting as some of her other novels.

She didn't fully explore or explain some key issues, which made the premise seem a little bit incredible. However, it wasn't to the extent that it would really distract the reader.

Overall, it is still a good read.

Despite its flaws, it has enough engaging elements to keep the reader interested and turning the pages.

It may not be a masterpiece, but it is definitely worth picking up for fans of Jane Hamilton or those who enjoy well-written fiction.

Perhaps with a bit more depth and exploration of the key issues, this book could have been even better.

Nevertheless, it is a solid effort from a talented author.

This wasn’t what I was anticipating. It’s not a terrible book; it’s just not what I had in mind. Considering the title and the summary on the jacket, I had expected a narrative that was much more centered around Madeline and the peculiarities of incorporating her into the daily family life. Instead, I was presented with a great deal of Mac’s perspective on the war and his family’s inability to bridge the divide caused by their political stances. As I mentioned earlier, it’s not bad in and of itself, but I was hoping for a story that focused more on Mac’s parents and Madeline, rather than Mac.

The most excellent aspects of the story were those that zeroed in on the direct impacts of Madeline on the family, as well as their influence on her. I believed that the author did a remarkable job of delving into the emotional turmoil of dealing with a loved one who has endured brain damage of such a significant nature. The relationship between Madeline and her boyfriend was touching and served well as a backdrop for introducing the exploitation of her naivety by a local neighborhood boy.

I had been attempting to locate an excerpt from the book that grabbed my attention, but this has proven to be quite challenging when listening to an audio book and not jotting it down immediately upon hearing it. The general essence was how the finest form of love is the kind that exists within the simple aspects of life, such as being able to stay up all night chatting about life, love, and the randomness that makes the world turn. Of course, the author expressed this far more beautifully than I have, but I’ve now given up the search.

I truly have a great fondness for Jane Hamilton.

Her writing in this book is exquisitely beautiful, with a certain charm that draws the reader in.

However, unfortunately, as the story progresses, it seems to lack a clear direction.

I was initially quite engaged by the characters. They were vividly portrayed and had their own unique personalities.

But as I delved deeper into the book, I realized that there isn't really a substantial story to hold it all together.

Despite this flaw, I would still recommend the book.

It has its merits, especially in the way Hamilton crafts her sentences and describes the settings.

But don't go into it with overly high expectations or get too excited.

It's a book that has its strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to approach it with an open and realistic mind.

A gentle and truly enjoyable story unfolds, firmly rooted in the upper midwest, perhaps the mid-north.

The narrator takes us on a journey of reminiscence, delving deep into his family and the memories of growing up.

In the present-day plot, the question looms large: will he attend the funeral of a cousin's son? He has never met the son, and it has been many years since he last saw the cousin.

The story beautifully captures the family dynamics. It contrasts the narrator's moral uprightness, innocence, and passivity with his stronger, street-wise, more decisive, and courageous cousin.

We see how the two characters have developed differently over the years, yet are still connected by family ties.

The narrator's internal struggle about attending the funeral adds an element of drama and makes us question our own decisions in similar situations.

Overall, it is a charming and thought-provoking story that leaves a lasting impression.

This is the story about Timothy, whom everyone calls Mac. He grew up with his father, mother, and his father's first wife, Madeline. In the early days of their marriage, Madeline遭遇了一场可怕的自行车事故. As a result of her trauma, she had a permanent disability and could only function like a 6-year-old.

The story also delves into Timothy's relationship with his cousin Buddy. However, there are many aspects of the novel that seem incomplete to me. For example, I don't understand the reason why Timothy and Buddy stop communicating with each other. And then, as soon as they make amends at Buddy's son's funeral, it's as if nothing ever happened.

This is not one of my favorite Hamilton books. I still have a preference for Map of the World and Book of Ruth. They seem to offer a more engaging and complete narrative that keeps me hooked from start to finish.

The story has a truly strange premise.

It centers around a husband who takes on the role of "raising" his wife after she experiences an accident that causes her mind to regress to that of a seven-year-old.

At first, it might seem like an unlikely and even far-fetched concept. However, Jane Hamilton's writing is so engaging and masterful that she manages to make you believe that this extraordinary situation could actually occur in real life.

As you read, you become invested in the characters and their unique relationship. The husband's dedication and love for his wife, despite the challenges they face, are palpable.

Hamilton explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

It is this ability to make the unbelievable believable that makes her work so captivating and keeps you turning the pages.

This is a very insightful book that presents an interesting dynamic within a family.

The family is taking care of the husband's first wife who had a head injury and now has the mental capacity of a 6-year-old.

The story is told from the perspective of the son, who is now an adult.

So far, I really like it. The author does a great job of exploring the complex emotions and relationships within the family.

The situation is both heartwarming and challenging, as the family members have to adjust to the new normal and find ways to support each other.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the story develops and will definitely keep you posted on my progress.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family dramas and stories that explore the human condition.

Here is the rewritten and expanded article:

A truly remarkable story unfolds about a man whose first wife, unfortunately,遭遇了一场事故. This accident left her with the mental capacity of a child. However, fate had a kind twist in store. The man's second wife, who was as angelic as they come, made a decision that would touch the hearts of many.

She selflessly took in the first wife, Madeline, and treated her as one of her own. Not only that, but she also cared for her with the rest of her children. It was a beautiful display of love and compassion. The second wife showed no signs of resentment or jealousy. Instead, she opened her heart and home to Madeline, creating a harmonious and loving environment for everyone.

This story serves as a reminder that love and kindness can overcome any obstacle. It shows that family is not just about blood relations, but also about acceptance and care. The second wife's actions are truly inspiring and a testament to the power of the human spirit.

I truly have a great admiration for the way Jane Hamilton writes.

This story is centered around the most unconventional family one could ever imagine. It is a family that, despite its untraditional nature, is filled with as much love as any family can possess.

The MacIvers seem to be a rather traditional family in the late 1950s. However, there is one significant exception.

Aaron MacIver's first wife, Madeline, lives with them. She遭遇了一场意外，就在她结婚几个月后，这场意外导致她脑部受伤，使得她的心智如同一个年轻女孩。

But yes, it is indeed a surprisingly happy book. It beautifully showcases the importance and the profound love that a family can bring into our lives. It makes us realize that family is not just about blood relations and traditional structures, but about the bonds of love and acceptance that hold people together.

This story reminds us that even in the most unexpected and untraditional families, there can be an abundance of love and happiness.

This book is written from a male's perspective, which I usually don't enjoy.

However, it was written with such honesty that it almost felt like a memoir.

It vividly depicted a family's reaction to a moral dilemma.

Aaron, a newly married man, saw his young wife get hit by a car, resulting in brain damage that led to mental retardation.

Now, with his wife suddenly having the mental capacity of a 6-year-old, what was he to do?

Timothy remarried, but Madeline remained a part of the family, defying the recommendations to quietly put her away.

How did Timothy's new wife view this live-in former wife?

And how did their children view their full-grown "big sister" who never grew up?

Each family member remembered and viewed Madeline differently.

But their lives were truly enriched by their decision to keep her as fully a part of the family as possible.

This story shows the complexity of human relationships and the power of love and acceptance in the face of difficult circumstances.