This book is not my favorite among Jane Hamilton's works.

However, as I delved deeper into it, especially from the middle towards the end, I developed a great liking for it.

For some reason, I initially found it a bit challenging to stay engaged. Maybe it was due to the alternating time periods between 1973 and 1995.

Nonetheless, I would still recommend this book.

However, I wouldn't recommend it as highly as "The Book of Ruth", "Disobedience", and "A Map of the World".

Each of those works holds a special place in my heart and has a unique charm that sets them apart.

But this book still has its own merits and is worth reading for those who enjoy Hamilton's writing style and are willing to invest the time to fully appreciate its story.

So, this book was extremely close to receiving just one star.

I persisted in reading it because I was eager to discover whether there was any resolution to any of the issues that were presented.

However, after several months of having an on-again-off-again relationship with this book, I was incredibly disappointed to find that there wasn't any.

It's really frustrating!

I had high hopes that as I delved deeper into the story, the various problems and conflicts would be neatly tied up and resolved.

But alas, that was not the case.

The lack of resolution left me feeling unfulfilled and let down.

I can't help but think that if the author had taken the time to properly address these issues, the book could have been so much better.

As it stands, it's a real letdown.

Sensitive view of people who don't fit the standard mold. In our society, there is often a predefined standard mold that people are expected to fit into. However, those who deviate from this mold are often met with a sensitive view. This can lead to feelings of exclusion and discrimination for those who don't conform.

People who don't fit the standard mold may have unique qualities, talents, or perspectives that are valuable. Yet, because they don't look or act like the majority, they may be overlooked or judged harshly. It is important to recognize that diversity is what makes our society rich and vibrant.

We should strive to have a more inclusive and accepting attitude towards those who don't fit the standard mold. This means being open-minded, listening to their stories, and respecting their differences. By doing so, we can create a more harmonious and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

I would actually give 3.5 stars for this book.

Hamilton can be a truly gifted writer. However, I did not have a great affection for her other books as they were overly depressing.

I am extremely glad that I chose to read this particular one. The reason being, I absolutely loved the profound insights it provided into the characters.

The descriptions of the main character coming to terms with being gay, first as a child and then as an adult, were both captivating and moving.

It offered a unique perspective that made me empathize with the character's struggles and growth.

Overall, despite not being a perfect 5-star read for me, I would still highly recommend it.

It has its own charm and value that can touch the hearts and minds of many readers.

Whether you are interested in stories about self-discovery, acceptance, or simply well-written character-driven narratives, this book is definitely worth a look.

The story seemed a bit over-written at times.

Some of the dialogue, in particular, felt rather excessive and perhaps could have been more concise.

However, despite these minor flaws, the overall experience was ultimately satisfying.

The author managed to create a world and characters that were engaging and interesting, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked until the very end.

The plot had its twists and turns, which added to the excitement and made it difficult to put the book down.

Even though there were moments when the writing style might have been a bit too elaborate, it didn't overshadow the strengths of the story.

In the end, it was a worthwhile read that left a positive impression on the reader.

Overall, it can be said that while it had its imperfections, the story was still able to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Densely worded novel

This is a densely worded novel that delves deep into the life of Walter as he approaches the age of 40. Walter is an ordinary man leading an unremarkable life. However, the author's meticulous exploration of the events that have shaped his life brings the everyday into sharp focus, creating an engaging and captivating story.

As a teenager in the early 1970s, Walter has a passion for dance, music, and ballet, although he lacks the talent of his two close friends, Mitch and Susan. Like most adolescents, he is preoccupied with his friends, his own life, and his dreams. He fails to fully realize that his older brother's health is declining terminally, and his parents have become distant as they cope with this difficult situation.

Throughout the novel, we follow Walter as he reaches nearly 40. He recognizes the need to carve out a new life for himself and pursues a career as a provincial English teacher in a town closer to his family. There is also a shared summer house that has held the family together over the years. In his adult life, Walter reassesses his wider family ties and views historic events from a new perspective. It is a world unto itself, a story that may seem to be about not much on the surface, but it is truly about people and their complex entanglements.

A quiet book that is extremely well written.

3.5
I truly liked the humour that was infused throughout the story, and the dialogues were engaging and lively.

The main character, Walter, is not without his flaws. However, despite his imperfections, you can't help but root for him.

It's interesting how the author has crafted a character that is both relatable and endearing, even with his shortcomings.

On a side note, it's important to mention the warnings associated with this book. There are elements of homophobia, internalized homophobia, homophobic insults, and ableism.

These aspects may be triggering for some readers, so it's essential to approach the book with caution.

Nonetheless, the well-written nature of the story and the likability of the main character make it a worthwhile read for those who can handle the potentially sensitive content.

Overall, it's a book that has its strengths and weaknesses, but it definitely leaves an impression.

Walter McCloud is a typical high school boy who is deeply concerned with his friends and his own interests.

However, everything undergoes a drastic change when his older brother, Daniel, is diagnosed with cancer.

The book skillfully alternates between Walter's present life as a single gay man in 1995, where he is adjusting to life as a teacher in a small Wisconsin town, and his teenage life in 1972 - 73. During this earlier period, he has to deal with his family's devastation as they confront Daniel's illness.

There are numerous touching and wrenching events that occur in both the past and present life of Walter. This book reveals those quiet yet life-altering moments that are shared by family and friends during both happy and difficult times.

It is truly a remarkable book that has left a lasting impression on me, and I will not soon forget it.

This novel holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorites.

People often use the term "elegiac" loosely, but in the case of this book, it truly lives up to that description. It is a poignant remembrance of a lost brother, a lost teenager, and a lost pre-AIDS community of remarkable, ordinary gay men in urban areas.

The writing in this novel is simply brilliant. It is not only funny but also displays a deep understanding and knowledge. There is never a hint of spitefulness, which makes the story all the more engaging.

At times, the protagonist's midwestern family in the early 90's (?) seems a bit more enlightened than what was typical for that era. However, there is always a bittersweet undertone that prevents the story from becoming too implausible.

I have an unwavering love for this book and its gorgeous writing. I have read it several times,纯粹 for the sheer pleasure it brings. It is a literary gem that continues to touch my heart with each reading.

Rereading this book approximately 20 years after the initial reading has been a truly wonderful experience. It is an outstanding piece of work, and it has made me realize that I should definitely reread her other works as well. The only minor criticism I have is that there is perhaps a little too much focus on ballet. However, this does not overshadow the many positive aspects of the book. The characters are honest and well-developed, which makes them very relatable. Additionally, the juxtaposition of the past and the present is done in a very nice way, adding depth and complexity to the story. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read.

This is one of those novels which is utterly in service to its story.

It makes no attempt to shock the reader with outlandish plot twists or to comfort them with overly sentimental resolutions. Instead, it presents the story in the most unflinching and ordinary way possible.

The characters are fully realized and the realism is palpable, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

If you have a taste for character-driven realism and enjoy getting lost in a story that feels true to life, then this novel is an absolute must-read.

It will take you on a journey through the lives of its characters, showing you both the beauty and the pain that comes with being human.

You won't be able to put it down until you've reached the very end.

I didn't like this book as well as The Book of Ruth.

The story mainly focused on the struggles of a young man named Walter. He not only had to grapple with his sexual orientation but also endured the death of his brother during high school. Walter experienced a betrayal that was truly difficult for him to handle.

In my opinion, the author could have delved deeper into the dynamics of the large extended family. It would have been interesting to see how his mother dealt with various situations, perhaps influenced by her birth order in this large family.

The character Sue Rawson was of great importance, yet in my mind, she was underdeveloped. There was so much potential to explore her character further and understand her role in the story more comprehensively.

Overall, while the book had some interesting aspects, it also had areas that could have been improved upon to make it a more engaging and fulfilling read.