A Pretty Good Book with a Wonderful Ending

A book that truly stands out is one that not only has an engaging storyline but also a conclusion that ties everything together beautifully. This particular book achieves just that. The ending is so wonderful that it manages to bring all the loose ends of the story into a cohesive whole.

Once again, the author Hamilton showcases his remarkable talent for getting the readers to identify with a character who may not initially seem very appealing. In this case, it's a gay, self-absorbed dancer who has now become an English teacher. Despite his flaws, Hamilton manages to make us understand his motives, his insecurities, and his journey of self-discovery.

The character's transformation throughout the book is both believable and touching. We see him grow from a self-centered individual to someone who learns the value of empathy and connection. This makes the book not just an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking one that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

4.5
This book is not a typical page turner that grabs your attention from the very beginning.

In fact, when I first started reading it, I had an extremely hard time staying awake. I even considered simply walking away from it.

However, as the story continued to unfold, something remarkable happened. I found myself getting completely engrossed with the characters.

I became deeply interested in their thoughts, which were so vividly described. Their experiences felt real and relatable, and their feelings tugged at my heartstrings.

Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with this book. It was just what I needed right now.

It proved to be a pleasant surprise, showing that sometimes, a book that starts off slowly can turn into a captivating and meaningful read.

I'm so glad I didn't give up on it.

The story presented is a moving one, delving into the exploration of the main character's internal life.

However, there was a sense that something was lacking. The resolution came slowly as the character managed to reconcile with himself and the life he had created.

Yet, there was no catharsis on his part or that of his parents. This aspect either needed to be dealt with intentionally or there was something else amiss.

Nevertheless, Hamilton is truly terrific. I have a deep love for all her books and will eagerly read anything she writes in the future. Her works always have a certain charm and depth that keep me engaged from start to finish.

Despite the small flaw in this particular story, I have no doubt that her future writings will continue to be of high quality and will offer readers even more engaging and thought-provoking experiences.

Gotta love Jane Hamilton!

The main character in her work couldn't be farther from my own, yet as I delved into the story, I found myself completely transforming into him. It was an astonishing experience. I could vividly picture myself running out of the building in a tu-tu, just as the character did. The way Hamilton crafted the narrative was so immersive that it pulled me right into the heart of the action.

Every detail, every emotion, was so skillfully described that I felt as if I was living through the character's experiences. It was like I had stepped into a different world, a world created by Hamilton's brilliant imagination.

Her writing has the power to transport readers and make them feel things they never thought possible. I can't wait to explore more of her works and see where her stories will take me next.

TL;DR: A thoughtful, beautifully-written meander. Hamilton's characters are flawed and interesting. She has a magic way of making real life seem fantastical. This wasn't a quick read for me.

This isn't the type of book I usually choose to read. It lacks satire and dry wit. There are no magical elements, princesses, or plot devices that rescue the characters at the last moment. On a grand scale, nothing truly remarkable occurs throughout the entire book. I came across some reviews here that claimed this made the book dull and the characters unlikable.

However, as I was reading, Jane Hamilton managed to keep me engaged on an emotional level. The phrase that constantly came to my mind was "real life but better." She has an uncanny ability to take ordinary moments and thoughts and transform them into something poetic. Perhaps "better" isn't the most appropriate word, especially since her characters endure a great deal of internal and external suffering. Maybe "romantic" is a more fitting description. She has a beautiful talent for turning those everyday moments into something romantic.

The protagonist, Walter, is flawed in all the right ways. Although we are kept at an emotional distance from him for much of the book, I could still relate to his internal thoughts. The contrast between teenage Walter and his adult self in the alternating chapters, and the way the two merge towards the end of the book as he becomes more in touch with his emotions, is masterfully executed.

The negatives: This wasn't exactly a page-turner. It took me approximately a month to finish, and at one point, I put it down for a week. It wasn't because the book wasn't good, but rather because the slow pace of the story lends itself to a more leisurely reading experience. There was no sense of urgency to discover what happens next. When I did sit down to read, Hamilton's writing filled me up like a delicious buffet. I marked so many quotes that I loved in this book that it now appears as if a rainbow has attacked it.

I will definitely be picking up Jane Hamilton's other books at some point, although not without a hint of trepidation. Other reviews here have stated that "The Short History of a Prince" is her least melancholic and tragic novel, which concerns me! It's definitely not the kind of book I would want to read for escapism, but it's nice to read something that makes you feel a bit sad and thoughtful once in a while.

Jane Hamilton's talent is truly remarkable and never ceases to astonish me.

This particular book is most likely one of my all-time favorite works of fiction. The story is filled with countless twists and turns that send you on an exciting roller coaster ride of emotions.

The words flow so smoothly that they seem to leap off the page and directly into your imagination, painting vivid pictures and creating a truly immersive experience.

Moreover, the knowledge one acquires while reading her books is an added bonus. It is evident that her research is flawless, just like her writing skill. She is a master in the field of fiction, yet she is often underrated.

Her ability to craft engaging stories, develop complex characters, and convey deep emotions is truly outstanding. I highly recommend her books to anyone who enjoys a good read and wants to be transported to another world.

The story of Walter is a rather interesting one.

It flits back and forth between his teen years, when he dreams of becoming a ballet dancer despite not being very proficient. In that childhood winter, he is cast in a less-than-stellar production of the Nutcracker in Rockford, while his friends shine in the show in Chicago. Meanwhile, his brother battles terminal illness, and Walter has his first homosexual experience.

In the present, he leaves his job selling dollhouse furniture in NYC to become an English teacher in a small town in Wisconsin. The family summer home on a Wisconsin Lake features in both time periods, as does his friendship with Susan, one of the ballet stars.

Overall, this book was just okay. The plot moved along at a decent pace, and the story was passable. However, it's not something that I would be eager to recommend to a friend. I have, in fact, enjoyed other works by this author more.

Perhaps this particular story didn't quite capture my imagination as fully as some of the others. Nevertheless, it still has its moments and may appeal to some readers.

This is an interesting, albeit at times slow-paced, coming of age novel.

It delves into the struggles of a young man as he attempts to come to terms with the decisions he has made and how those choices have led him to his current situation.

The story unfolds quietly, yet it held my interest, perhaps because I can empathize with the feelings of a frustrated dancer.

If you have a penchant for tragic family drama, a love for ballet, an appreciation for coming of age stories, and an interest in coming out narratives, then I believe you might find this book enjoyable.

It offers a unique perspective on the challenges and growth that occur during the formative years of a young person's life.

The author skillfully weaves together the various elements of the story, creating a rich and engaging tapestry that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this novel is definitely worth considering.

I was truly in a dilemma when it came to rating this book. It hovered right between 3 and 4 stars for me.

Jane Hamilton's writing style is remarkably easy and illustrative, which I thoroughly relished. There were moments when the story had me completely captivated, pulling me in and making me eager to turn the page. However, there were also times when it seemed to slow down and lacked the necessary momentum.

Overall, I would have to say that this is indeed a great book. It excels not only in terms of the story itself but also in the way the author manages to make the characters both relatable and aggravating in a rather beautiful and unique way. The characters come to life on the pages, and their flaws and virtues add depth and complexity to the narrative. It's a book that makes you think, feel, and engage with the story on multiple levels.

Ah, right. The one other non-baby-related book I've read in the past few months. I obtained this extremely enjoyable novel several years ago. However, I never picked it up simply because there is no synopsis on the back of my edition. As a result, I had no clue what it was about. Sad, I know.

In any case, it was truly a delight to read a novel whose plot I had no prior knowledge of. It was like embarking on a mysterious journey, not knowing what twists and turns awaited. With each page turn, I was filled with anticipation and excitement.

Maybe you'll do the same. Maybe you'll pick up a book without knowing its story and let yourself be carried away by the words and the unfolding narrative. It can be a refreshing and rewarding experience. So, give it a try and see where it takes you.

I picked it up at a Friends of the Library sale.

I have always been a sucker for frustrated artist tales. This book really caught my attention.

The themes explored within its pages were diverse and profound. It delved into grief, which is a universal emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives.

It also touched on art and beauty, showing how these elements can have a significant impact on our souls.

The struggle with sexuality and identity was another important theme, highlighting the challenges that many people face in coming to terms with who they are.

Additionally, the book discussed how those who are considered "minor" characters in the timeline of our lives can actually occupy an outsize part of our minds.

One aspect that really stood out to me was the family's connection through time at Lake Margaret.

I envy their ability to have such a special place that holds so many memories and serves as a binding force for their family.

I truly believe that every family should have a place like that, a place where they can come together, create memories, and strengthen their bonds.

This book has made me reflect on my own life and the importance of family and the special places that hold our memories.

It has also inspired me to look for those hidden gems at library sales, as you never know what wonderful stories and insights you might discover.

Overall, I am very glad that I picked up this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature.

A bit long and melodramatic, this story also seems a bit dated with certain references and language that might not be politically correct some decades later. I find myself in a state of uncertainty as to whether the main character, Walter, truly passes muster as the convincing voice of a gay man. At times, his portrayal felt a bit overdone, as if the author was trying too hard to make a point. However, despite these flaws, it is still a coming of age and family saga that has been done well. The story manages to capture the essence of growing up and the complex relationships within a family, which is no small feat. It may not be a perfect piece of literature, but it does have its redeeming qualities that make it worth reading.