Lovely Story

I had high hopes for this book and very much enjoyed the opening and beginning. I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book and assumed it would be thought-provoking. Unfortunately, the book moved extremely slowly. So much so that I was unable to focus on it, as much as I attempted to. This was one of the rare books that I did not finish. On a positive note, I enjoyed the author’s narration of it.

Wonderful book! Recommending to lots of book clubs.

First, I was a little concerned about the author reading her own book, but she did a wonderful job. For me, this was a typical Ann Patchett book, light on action, but rich with character development and tender relationships. Her two main protagonists are both gentle people whose evolving relationship enriches both of their lives. Her use of an old event, retold throughout the book to current day characters, is very reminiscent of Tom Lake.

I am disappointed in this one. It went on too long. Too many details of upper-class life, locations, clothing. I love most Patchett books, so I am a little perplexed.

Fabulous book. Well written excellent character development. Good story. Narrator excellent voice.

Nice story

Typical Ann Patchett. Just slow with little plot. With the author as the narrator, I had to speed it up to 1.4x for it to sound “normal speed.” There were parts where I liked the story and thought it was actually pretty good. The end…. what ending?! Hmmm…. I think this is my last Ann Patchett. Just not a big fan.

Easy going, relatable and sentimental.

Did not love this book and didn’t like the narration at all. Found the story contrived and many parts that didn’t make much sense. Maybe would have been better not as an audio book but I would not recommend this book.

My new all time favorite book!

Interesting twists in the story.

Narration was beautiful. Story was heartwarming

Wonderful story!

Bought after getting a recommendation, ok story but not my type of book.

Beautiful work. Lovely story about family - immediate and found - and how the people we meet can impact our lives even when they’re only present for a short time. We become who we are, shaped by encounters with others and by our perceptions. Enjoyed diving into this one.

Beautiful story!! Loved the narration as well!

I loved the story and the narration by the author.

This is one of Ann Patchett’s best books. I loved it!

Wonderful.

ann patchett is excellent as always.

Interesting story and surprisingly well told by the author.

Very slow with very little plot movement. Beautiful prose and tender story but just was a hard slog through.

I found the story long with very few exciting sections. I was always waiting for the story to perk my interest, but it never did.

There’s magic on n the writing - loved the characters but the plot is so uneventful and boring. Sorry Ann Patchett; I really want to rally behind you.!

This is a beautiful story within story within story that you will want to listen to more than once.

Our book club members (8) ratings ranged from Two to Four. Some liked it more than others.

I loved this book. I think the "disjointed" style added to the character development and it kept me interested to the end

A beautiful book! Ann Patchett does a terrific job of reading her own work, that isn’t always the case. I highly recommend this.

I loved this book and narration by the author so much I didn’t want it to end.

Interesting

Heartwarming! A good story!

Enjoyed these characters!

Best book I’ve heard in a long time!

Absolutely stunning.

An Unforgettably layered and lovely story…

Good

Enjoyed this story!!

Eddy was the best

Great story, but the reading was disappointing, and the singing was downright painful. Sorry to say, as I love Ann Patchett as a writer.

Maybe two likeable characters, the rest are insufferable in their own ways. Terribly slow with a trope-y ending.

Ann Patchett nailed the writing but even more with the audio.

Love this author. She is also a great narrator.

Excellent narration. Held my interest until the end. It’s a book I will remember.

A simple story woven into a meaningful tale about an event that changed a young girl's life...and the effect it had on the family. I loved it.

I thought it was a lovely story and was very impressed at how well the author narrated. She was terrific!

Perfect. Filled with love and humanity. She is a notional treasure.

Loved every minute of this. Patchett narrates like a boss.

I liked the characters in this book and the way the story was woven through time

I found this to be a compelling story and Ann narrating it was a treat.

Loved this story- totally captivating

Beautiful book

Very disjointed. I thought I would become more invested as the story evolved and I may have, but it never really evolved.

This is my second Ann Patchett book...not for me although I know a lot of people love her books.