Reviews by Susan K. (Dartmouth, MA)

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Gone So Long
Gone So Long
by Andre Dubus III
Where was the editor? (10/11/2018)
What a long slog of a book! Since I read and loved House of Sand and Fog, I know the kind of story Dubus is capable of writing - this wasn't it. I don't mind that most of the characters were unlikeable; in spite of that the author skillfully allows us to really get into …more
The Twelve-Mile Straight
The Twelve-Mile Straight: A Novel
by Eleanor Henderson
A long, crazy ride. (5/22/2017)
Yes, it was, and it started out as a confusing one as well. So many characters, but I sorted them out eventually. I really liked the writing: almost every chapter or change of scene was so richly described the image of the place would just come into view in my mind's eye. ( …more
Manderley Forever
Manderley Forever
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Manderley Forever (2/1/2017)
Daphne du Maurier was one of my first longtime favorite authors, and Rebecca one of my favorite books. Since then, two more of her books, The House on the Strand, and The Scapegoat have been added - each of the three very different from each other - a testament to du …more
The Children
The Children
by Ann Leary
Wish I could rate it 2 1/2. (5/17/2016)
I was so looking forward to this. I LOVED "The Good House", and also enjoyed "Outtakes From a Marriage", which I would call a good beach or airplane read, thanks to its page-turning writing and humor.

"The Children" just meanders through many pages of dialogue, as its …more
A Good Family
A Good Family
by Erik Fassnacht
A long slog. (5/23/2015)
I had high hopes for this book - so much for that. It took me at least 3 weeks to get through it, as I was so bored, and then irritated by the thought of having to finish it for this review. I didn't find any of the characters to be interesting or even likable, except, …more
Mating for Life
Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley
Just not my cup of tea... (3/11/2014)
What I liked best about this book were the descriptions of the mating habits of various birds and animals at the beginning of the chapters, and then trying to see how they often tied in to the chapters. What I didn't like was the lack of clarity, the awkward run-on …more
The Housemaid's Daughter
The Housemaid's Daughter
by Barbara Mutch
Lots of unanswered questions. (11/22/2013)
In this book, the protagonist, Ada, was someone I couldn't connect with very much; her personality seemed flat, somehow, and incapable of showing much emotion. The story line was good, although it proceeded too slowly for my liking. I did enjoy the author's scene-setting …more
The Affairs of Others
The Affairs of Others
by Amy Grace Loyd
A new author to keep track of. (7/16/2013)
I'll start with the positives: yes, I will probably read this author's next book, the reason why is because of the hauntingly beautiful, evocative writing this debut author exhibits. I found myself marking sentences and paragraphs as I went along, reading them over, …more
Letters from Skye
Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole
Wow - great fodder here for book clubs! (6/11/2013)
This book is sure to be a hit with book clubs - so many ethical issues to debate. I found myself changing my mind more than once about certain characters during the course of the book. The letter exchange format is something I find enjoyable, and also enjoyed the author's …more
Shine Shine Shine
Shine Shine Shine: A Novel
by Lydia Netzer
Shine Shine Shine (6/13/2012)
Couldn't figure out this book at all. Thought about rereading it to see if I had missed something that others seemed to see, but decided not to put myself through it again. Didn't like any of the characters and wasn't interested in their lives. I was very surprised, as I …more
Before Ever After
Before Ever After: A Novel
by Samantha Sotto
Before Ever After (6/25/2011)
Whew! Feel like I need to catch my breath after this one. So many things going on - all the time. I really wanted to like this book, and I did, from time to time, but it was too scattered. I feel like every time the author had a new idea she just had to include it. I think …more
Little Princes
Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal
by Conor Grennan
Little Princes (12/23/2010)
Will definitely be buying copies to pass out to friends. What a compelling story. The author starts out as a rather clueless, unfocused individual, with good intentions, and as as the book progresses, we see him grow up, focus on a goal (and what a goal), and come into his …more
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives: A Novel
by Lola Shoneyin
Mesmerizing (6/1/2010)
As another reviewer stated - this book has everything. A bit confusing to read, but totally worth the effort; it was hard to put down. The amount of detail of so many characters' lives packed into this book is astounding. A thoroughly satisfying read and will be great book …more
The Things That Keep Us Here
The Things That Keep Us Here: A Novel
by Carla Buckley
The Things That Keep Us Here (11/22/2009)
A very timely topic, to say the least. I found myself wondering what I, myself would do if my family were in the same situation. The author increased the complexities of the story as it went along, making the book more "unputdownable" as it progressed; a good tactic. Yes, …more
The Lieutenant
The Lieutenant
by Kate Grenville
The Lieutenant (9/23/2009)
A quiet, thought-provoking account of a socially inept loner (based on the actual lieutenant William Dawes), The Lieutenant explores a host of questions: what is friendship; to whom should one be loyal; are the values one is brought up with necessarily good for all …more
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