There are many elements to this story, but the emphasis is really on a daughter's journey to find answers to her mother's murder many years ago. The daughter, Georgianna, is a well developed, likable character. I found her story interesting from the very beginning. I especially enjoyed her relationship with Thomas, her young grandson. I thought all the characters were well developed, the story is interesting, and the writing is a pleasure to read. I loved this book, until the end. I went back and read the last part to make sure I had not missed anything. This can be a great read for book clubs. As far as I'm concerned there are lots of things to discuss.

This book took me to a place I've never been, the outback of Australia; and inside a family of interesting individuals. There are many stories where place is not particularly important to the story. That's not the case here. Place is very significant to this story, and the author provides a vivid description of the landscape and how it affects the circumstances and the fate of the characters. There is a line near the end of the book — "The funeral had opened the gates." For me,that's really what this book is about. It is about how the death of a family member can affect every living member of the family. Not only dealing with grief and missing, but it can manifest the complications of the relationships within the family members who remain. It can trickle down from the oldest member of the family to the youngest, affecting them in different ways and for different reasons. Harboring family secrets can be very stressful. Confronting them can be very healing. This is a great read and there are many opportunities for discussion in this book. I would definitely recommend it for book clubs.

The writing in the first chapter drew me in immediately. I was not surprised as I fell in love with Louis De Berniere’s writing after reading “Corelli’s Mandolin” and “Birds Without Wings.”

“So Much Time Left Over” has all the elements of a good character driven story told in the author’s wonderful writing. I think the characters really came alive for me in the second half of the book, probably because by then I had decided which ones I cared about the most, and I wanted to know the rest of the story.

My favorite books are about well developed characters who are different than me and who have had different experiences than i’ve had. I know it has become a cliche, but I often come to the conclusion we are more alike than different. A good author understands human nature and can get that message across.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read the advance copy of this book. Receiving a print copy was a real treat. It is my favorite way to read.