Reviews

Loved this book. Maybe at the bone a simple love story, but oh, the layers on top! The main character Frankie, returns from aid work in Africa to a summer town in New Hampshire to figure out her next steps. Her parents, in their summer house, are just entering the frightening world of dementia, for one of them, and the necessary response from the other. Frankie also, through the eyes of another character begins to see the contrast between and the necessary agreement among summer people and local residents. Meanwhile Frankie herself has to decide which life she wants, which life is real, and which has a future promise for her.
Deeply felt and beautifully written.

srhkendall18's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

charina12's review

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relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

margaretmechinus's review

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4.0

My third Sue Miller book in a row. I do enjoy her writing style. Her characters are well developed. Her plots are different and interesting: By now I’m not surprised that the endings are always a bit melancholy, not happily ever after, everything wrapped up with a bow. Her writing is very real. I did notice in this book, how often she has her characters “rinsing their plates and glasses.” Maybe an obsession of hers?

readingbecs83's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

julesanne's review

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2.0

Disappointing.

jstar84's review against another edition

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2.0

You'd think a book called "The Arsonist" would be full of twists and turns and action, but when it comes to this book--you'd be wrong! I thought several times that I should abandon this book, but I have this personal rule about not doing it, so I suffered through the tedium. I'm not going to lie--this book is depressing. Sad story after sad story, and the love story doesn't even redeem it at the end. There were a few beautiful turns of phrase throughout that allowed me to rate this as two stars, but otherwise, I just can't get on board with this book.

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