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traceyanneg's review
4.0
This is the story of two sisters in law in the 30's/40's era as told by the two sisters (Hilda and Pearl) and the daughter of one (Frances). As I got deeper into this book, I wasn't sure how to take the narrators or storyline as it just around quite a bit on the timeline, but as I came to the end of the book, I thought that time jumping was well constructed and shined a light on how a relationship evolves.
There are some plot surprises that I do not want to expose, but it is enough to say that their relationship goes through stages of indifference, disdain, pain, support, and deep love.
There are some plot surprises that I do not want to expose, but it is enough to say that their relationship goes through stages of indifference, disdain, pain, support, and deep love.
erinmp's review
2.0
Eh. This could not maintain my interest. It took me over a week to read, which is very unusual for me. The central story is of an interesting friendship, but none of the characters are likeable and Mattison attempts to show the viewpoint of each. That attemt fails as we don't get to really understand any of the characters
kahale's review
2.0
Two women who live in NY, married to two brothers, are challenged by their children as to a missing child. Some twists and turns. Not sure where the author is going sometimes by introducing different elements that seem to have nothing to do with the story as a whole.
amalyndb's review
4.0
Cyclic in its telling, it circles around a family: two brothers, their wives, and children, from the 'now' of early McCarthy era communist witch-hunts back to mid-Depression when they first married and returning to the 'now'.
This is not a story with grand resolution of issues, but quiet introspection and forgiveness in some cases, glimpses into lives.
It seems hinted that Hilda and Pearl are more than sister-in-laws and friends, though there is not anything overtly explicit in the text as to their being lovers beyond a comfort in being naked around one another. Heterosexual sex is described however, even when it transgresses marital bonds. Possibly this is a nod to the lesser visibility of same-sex relationships in the time period - or maybe I am reading too much into their interactions, as a bisexual woman myself.
Enjoyable slow quiet read (not that the pacing is tedious, but rather an enjoyable sedate pace) and slice of life.
This is not a story with grand resolution of issues, but quiet introspection and forgiveness in some cases, glimpses into lives.
It seems hinted that Hilda and Pearl are more than sister-in-laws and friends, though there is not anything overtly explicit in the text as to their being lovers beyond a comfort in being naked around one another. Heterosexual sex is described however, even when it transgresses marital bonds. Possibly this is a nod to the lesser visibility of same-sex relationships in the time period - or maybe I am reading too much into their interactions, as a bisexual woman myself.
Enjoyable slow quiet read (not that the pacing is tedious, but rather an enjoyable sedate pace) and slice of life.
rozereads's review against another edition
3.0
A difficult and long relationship that propelled the book forward. I enjoyed reading the novel and would probably pick up another Mattison book. Liked the characters in the story.
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