My sweet daughter-in-law gave me this novel for Christmas this year. She said she read reviews of the book and really thought I'd like it. Did she realize it is over 700 pages long when she ordered it? Yikes! I could hardly lift it! I've read other books by this author and I know she has an excellent reputation, but starting a book of this size takes courage..... and the realization that this will take some time. So I took it to Florida thinking I'd read it there. Never touched it. And although it is most certainly not a "beach book", I saved it for summer.
In the first chapter of the book, a doctor who works in a women's clinic and preforms abortions is gunned down by a member of a pro-life group. The murder is described in detail and the book moves in many directions from there. The author describes how this event affected both the family of the doctor and the family of the shooter, especially their daughters. While I would guess that the author is pro-choice, she does a wonderful job of presenting both sides to a very emotional issue.
Oates is a great writer; there is no doubt about this. However, the book could have used a bit more editing to get it down to a manageable size. But I did find that the more I got into the book, the more I liked it and became invested in all of the characters. When I get the chance, I'm sending this one to you, BT. I don't think I know anyone else who will take the time to read it other than you. And it's worth the time. -June
