Memorable excursion on voyage of self discovery. Sister-in-laws find love and forgiveness.

not a bookclub book

I picked this book up at the book fair because I was intrigued by the cover. Within the first few pages, I knew I was going to like the book. I found it difficult to put down. Sometimes the writing was a bit stilted, but the book was still entertaining.

The book is about 2 women who married brothers in the years before WWII, and the friendship they formed. The story begins during the McCarthy era in the 50's, with one of the brothers having to worry about his job because of his political activities. Hilda has a daughter, Frances, who grows up believing she is an only child. Through bits and pieces of conversation, she learns there was a baby who died. The story back-tracks into the 30's as the women remember their past.

I believe the author's point is to show that friendship is a choice and you can make the choice to have a friendship that survives betrayal, tragedy, and disappointment. There were 2 separate events that would have torn most friends apart, yet these women chose to get past them and remain friends.

I didn't rate the book higher, because there were too many loose ends. I feel like I need to know when happened next. Does Frances find out what really happened all those years ago, and how does she deal with it. What about her cousin Simon. Where is he now and does he learn the truth. Does Mike ever become close to anyone....his wife?, his brother?, his son? ( )

I read this because it was on Nancy Pearl's Book Lust list and it was an okay book. A very touching story but it seemed to jump around and leave gaps a bit. I was amazed by how easily one sister-in-law was able to forgive the other for sleeping with her husband! I would not have been able to do that! But the writng was very beautiful and I would be interested in more of what Alice Mattison has written. ( )