old_murr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
halfcentreader's review against another edition
3.0
I thought the plot was unusual.. but had a hard time wrapping my head around Peggy's love for James.. or more specifically how it was a romance.
srturner's review against another edition
4.0
The lovely, quiet narrative of this book really drew me in. Peggy Cort a lonely, public librarian in a small New England town, falls for a boy 14 years her junior. She first meets James Sweatt when he is age 11 and 6'2. He will only grow taller. The author fully develops all the characters, especially Peggy. Written in the first person, the reader gets to know Peggy through her acerbic, misanthropic, yet often tender narrative. Extremely well-written.
hokiejo's review against another edition
4.0
Another book I had a hard time getting started. After a slow start, it ended up being a beautiful and painful love story. Worth reading
brittaini's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know what to think/feel. The writing was very good throughout, and unlike other reviewers I didn't dislike Peggy. I did feel constantly unsettled the central "romance" -- even that word doesn't seem to describe their relationship accurately--so I'm giving this one a 3 but I'm very excited to read Bowlaway.
sophie883's review against another edition
4.0
Starting this book I was worried that the subject matter was going to put me off. A librarian falling in love with a patron who is half her age didn't really appeal that much. But McCracken's writing style really brings you into the story. She creates a beautiful world on Cape Cod and brings Peggy Cort to life with sensitivity. This book is a melancholy romance with wonderful characters. I will certainly be picking us some more books from this author soon.
sjgochenour's review against another edition
3.0
This book advertises itself as a romance, but it says a great deal more about being alone and lonely than being with someone else.
small_town_librarian's review against another edition
2.0
This is a tale of a strange romance. Of a librarian, who did not possess many traits that I liked.