adrienneambo's review against another edition
4.0
Julia Glass writing style is accessible, yet literary. Story of widower, Percy Darling a retired librarian, who is verging on becoming a curmudgeon this novel maybe slow for some but entertaining to others. Upon letting his wayward daughter Clover open a nursery school in the barn of his historic resident, Percy is introduced to a new set of friend and the promise of a new romance. The novel ends with unsettled questions to me as a reader, yet that in itself is the sign of good tale.
judyward's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the first third of this book more than the rest. Seventy year old Percy Darling has been persuaded to allow a progressive preschool to move into the barn on his property in a small town in Massachusettes just outside of Boston. And, predictably, the opening of the preschool turns his rather regimented life inside-out. There are children and their parents on his property, he can no long swim nude in the pond on the edge of his property, and there is a tree house in his favorite tree. As the story unfolds, the author tries to insert every current social issue into the plot. There is illegal immigration, eco-terroristism, gay marriage, a health-care crisis, international adoption, and, of course, divorce. I hoped for more and was slightly disappointed.
lola425's review against another edition
3.0
Liked it but did not love it. Felt that the characters were just that--characters. I enjoyed Three Junes much more, although now that I think about it there were some elements of that novel that reappear in this one as well.
jskell911's review against another edition
4.0
I am so glad I picked up this book! Welcome to small historical town Massachusetts, where not much exciting seems to happen. At least that's how it seems to Percy Darling, age 70. He adores his 200 year old home and its history, hates that the town is turning "modern" in small bits here and there. Percy devotes himself to himself to his family and their quirks and delights.
All that changes before you know it, when he allows his beloved barn to be turned into a pre-school!
All that changes before you know it, when he allows his beloved barn to be turned into a pre-school!
meesm's review against another edition
3.0
I would give it a 3.5 stars if that was available. I wish she would have had fewer characters so that she could dig deeper in a few of the main characters - especially Percy. Read it for a book group and did have an interesting discussion
elisabeth1st's review against another edition
4.0
Julia Glass writes a nice book about interesting communities with people you would like to meet and know. I consider her work a light read and isn't that just perfect sometimes?
ecari's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lovely novel. The widower of the title is an irresistible character and his story encompasses a large circle of relatives, friends, enemies (of a sort) and many strange happenings. I was sucked in from the beginning and highly recommend this book.
renflew's review against another edition
4.0
Really liked this book, great characters and storyline. Going to recommend to my book club.
bab275's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting story of a widower and his family. I don't know if I'd really recommend it to anyone because I don't think I'll think much about it again. It was just an interesting story that passed the time on my commute.