This is a hard one to say. It is one of those books that creeps up slowly on you as you get to know the characters. The introspective voices of the characters are sometimes painful to hear, albeit real human emotions, doubts and concerns. I've always liked to read Sue Miller's books and always been left with feeling that it wasn't a frivolous read. She digs deep into the human soul and we become flies on the wall as her characters grapple with life. This is an interesting, character-driven novel about relationships and how connections between people can be influenced and illuminated by art. Billy Gertz is a playwright whose new play, about a man awaiting news of his estranged wife's fate in a train bombing, was loosely based on her relationship with her lover Gus, who was killed on 9/11. The play affects Gus's sister Leslie when she attends one of the first performances, as well as Rafe, the lead actor, and Sam, a friend of Leslie's whom she has introduced to Billy. The story is told from the point-of-view of these four characters. Their introspection of their lives produces much ambivalence. Should I pretend to feel something for the sake of others? Is it okay to feel resentment as well as love when a loved one needs so much from me? When I was hurting myself, could I have done better for the people around me? This isn't a page-turning novel, but an observation of emotions that can speak to many readers.
Do You like book The Lake Shore Limited (2010)?
Really got into the beginning but the ending was a disappointment.
—feliciabarnor
I kept saying to myself, "isn't it over yet?" Not a good sign.
—chloee
Standard great sue miller. Enjoyed it.
—amycake122001
