This book really touched me in a way that is hard to explain. It doesn't have the strongest plot, but that's because it's a story about life, it's not a romance novel or an action book. And while occasionally distracting, I loved the beautiful detail that really transported me to all of the places - Siam, Bangkok, Rome, Paris, etc. Most important to me though was the premise about choice. For the importance of this book to my life, I give it 5 stars. I can see where this book would be less exciting to someone who hasn't struggled in quite the same way with religion, love, marriage and independence. However, for me personally, I felt like I could really understand the main character, who I was delighted to find out was a real person, and the paths she followed. I also loved the author's incorporation of the main character's struggles with religion. Her comparisons were interesting and forced some deeper thought on my part. I was later shocked to find out though that this book was classified as a Christian novel. I found the book to have an interesting spiritual debate within it, but I didn't think it was Christian, so much as it was about personal beliefs and faith, regardless of religion.I do agree with some other reviewers that the Epilogue was a bit strange. Yet at the same time, I could understand where the author was coming from and how her personal views were written into this final chapter of the book. Any book that makes you think long and hard about love, marriage, independence, world history, religion and politics is a great novel! This is a story that will sweep you off your feet, carry you to far-away places, and yet will strike you close to home. Well written and beautiful! Thank you to the author for sharing this enlightening story about her grandmother! I find stories about strong women inspiring. This one has a basis in history as the author based the book on her grandmother, fictionalizing parts to make the story flow better. Barbara marries a doctor (Harvey) whom she loves with all her heart. She gives up a potential musical career to join him on his journeys to Siam. However, she finds herself resenting that decision and, after having two children, goes to Europe to study music leaving Harvey (her husband) immersed in his medical career. The two continue their separate lives and Barbara discovers that the dream she had can still be. Her voice teacher tells her she may well be able to sing opera. Such dedication means the end of her marriage and she must make a difficult choice. Which is the right choice for her?
Do You like book The Moon In The Mango Tree (2008)?
Easy read story. The story took some time to get to the point of it. It was not a smooth change.
—aherriot
Took me f o r e v e r to read but I really enjoyed it.
—Parker
