Search - A Map of the World

I thought this is a good, but very different book. I was engrossed in the story almost immediately, although I couldn't put my finger on why. The book starts in the perspective of Alice, an unhappy and persevering wife of a dairy farmer. Alice is an odd character; she sees things in a way that no one else does. Sometimes I couldn't decide whether she was just eccentric with a wide-ranging and vivid imagination, or whether she was just mentally ill. The events of the story could send anyone into a downward spiral of questioning all that you hold true in life. The perspective changes for the middle of the book to that of Alice's husband, Howard. The contrast is very interesting and gives much insight into Alice's character as well as the background of their lives. Then, for the last part the perspective is Alice's again. All in all, there valuabel themes of perseverance, love despite adversity, forgiveness, and respecting others. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-based stories. This is not a fast-moving story though, so if you enjoy action and lots of twists and turns in plot, this probably isn't the book for you.

Beautifully written, but I have to agree with another reviewer on this list that I basically couldn't stand the main character here. She seemed to me to be self-absorbed and just plain weird. Her husband seemed nasty. Her friend Theresa was almost just a sketch of a character. Anyway, blah....I don't mind a depressing story, but give me something to grab onto to already......

One of the top 10 books for 1994
Engrossing story that could happen to anyone.
Shows how one event can change everything.
Great reviews from New York Times, Newsweek,Washington Post Publishers Weekly.
Author also wrote The Book of Ruth

I came very close to putting this one down, but something told me not to. The story is told by Alice's point of view, then Howards, then Alice's. Alice was an interesting character, but a bit annoying. Several times I wanted to reach out and slap her upside the head. She and her husband were the two most unhappiest people who couldn't realize it. She despised living on the farm and everything about it even though she never spoke too much about it and Howard, sensing this despised Alice. I personally think Alice was a bit off her rocker to begin with, but when her neighbors daughter drowns in her pond while under her care she gets a bit crazier. A few weeks after this incident occurs she is arrested on charges of sexual abuse. Alice is held in jail and Howard is left to care for their two daughters, the house, and the farm until Alice's trial. Howard is incapable of doing all this on his own so he turns to his wife's best friend (who is also the mother of the little girl who drowned in the pond) for help.

I can't say too much more without giving it all away. But it is one I would recommend.

It took me awhile to get into this book. I found it sought of long and drawn out. It shows how things can turn on a dime, not always in a good way.

Heart wrenching, and better than the film as is usually the case. Good read, looking to more work by the same author.