A suspenseful, lyrical account of one man's search for the truth, by the master storyteller The Washington Post Book World has called "a writer of great wisdom and compassion."
For more than a century, the small town of Haddan, Massachusetts, has been divided, as if by a line drawn down the center of Main Street, separating those born and bred in the village from those who attend the prestigious Haddan School. But one October night the two worlds are thrust together due to an inexplicable death, and the town's divided history is revealed in all its complexity. The lives of everyone involved are unraveled: from Carlin Leander, the fifteen-year-old girl who is as loyal as she is proud, to Betsy Chase, a woman running from her own destiny; from August Pierce, a boy who unexpectedly finds courage in his darkest hour, to Abel Grey, the police officer who refuses to let unspeakable actions--both past and present--slide by without notice.
Entertainment Weekly has declared that Alice Hoffman's worlds are "replete with miracles" and The Boston Globe has praised her "iridescent prose, taut narrative suspense, and alluring atmosphere." Now she brings us a novel as compelling as it is daring, an exploration of forgiveness and hope, a wondrous tale of innocence and evil, and of the secrets we keep.
Dorothy R. (obsidianfire) from NORFOLK, VA wrote on 5/2/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the first Alice Hoffman book I'v read. I have truely fallen in love with her writing. It is pure beauty even when she is writing about ugly things. The story here was great as well, heartbreaking and hearwarming at the same time. Beautiful work.
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Ashley W. (Ashley816) from JACKSONVILLE, FL wrote on 9/8/2008...
This is my absolute favorite of Alice Hoffman's books & I've read them all. Love this book!
Steph L. from MONTEREY, CA wrote on 3/7/2007...
I think this is her best book yet. So lyrical and poetic, it's like reading a magical story... Enjoy!
Marykaye M. (pawprints) from BLANCO, TX wrote on 8/31/2006...
A small Massachusetts town and an elite high school: two groups who try to avoid each other. But a hazing prank gone wrong forces the townspeople and students to associate, with perhaps devastating consequences. A story of love and betrayal, of courage and cowardice, of secrets and honesty, of miracles and reality told in impeccable prose.
Susan A. from BAILEYS HBR, WI wrote on 4/12/2006...
author signed copy
Pat R. (cats16) from SHERMAN, NY wrote on 1/25/2006...