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Book Review of Songs Without Words

Songs Without Words
Songs Without Words
Author: Ann Packer
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
reviewed on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


Overall, I liked the book. In fact, I liked it better than "The Dive From Clausen's Pier". However, with that said, a lot of the description simply didn't ring true for me. Someone else mentioned that the male characters were written as stereotypical or "stock" men, and I can agree with that assessment to some extent. Brody, Liz's husband, was rarely home due to his high-powered job with his friend's internet security company, yet he still managed to forge a connection to his second child (and only son) Joe.

I kept waiting for a deeper exploration of the pains and myths driving all of these characters. I wanted more backstory on Sarabeth's home and family life--didn't get it. I wanted Sarabeth as well to be a better adult. Pining over the loss of a married boyfriend and mooning over another man who was also married (but looking) had me liking her far less. Everyone in the book (except for a couple of the doctors) seemed to be a pitiful victim of their own inability to act properly.

The ending was completely unsatisfactory. It really did feel contrived, and I was upset with the author for giving us such a tepid resolution.