19 of 24 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguingly absorbing, 20 Sept. 2001
This is a book which you finish and feel that whilst you couldnt retell the tale, you know that you have enjoyed it and it takes some thought to pinpoint what kept you involved. The opening pages allow the reader direct access into Maggies mind, and its airy fairy female workings. Whilst denting the newly fixed car is unimportant, obsessing over the long since failed relationship of her son and his wife, or the anguish she may have unthinkingly caused a fellow motorist are paramount in Maggies mind. The abyss of misunderstanding that lies between herself and her husband Ira stems blatantly from the different machinations of their minds, although both have the capacity to feel passionately, over their given preoccupation. As a female reader you feel that Anne Tyler has in some way exposed what lies within a womans head, and further illustrated the tolerances that exist within a successful relationship that allow for these contrasting modes of thought to exist. Read this because it is well written and adds to our understanding of human nature.