I was inspired to pick up this novel based on Rebecca’s review. She was so enthusiastic about it that when I saw it just sitting there, untouched, at the library, I had to take it home and give it some love. I’m really glad I did because Rebecca was right – these stories are really, truly excellent.
The book is packed full of beautiful writing, of delicate stories that pull at your heart, draw you in, and don’t allow you to forget them. The women in each of van den Berg’s stories are searching for something, but there are so many more layers to what they are searching for than just the object itself. These stories are the kind that you need time to think about, they need to be examined and thought about and sat on for awhile. They are complicated and gorgeous and everything you hope from fiction.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I think that it shows incredible talent as a writer to craft a short story that is both fully complete and one that I as a reader want to go on much longer than it does. Laura van den Berg has done exactly that with every story in this book – they were perfect as is, yet I wished I could have spent hundreds more pages with each of the women in the book.
I loved this one. If you love great writing, with quiet, contemplative stories and realistic characters, this is the book for you. There is a magic about this book that I can’t quite explain. I would just encourage you to pick it up for yourself to see what I mean.
Book Addiction 
Yippee! So glad you loved it.
me too! thanks so much for bringing it to my attention!
Great review! So what will the world look like?
Lol, well Stacy you’ll have to read the book to find out. 😉
I’m happy to see this review…I put this on my TBR not long ago. Looks like I will definitely have to pick it up!
I hope you get to it soon! The good news is that it’s short so you can get through it quickly.
I don’t think I’ve tried short stories since college. I didn’t like them then, but hopefully, I’ve matured some and should give them another try.
I would definitely try them, Kathy, if you can. It takes real talent to write a good one, and when they are good, they are SO excellent. 🙂
This sounds great! After reading Olive Kitteridge I realized how much I enjoy short stories. I’m actually listening to “Too Much Happiness” by Alice Munro right now which is another collection of short stories. I’m at the beginning, but it’s good so far. Might be one you would enjoy!
I really want to read Olive Kitteridge. Also I have an Alice Munro book on my shelves right now that I should read soon. Thanks for the recommendation!
This book sounds excellent. I don’t read very many short stories, but this sounds too good to pass up!
I hope you try it soon!
Sounds beautiful. I’m not into short stories as such but this sounds like something not to be missed. Thanks for the review!
You’re welcome!
Awesome review, I agree it takes real talent for an author to make a short story feel complete aND leave us wanting more (it’s why I don’t really like short stories, haha) I’m with Stacy what will the world look like when all the water is gone? Do tell 😉
I gave you an award http://blackteensread2.blogspot.com/2010/02/winner-blog-awards.html
I read Rebecca’s review and immediately put this book on my list. Your review makes me want to put it on the top of my list.
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like short stories,great review,thanks.