This is one of those books that, when I started reading it, I thought it was rather odd somehow, but it grew on me a lot by the end. The particularly odd aspect is that, the characters never really did the same. I ranged from being deeply annoyed and/or frustrated to being mildly okay with individual characters, depending who it was. I never truly liked any of them. Yet, there was something about this dysfunctional family and their story, including their individual faults and weaknesses, which ultimately becomes extremely compelling and engaging. I wanted to know what happened to them, while wondering how they could possibly move forward from their current positions. There is definitely some rather messed up stuff in this book, which in many ways might leave you happy this family is not yours. Yet, at the same time, they are in many ways rather normal, at least in the sense that there is no such thing as a perfect family. In this way, the title is fitting, as it speaks to the truth of us all. I'd read it again. ( )

It can be difficult to create character voices that are easy to distinguish, and most authors limit themselves to two, maybe three points of view per book for that exact reason. Maile Meloy went all in with her debut novel: she has seven. Moreover, these seven characters grow and change as the story progresses, and their voices change with them, never losing their individuality. That was actually my favorite thing about this book, how well the author wrote her characters and their imperfections, self-doubts, courage and faith. They kept me listening, and that is what ultimately counts as far as characters go.
This book was short-listed for the Orange Prize in 2005, and while I can see why it went as far as to be short-listed I also see why it did not win. The plot is to blame, particularly two aspects of it. One came about half-way through and it required me to suspend my disbelief a bit too much. Had it been omitted I wouldn't have minded, in fact, it would have kept me more grounded in the story. The second time the plot development didn't work for me was toward the end of the book, and this time it seemed like a cop-out that forced the story toward resolution. I haven't read very many novels that tell about several generations of a family, so I can't give examples of ones where similar situations would've been handled better, I just know that the way Meloy wrapped up her book didn't work all that well for me. (You have no idea how hard it is to abide by my own no-spoilers policy right now.)
When cover copy tells you that this is a story of a family with a history of deception you begin reading with the expectation of wowza moments. If there are no such moments then what's the point of telling such a story, right? Well, let me tell you, there is a wowza moment alright. When I first realized where the author was going I was sure she wasn't going to actually go there. But she did. All the way. It's quite a shocker, and I can't tell you want it was, but it made me post on FB and Twitter that I was suitably shocked. (Don't you wish right now I didn't have a no-spoilers policy?)
If you are looking for a novel that's a quick read, has rich characters and a plot that at times approaches the twists and turns of a daytime soap opera this book is for you! ( )

Incredibly rich family tale: You don't have to be Catholic (I am not) for this book to blow you away. It is full of truth, the characters are real and rich, and the story is beautifully written. I finished it in tears, and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Loved it! ( )

I know it's not a great book, but it was engrossing. The structure was formulaic, but each section was quite interesting, and most of the characters had life. ( )