REVIEWS

Barbara Smith

Not my usual genre reading choice but from the first chapter I was drawn into the story and all its characters. There is much to enjoy in this long novel, it's full of fantastic characters and filled with magic tricks, sagas and retribution. Storytelling at its best. The journey begins with three 18 year olds and an 8 year old setting out from Nebraska on a journey along the Lincoln highway in an old Studebaker in pursuit of a better future. As the journey progresses we learn more about each character and how their lives have brought them together. The camaraderie, constant detours and many adventures all ensure you continue reading till the end. A truly heart warming read where the author has very cleverly forced you to hope for the best outcome.

Jacqueline Perry

Well written, got a good understanding of the characters. However, I read slowly, absorbing every word and detail. I found this novel to be much too long with too much repetition. Clever introducing comparisons and characters from Homers Odyssey. I felt so sad for the young Billy, I so wanted the story to end with Emmett fulfilling his dreams with Billy and Woolly, living in a stable and happy home. Enjoyed Duchess getting his comeuppance in such an inventive way! As novels go I enjoyed it and found myself wondering throughout the day what direction this novel was going to take.

Elspeth Osborne

I initially found this book difficult to get into but as the personalities of the characters evolved, I was gripped by the interaction between them, their journey and the people they met along the way. I had not read Amor Towles before but will now look for his other books.

Joyce James

A thoroughly enjoyable read. This was a different genre to the books I usually read but it kept me intrigued to the end. I have been left wondering if the brothers found their mother, what happened to Sally and the other characters that we encountered along the way?

Maureen Newlands

I found this novel immensely enjoyable: the four main characters were not as one might assume from their immediate history, and their personalities are slowly revealed during the narrative to a satisfying if unexpected conclusion: "The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley".