Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When a man dies while attempting to save the life of a drowning child, the story has just begun. His death opens a tale of people searching for their purpose in life, for their true spot in the world. The man who has died, Adam, entered their lives and seemingly took their world by storm. Although they all believed him to be their friend, it seems that Adam did not have a close personal relationship with any of them, except in their own versions of their lives. What he did do was to get them to seek out the truth of their lives in varied ways, from conversations, by his example, at times almost by pitting them against themselves and each other. As each person mourns his passing, they begin to change their lives and goals and to strive for more than they have in the past. More love, more effort, more independence, more happiness, more freedom........ While there is much introspection, there is also a self-centered aspect to many of their lives in the manner in which they interpret life around them. I found the action of one college age daughter to be beyond infuriating and could not believe that the father suffered her abuse in the manner that he did. Those that love to read this author will find this a book to be a treasure. That I am not a fan, is probably obvious. I find her work complex, which I enjoy, but emotionally draining at times, when there appears to be little redemption for anyone and the characters appear too hard edged to ring true. I think she is a gifted writer, but not someone I seek out. I read this for a book group and the book group was divided over this novel.