Izzy

I enjoyed the first two book of Courtenay's Australian Trilogy because I felt like the reader really got to know and care about the main characters (Ikey, Mary, Tommo, Hawk.) With Solomon's Song though I felt like I never really got to know Victoria, Ben, and especially, Joshua. While I enjoyed the long section about the war, I have to wonder if these pages could have been spent in more character development as well as seeing how Hawk has dealt with the death of his twin brother and the love of his life. Also, what happens to the Potato Factory? This company really defined Mary as a strong female character and then it seems forgotten in this last book.

The beginning and end of this book really kept my attention, but there were some parts in the middle where I found my mind wandering. I am certainly interested in checking out some more works by Margaret George though.

I can't believe I didn't know this was an Ian McEwan novel! I saw the movie quite a while ago and enjoyed it. This has been added to my reading list (which grows longer the more I check out this site!)

I read some of the reviews about this book on a different site yesterday. I couldn't believe the reasons some people gave it poor reviews. For example, the fragmented sentences and lack of puncuation. I agree that it was distracting at first, but as I get further into the book it just feels right to have it that way. The characters are in a world where rules no longer apply. Why not show that in the style of writing? Another complaint was the monotonous, boring dialogue. If I were with the same person for over a year without seeing another person I think we'd run out of interesting things to talk about (esp. with a small child.) I could imagine in a situation like this that days could go by with no conversation at all. Readers also gave poor reviews because the book is desolate and sad. Well, I personally didn't go into this book ready for a cheery novel. And, one last point. You can't give a book a poor review because you don't like the actions the characters take. One reader was disgusted that the man doesn't help the old man who was struck by lightening and the son is upset. If I had to choose between feeding and helping a stranger or making sure that I had enough food for my child and that my child was safe, I wouldn't have to put a seconds thought into that decision. I am really enjoying this book at the halfway point and hope I feel the same way when I'm done so I don't have to come back here and edit what I just wrote!

I love this book. I am reading for the second time within the year. The sequel, Tandia, is also a good read. I just ordered Courtenay's Potato Facory trilogy. I can't believe it's so difficult to find this talented author's work in the US. I was lucky that I was able to find an Ebayer with all three books and only in Canada so there isn't a huge shipping fee.

I have been dying to read this and just started yesterday. Now I am extra excited to dig right in!

Mary, I agree. I was very sad when it ended and I can't wait to read it again.

I lost interest really fast... maybe made it 50 pages. I might try again when I don't have other books I am wanting to read.

I honestly could not finish this book. I had a very difficult time getting into it.

I agree 100% with TheLibrarian. It is a slow start, but it does payoff. At first you can't believe that it's a Stephen King novel. By the end you'll know it though!