Title: Talented writer; So-so story!
Product review: Okay, I admit it - I just wasn't crazy about this book. The whole idea of a mentally-ill and controlling aunt (Amanda) ruining the life of her little niece (Ruth) after the girl's mother (Mathilda) mysteriously fell through the ice and drowned one cold winter eve just disturbed me. ...And the ending was even more disappointing, leaving me with a tremendous feeling of hopelessness!This was Ms. Schwarz's first novel, and I did find her to be a talented writer in that her literary style was intriguing. The narrative alternates between the 3rd-person and the 1st-person. The 1st-person segments were from both Ruth and Amanda's perspective and I liked these parts best. It was this style of writing that kept me interested, despite my apathy toward the story. Because of her obvious talent, I would read a second novel by the same author if the story itself interests me.
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