Title: shallow sentimentality
Product review: I picked up this novel on a whim in the "summer reading" section at a local bookstore. Books classified in such a way are notoriously cursory; I suppose I got what I asked for. If you're a person who prefers a thought-provoking summer novel (like me) for prolonged interest and/or inspiration, you might want to think twice before paying the money for the hardcover edition. The characters, although easy to sympathize with, are cliche to the point of ridicule. Everyone reacts in such a way that is entirely predictable. Nevertheless, Sebold's depiction of heaven is enthralling, especially the description of various smells. Don't be misled by my criticism; this isn't a bad book if you can stand relatively superficial, typical characterization and plot development.
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