Title: Engrossing and beautifully crafted
Review: This is a beautifully structured novel with diverse and believable characters. Much of their realism lies in their unpredictable choices and preferences. Just as in real life, we may question their motives and actions; but they are what they are. Godwin has avoided stereotyping. Her descriptive abilities are at their best when she depicts her characters' most excruciating moments, which are the heart of the book.Although the ecclesiastical setting is essential to the story, the dialog is sometimes self-consciously pedantic. When the characters discuss theology, the reader senses that the discussion is primarily for the benefit of the reader, that the characters are aware of an audience. Nevertheless, Godwin's tale of loss and forgiveness more than overcomes this flaw.
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