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Title: Disliked most of the characters
Review: I've always enjoyed Jane Hamilton's books and still think she's a gifted writer, but had to force myself to finish this book. The main character's voice isn't remotely believable for a 17-year-old, then 20-something-year-old young man. His use of "Mrs. Shaw," "my mother," "Liza," "Beth," etc. etc. etc. for his mother is likely a metaphor for a life lesson, but I found it extremely mannered and annoying. Why change her name 8 times in one paragraph?Absolutely detested the Elvira character--also totally unbelievable for a 13-year-old. I never found myself warming to her and was quite unmoved by her "ordeal." His father was never anything more than a vague presence, which is possibly the point.The basic premise is a great one and could've been a thought-provoking, insightful, more enjoyable read without the self-conscience intellectualizing and the Civil War obsession.
