As always, Anita Shreve does not disappoint her fans (like myself).  In this novel, she presents us with questions about love versus obsession.  I wondered throughout the novel why Van Tassel loves (or thinks he loves) Etna Bliss.  Clearly, he objectifies her.  She is a beautiful woman not emotionally available to him.  It seems that this fact alone makes him want her more.  What a dummy. I enjoyed this novel and I find it facinating to ponder questions about love like why we love who we love.