The beginning of this novel put me off because of the nasty character in Gloria Garrison. It is written that way for a reason as I found out by sticking with the slow parts until it picked up and took a twist. The story is about three cousions from New York who visit Santa Fe and their long estranged grandmother who has a proposal for them. The young adults end up giving Gloria a run for her vast wealth and icy heart. The stories go from character to character, four points of view. They are done well. I was glad that I finished the book as it was enjoyable. I've been happily reading Susan Isaacs's books for decades now. I enjoyed this book too, which has her trademark smart characters, New York sarcasm, and snappy dialog. But my favorite of her oeuvre, Shining Through, is still firmly in first place.**SPOILER ALERT**I hate to criticize, because Isaacs's theme here is worthy: A mean and bitter woman who realizes what she has lost takes steps to reconcile with estranged family and friends. She is following the Jewish concept of Teshuvah, a concept that is explicitly explained. It's a good transformation -- Gloria the sarcastic doesn't become a cream puff. It's more like Gloria the savvy businesswoman realizes that ya gota do what ya gotta do to get what you want. That part seemed real to me.But I also agree with the reviewers who found the book tedious. The story is told via conversations among the four characters (Gloria and her three grandchildren) and interior monologues. And here is where the problem arises. The voices of the characters all sound the same. Yes, the content varies, with each character struggling with his/her particular issues. But because the voices are not different, it becomes page after page after page after page of talk, talk, talk, talk.
What do You think about Goldberg Variations (2012)?
Too slow !!! This could have been way more interesting as a short story. dragged on and on...
—raf
Don't waste your time. Not one of her best.
—Simone
Another interesting view of family ties.
—missldking
