This book is not at all like most of the books I read, but I enjoyed it after I got used to the two stories. Since I have little knowledge about Brahms and the Schumanns, I found their lives and relationships very interesting. Through much of the book, I found it hard to understand or like the main characters in the contemporary story, but by the end, I understood them better and was sorry the story was as short as it is. An engaging look at two relationships, one historical, the other contemporary. It asks and examines the question "Can men and women be friends?" through the lens of the the relationship between Clara Schumann and Brahms. This book was interesting - it certainly took chances, as we read about an author in an modern day relationship writing the book we are reading. Ansay also formatted dialogue in a way I hadn't seen done before. It kind of annoyed me, but it was new and daring, and I can admire that. The plot moved along nicely, and I couldn't seem to put it down. However, for me, something was missing. I know that's not helpful, but I couldn't help wishing for more "meat". Even though the question seemed to be about friendships, we don't actually SEE the main character pursuing or attempting to maintain any true friendships with men. It seems to be a one-sided examination of the issue, to me, that maybe, in the end just shrugs its shoulders and says that maybe the question doesn't really matter all that much.
What do You think about Good Things I Wish You (2009)?
Ok. Good for a holiday read.mit just lacked that certain something that makes a great book for me.
—LoadodBS
Loved it .... couldn't put it down. A great storyteller !!
—krosty
5 word review: great story. Disjointed ending
—Adele
