I tend to agree with some of the other reviews –the front cover is a huge draw (you think it will be a fun chick flick similar to Jennifer Weiner or Sarah Pekkanen’s work). However, it was not in my opinion- disappointing. The basis of the novel was good—poor quirky girl (Tina) an outcast, goes from living in a trailer park (housekeeper) to a 12-room apartment overlooking Central Park in NY.Lots of drama from her evil sisters, Bill’s sons (her mother’s second husband) who died only a few weeks earlier, crazy neighbors, lawyer, finds her mom kept hidden, rare plants, secret passages----- however, the main character development did not have a lot of depth, and plot planning was just not there for me. If you like this sort of quirky book – may be for you. It's difficult for me to say I'm disappointed with this book, because it does have many redeeming qualities, but the ending left me feeling so empty that it almost feels impossible to recover from that. Let's get the other bad stuff out of the way: the narrator read almost exactly like another character of Rebeck's, 14 year old Ameila Heller from 'Three Sisters and a Brother.' In fact, there were a lot of similarities in theme and style, though I liked the latter so I didn't think much of her borrowing the characters voice. I did find, however, that the immaturity was impossible for Tina to recover from.Some of the plot points were so choppy it was almost cringeworthy. There could have been real potential with the whole ghost deal, but I think Rebeck missed her chance to make that something powerful. The characters were all highly unlike able, though I understand that was the point, but I really just wanted to root for SOMEONE. Pete was alright but the muddled situation with his mother kinda ruined him, too.Aside from that, the plot was twisty and slightly unpredictable which made you turn the page and, with the exception of a few overzealous board members, I thought the greed and general Inhumanity of the UWS seemed quite well documented. A bit exaggerated, but overall pretty realistic. I really wanted her to go farther with the underlying theme of 'kept women' and how they're stuck In their lives etc et, (I mean with a title like that? I kind of expect a feminist banner here) but I suppose I appreciated the subtlety. Rebecks dialogue, coming from the stage, is always spot on so she has that working for her. I don't know. I'd probably love this if it weren't for the ending. I FEEL DUPED man, just duped.
What do You think about Twelve Rooms With A View (2010)?
Unlikable people interacting with other unlikable people. Probably best to avoid.
—dingis
Ehh. Ok. Great setting. Some interesting characters. Kind of tedious.
—kennakid
