This was a short, charming read that I devoured in less than a day. A little bit "Call Me By Your Name" and a little bit "Brokeback Mountain." It started slow and was not what I thought it would be, which was a story about a working class man, lonely and alone. Instead, it turned out to be a sweet, sad story of friendship, interrupted and enhanced by love -- between friends, lovers, the family we have and the one we choose. Recommended.

This is one of those wonderful books that all you need is peace and quiet and I used that to my advantage to sit down and read this book in one day.

This is also a beautiful story of two friends from childhood who explore each other's sexuality without all the talk about it. I didn't realize the content until I was fully engrossed into this wonderfully written story and was sad that it had to end and so fast. I enjoyed Sarah Winman's book and look forward to picking up another one.

Thank you Net Gallery for this opportunity for review this well written, engrossing read. I wish it wasn't so short and sad.


Cherie'
#netgallery #sarahwinman #penguingroupputnam

All in all I found the style confusing. Half of the book by one person, second half by the other. This wasn't as much the problem as the narrators both spoke of past and present without much change in tense and voice, so I felt I had to double back to suss out if Michael was writing/ journaling about a prior event or talking about his current life. Were Ellis' memories or present ponderings. And when all was said and done, I wasn't that interested in their memories or their present ruminations.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I really thought I'd love it and I'm disappointed that I did not. Although the writing was impressive, beautiful really, I just didn't like the story itself. I struggled to get on with the plot. I felt for Elias - his character, his loneliness, it was very well done. But beyond feeling for a character, I really didn't like much else.

An absolutely beautiful book. Ellis's story is both heartbreaking and real. It is so much more than a love story; it is a story about family and love and loss and friendship and what-could-have-beens and redemption and forgiveness. One of the best I've read in a while, and one that will stick with you well after you've finished the last page.

I absolutely loved When God Was A Rabbit and wanted to feel the same way about this book, but I didn't. I didn't hate the book, it just wasn't for me. It all began with a painting of sunflowers. I loved the first chapter, but after that it seemed like a totally different book. I didn't love the characters. It's definitely a love story, just a very sad love story. I thought there would be more to the ending.

Give the book a try because you may end up loving it. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and the author, Sarah Winman, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

Thanks to Netgalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the ARC of this novel. This was a soft, quiet story with some heart-breaking moments. In fact, quite a few heart-breaking moments. I couldn’t help but compare it to A Little Life, in fact, that might be a more apt title for this book. The writing was beautiful, very evocative.

This beautiful little novel about love and longing, friendship and kindness, grief and survival will rip your heart out and yet it is nearly impossible to put down. The main characters, and even the bit players, will stay with you long after the last page is turned. One of the best books of the year for me and a treasure to be pressed into other readers' hands. Highly recommended.

It was well written and I read it through to the end, however I felt like I never really got to know the characters all that well. Also may have been swayed by my husband of 49 1/2 years celebrating this new year by suddenly leaving me for his boyfriend, a friend of the family

Wow, just wow. I just finished this book and it was absolutely the most beautiful piece of fiction I have read in a very long time. I don't know what to say about the book that wouldn't trivialize the love story so I am just going to say, please read this book. You will not regret it and it will remain with you for a long time.

Sweet and tender story of three people spiraling in a love triangle. The story hops around in time to tell the tale and centers on a painting that is meaningful to the group. A beautifully written story.