This story is wonderful—telling the saga of a quiet Missouri-born (1878) woman as she gradually gains a voice. It’s thoroughly engaging. I liked the historical elements—especially imagining life around the turn-of-the 20th century in rural Missouri and in St. Louis—but more liked how fully it drew the development of this intelligent character. With this growth came her opportunities to enjoy a life, which, of course, pleases the reader, but also feels very believable. Compelling writing.

This was a long and painful read - and it's not even a long book! It was a book club pick, so I had to get through it, but thankfully I also had it on audiobook, so I was able to listen while doing just about anything else. Otherwise, I really don't think I would have made it through

A wifes gradual realization that her husband is not estude and a boring self centered companion.

Mentioned as a best book of 2010 in Sunday Star Times pC8 12.10.10 - based on Middlemarch.

A woman constrained by marriage to an eccentric scientist.

I almost forced myself to finish this book. The writing is "overcooked". It could have been more simple and more to the point. The characters are interesting enough but the story doesn't flow.

"Private Life" by Jane Smiley I almost forced myself to finish this book. The writing is "overcooked". It could have been more simple and more to the point. The characters are interesting enough but the story doesn't flow.