Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Starts off with great promise, however the characters disappointed me., January 2, 2006
This book grabbed me right away because I related to Ali's feelings of being in a middle-aged slump, harried from the duties of motherhood and marriage, especially when her children seemed unappreciative and her husband seemed indifferent and distant. I can only image how flattered she felt by the attention of a handsome young artist; as though she regained her own identity and wasn't only viewed as an extension of her family. It's even understandable that she played hookey from work to spend a day with Christian (although she should have called in rather than been a no-show), especially when he so persistantly and persuasively insisted that there was no harm in just being friends. Honestly, I was very prepared to like Ali as a character and to sympathize with her plight.
However, everything spun out of control in a totally negative direction once her husband Ed tossed her out without listening to her side of the story nor giving her the benefit of the doubt. It is unconscionable that she'd move in with Christian at this point rather than humbly return home to work things out with Ed. I grew very impatient with Ali's irresponsibly, especially towards her children. I can't imagine a mother being so selfish. As well, I wanted to clobber both Ed and Ali for their stubborness and self-centered behavior, and smack some sense into Christian for his attitude as well. No one really considered the children's feelings in all this. This middle part of the story seemed to drag on.
For a book to evoke such powerful feelings, it must be very well-written! It's obvious the author is very a very talented story-teller and a very witty writer. Although I didn't like the turns the plot took and I don't approve with the actions of the characters, I still feel this was a worthwhile and thought-provoking book to read, bringing to light the consequences of one's impulsive and selfish actions.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Temptation and Marriage - I could not put this book down, July 31, 2003
Ali and Ed Kingston lead an ordinary life with their three children. They are always busy rushing around to get to work, get the kids off to school and then pick them up, attend the parent-teacher meetings, and cook a meal that everyone will eat. Ali and Ed are just like every other couple - two passing ships in the night. Suddenly things take a turn when Ali meets a young handsome man, Christian, during her break from work. Christian is a street artist who sketches her picture one afternoon, He declares how beautiful she is, which is something she has not heard in years. Ali is swept into the romance of being noticed by the hunk, and soon they decide to skip work and meet secretly. When Ed finds out about Ali's secret meeting, both of their worlds are turned upside-down. Sadly, their bullheadedness keeps them apart. Ed begins dating a co-worker and a school teacher, which has some hilarious twists and turns. The children provide most of the comedy, and it is amazing to see how much they understand about what is going on. The subplot with Ali's sister, Jemma, and Ed's brother, Neil, is also very entertaining. Carole Matthews does a great job of involving the reader in all of the emotions the characters are feeling. This book will draw you in and keep you there. The story of how this couple's paths split but stay near and close is wonderful. I highly recommend reading this book to see if they come back together. As a married woman I often look back on young love and its emotions, but this book points out the reality and how a minor indescretion can lead to major heartbreak.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Minor Indiscretion made Major, February 6, 2006
The indiscretion of a kiss from the main character, Ali, with a younger guy, turns into a major ordeal. It also turns into a majorly long novel. The first mistake of her minor indiscretion was admitting it to her husband, Ed. He hasn't admitted to her the full fledged affair he previously had to his wife. The major characters, Ali, Ed, and Chrisitan the young lover are all stubborn, in the biggest way, their refusal to change.
When Ed decides he cannot handle Ali's minor indiscretion he throws her out. After a failed attempt to move in with her sister, she has only one place to turn, the young lad she shared a kiss with, and his flatmates. She soon finds out the emotions she was feeling in a trying time were lust not love with Christian. Christian refuses to grow up, giving her children drugs and being a squatter. Christian is not there for her when she needs him the most.
It takes a major health crisis for Ed and Ali to realize that they need each other.
This book is very long, but no matter which frustrations you have with all three main characters, one is compelled to read it until the end.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
