A Blessed Event

"A Blessed Event" is that special kind of book where the writing is as enjoyable and involving as the story itself. The novel is, at its heart, the story of the friendship of two women and what happens when circumstances bring them closer together and tragedy threatens to tear them apart. As a man, I felt that I could understand, better than with any book I've read, what a friendship - a close friendship - between two women is like. The ending was perfect, but in a way, I wish the book hadn't ended. This would be a great book for book clubs, because it's the kind of book you want to share. It's hard to discuss such a wonderful book, though, with friends who haven't yet read it. So I've been buying copies for friends and relatives.

What a debut novel! From the first page you are powerless against it. It starts with an explosive event, pulls back to reveal characters and the lines that connect them, and then, with each chapter, adds emotional flesh to their bones -- and considerable momentum to the plot -- building to a deeply emotional payoff that feels wholly earned. Page writes with luminous compassion and a finely tuned ear, drawing deeply defined (and deeply flawed) human beings. A beautiful story, beautifully written. Do not miss!!

What a wonderful new writer we have in Jean Reynolds Page! Again and again, I'd find some new passage or exchange that touched me to my soul, and I'd stop and think: "she can't know what THAT'S like." But she does, inevitably. I was astonished by the confidence and sensitivity with which Page set her scenes. I'm going to go back and read some favorite parts aloud -- the best test of a book, or so I find. "A Blessed Event" is not just a "good read," it is a work of art.

Like any good thriller, the book starts with a bang. By the end of the second chapter you are hooked. The main characters are introduced and you cannot wait to find out what happens to them. As the story unfolds, your head spins as one layer of emotional complexity is intertwined with another. Parenthood, friendship, faith, marriage, loyalty and honesty are themes that are first entangled and then untwisted into a beautiful finished quilt as the book ends in a way that is both surprising and pleasing. A highly recommended read.

The readers of 'A Blessed Event' are in more than capable hands with Jean Reynolds Page in her fine debut novel. The book covers rugged moral terrain that Page, much to her credit, makes no attempt to pretty-up, but presents warts and all. Darla and Joanne, the central characters, share a lifelong, twin-like closeness, and by the book's end we have seen both of them make bad decisions as well as good, arrived at through weakness as well as strength--but always with deep love. Their mistakes--and there are lots of them--are the mistakes that good people make when they understand the consequences of their actions too little and too late; when they long for things too much; and when they desire outcomes for each other that in reality can't be had. The pacing of 'A Blessed Event' is excellent, the characters finely drawn, the blending of flashback and present well-controlled and seamless, the story original and compelling. I strongly recommend this book as a brisk and satisfying read.