A Map of the World

I must admit that I was skeptical in picking up this book because I did not enjoy The Book of Ruth, a book in which I just could not relate to any of the characters or their life choices. And yet, I was blown away -- I found this work to have such depth of character and so much meaning. Ms. Hamilton writes so beautifully that the characters come alive and you experience their tragedies just as if you were a close friend. Just as one reviewer said, you can't put it down, but you tremble as you turn the page, terrified of what may happen next. It is an amazing story of the power of forgiveness, and surviving (but not triumphing over) adversity.

I read A Short History of A Prince last year and I was incredibly impressed with Hamilton's work. So when Oprah picked A Map of the World for her Bookclub I was anxiously anticipating a good read. I must say that I was far from disappointed for the novel which traces the fall and rise of a farm workers family is indeed a sharply beautiful and elegant work. I feel that the triptych like structure is an excellent way of highlighting the different points of view - Alice, her husband Howard and then back to Alice for the final court room scenes. The psychological descriptions of Alice's inability to cope with Lizzie's drowning are riveting. Also, masterful are the decriptions of her husband Howard as he tries to hold up the "home front" when Alice is incarcerated for suspected child abuse. Hamilton's eye for natural detail is great and her use of metaphor terrific. She has a keen ear for natural dialogue and a remarkable capacity to present wonderfully complex three dimensional characters. She really makes us feel Alice, Howard's and Teresa's pain and hurt. The novel works on many levels: as a "map" of family life which slowly disintergrates; a psychological analysis of death grief and loss; and also as a cinematic court room drama (I can't wait to see the film!). The fragilities of economic circumstance are also explored. Nothing in life is ever guaranteed. Hamilton shows the closed mindedness of small town life: the Goodwins were percieved as different, eccentic and hippyish. They didn't fit in and the "god fearing" citizens of the town new it. By writing this novel Hamilton is perhaps making us not only aware of the shortcomings of being different in a homogenious environment but also the pitfalls of trying to build a life in such an insulated and ultimately prejudiced community. A great, important work of literature.Michael Leonard

I was hesitant to pick this book after reading some reader reviews describing it as boring, too wordy, and turned off by the death of a child.On the contrary, I found it very rich, textural, and complex in a very human way. I was never bored and whipped through this in less than a week. I found it fascinating. I loved the way Alice narrated it at first, then Howard, than back to Alice again.People are very fallible, complex characters and this book finds the perfect pitch to tell that story. It is about surviving trageday, and ultimately, forgiveness. While this is not a "happy" read, I was not depressed by it either. I get so tired of people complaining about subject matter being depressing and therefore, throwaway. It is through pain we often find joy. For me, a good book, or movie is something that grips me and holds my attention, whether it be happy or sad or both. This is one of the better books I have read in a long time. I will read more by Jane Hamilton.

I can see the funeral in my mind's eye as I write. I have read Hamilton's other books and found them a bit dull. But, my God, this book will rip your heart out. I actually told the story to my husband on a car trip. We were crying so hard we had to pull over. Astounding piece of fiction.

I was intrigued at the efficient way the author lets us in on the most personal thoughts of these characters, their lives and how their whole world so suddenly changes direction. It is a reminder to all of us that life is not to take for granted and that we can all fall from grace.