I just read this too. It was delightful. I was concerned that the ending wouldn't maintain the integrity of the rest of the book. I worried for nothing - it was absolutely fitting and one of the best endings I've read.

Thank you for your feedback, Skibby. Yes, that's one of the things I enjoyed about the book too that it maintained its integrity throughout. I liked that the characters also stayed "in character" and I agree, what a nice ending to the book.

How did you hear about this book? Do you belong to a book club?

For myself, this is another "Oprah recommended" book, and I don't belong to a book club, although I am considering joining one.

Stacey - I think I found out about it on the Books and Reading forum on GW. I don't belong to a book club presently but I have in the past. They can be lots of fun and they all seem to work a little bit different.

My reaction may be different because I am *old*! Seeing characters come to life *eventually* still means their best days were thrown away.

Reconsidering the story, I think of the lives ruined by Harold's early-murdered and late-revived Self. As much as he was to be pitied, he was still a blight on the lives of his wife, child and friend.

I couldn't understand why Maureen married Harold -- or martyred herself by staying with him, especially in their early years. Her attraction was supposedly based on a brief moment in which he *expressed* himself -- dancing. We are to believe he only regained a sense of self after he stumbled into his self-appointed savior role. (That's a LOT of empty years!)

Harold's need for his work friend to 'stay alive' bothered me a lot. Neither he nor the the equally thoughtless cheerleaders of his 'cause' gave a thought to Queenie's suffering -- or that SHE might have been better served by his getting to her bedside immediately.

Queenie is yet another 'fringe' character, living on the memory of having been loved only as a child -- and her horrible, prolonged death. How *convenient* that Harold was so late to her bedside that they could not converse.

Yes, the ending speaks of the possibility of a fuller life for Harold and Maureen. Do you believe they can sustain Change once they settle back in the old homestead? That's a far stretch for me. (I am not religious, so perhaps I've missed a 'message' in the book.)

At least they'll be able to see out their windows again!

Thank you for your comments, Chisue. Your feedback raises points that I hadn't thought about! Now that makes me want to read the book again, with your comments in mind this time. As a lover of literature, I think it's important to look at all aspects of a book. This is what I do miss about not being in a book club.

Stacey -- I'm glad you found something to like about my mostly negative comments. I did enjoy reading the book, but afterwards...I had my doubts. I'm not sure about the author's intent, and we can never be sure how much editing for sales may have changed a book.

Chisue - people's reading experiences are so individual, that it's not surprising there would be different opinions about this book! I'm always interested in adding to my reading list - what are some of your favorite books?