Could've been better

For someone with AH's writing style, this is how I feel about this book. It really could've been better, although it was not painfully difficult to read. I will agree with the reviews that said that they "don't understand how the movie ever came from this book apart from Gillian, and Sally, and the two aunts." I think that seeing the movie frist gave me unfair expectations for how the plot should've been in the book. Not only was the plot out of order, but most parts were so unreccognizable that this book should really be set completely apart from the movie altogether.

Now After I got over the fact that the book is different from the movie, even character-wise, I couldn't get over the writing style. It is just not something I'm used to. AH is excellent for her comparative descriptions, and painting a pretty "still" picture, but she is not good with following through in this story. I have never read another one of her books so I do not know if this is common for her. Also her writing style is described by others as light and easy to read. For me her pen was so light within this story that at some points it barely touched the paper. This is essentially a love story with many twists and turns. I am definately NOT a fan of romance novels, although I guess this one is alright. The fact that it is a romance novel is cleverly almost hidden.

If there are those of you who haven't seen the movie as of yet and wish to get this book, I say read the book first and then see the movie. Although I can bet that whichever one is examined first will leave you hating the other. Either the book or the movie since the plot-lines are barely reccognizable. Still, I'm not sorry to have purchased this book as I am a sort of collector of these things.