"Tremendous character driven tale"
Teenager Susie Salmon looks down from her heaven to observe
her family suffering from grief over her disappearance.
She also sees her killer trying to cover his odious deed.
As the next few weeks pass, Susie continues to watch as her
parents' marriage seems to disintegrate as neither can cope
with not knowing whether she lived; her sister turns into
an unfeeling rock to be strong; and her little brother
cannot understand what happened to Susie. Her heaven is a playground, but the swings are perfect.
Counselors help Susie and other newcomers cope and she
makes new friends. However, heaven cannot give her what
she most desires. She wants to be back with her loving
family as they seek closure in different ways. Any reader lucky enough to peruse THE LOVELY BONES will
know how fortunate they are to be in on the early stages of
what appears to be a super talent. The creative story line
is deftly handled so that the audience can follow how
various key players, especially the Salmon family insuring
Susie, cope or not with their loss. Alice Sebold provides
a tremendous character driven tale that though melancholy
yet optimist makes reading a heaven on earth. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 15, 2002
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