Fall on Your Knees in Queereaders

Oct 09, 2009 Erica rated it really liked it

This is one of those books that I liked so much I have a hard time knowing what to say about it. It was recommended by a friend and I was a little worried (despite the excellent writing that was evident from the first chapter) because I usually shy away from epic, multi generational stories, preferring those that are smaller and tighter. But whose story could I have born to cut? Not a one, although I did take a little break before reading Kathleen’s diary at the end.

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Jul 20, 2010 Sarah rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010

Three stars is actually pushing it for this book. The first 400 pages would be a four-star recommendation-worthy read, but then everything falls apart. I think a more imaginative theme for this family saga would have been extremely beneficial. To rely on the easy way out -- shock the reader (not really) -- and conclude the book with a wrap-up that just feels way too simplistic and obvious forgets the spirit of the first two-thirds of the book, where the writer actually allows the reader to exper ...more

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Mar 14, 2008 O'Rissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: queer, feminism-women-s-lit, fiction, ww-ii, racial-ethnic-cultural, canadian, faves, historical-fiction, geographic-regional, american-history

I never really subscribed to Oprah's book club, but I found a nice, shiny, and relatively ignored copy of this at my library and decided to read it, if only because it still had the "new book" smell...

...I must say.. Ms. MacDonald you certainly have one me over. The language is beautiful, and the story in general is just amazing.... Undoubtedly worth all of the hype. ...more

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Aug 12, 2015 Tom added it

Shelves: canadian-author

Really liked this book, though it was pretty bleak. Pretty amazing to think this is her first novel, though she's accomplished in many other areas. I felt it started to drag a bit in the middle...kind of spun its wheels for a bit. But ultimately, despite the many tragedies it contained, it was redemptive and a insightful look at humanity. ...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Willow marked it as to-read

Not quite sure why I'm reading this. Am about 70 pages in and completely uncomfortable so far.
Had to stop. Perhaps this is one of those books I should try again with in 10 years. ...more

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