Article Feedback:
User Rating 2 out of 5 2 out of 5
(1 review)
11 Write a review


Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 2 out of 5
Too Much, Too Soon, September 18, 2009
By Mary.Jones

"While this novel is well written and quickly draws the reader's interest, I found it unrealistic as an example of "come on back in, the water's fine."

Sydney Skylar, recovering from PTSD from two previous relationships, and employed as a tutor for the Edwards' family, allows herself (in my opinion) to be pulled in over her head far too soon.

In addition to Mrs. Edward's daughter, Julie, being "ripe for the picking," I think Anita Shreve may have also been describing Sydney.

Although Sydney warms up to Mr. Edwards for all the
right reasons (his unassuming nature, love of family, acquainance with the historical facts surrounding
the purchase of the beach house, etc.), this is slightly
out of sync with the too immediate gravitational pull Mr. Edward's son, Jeff, exerts on Sydney.

In fact, at one point, when Mr. Edwards asks her if she doesn't feel slightly off balance about marrying Jeff so soon, Sydney replies: "No, I don't feel at all gun-shy. Maybe I should, but I don't."

When Ben explains about Jeff's deception (and the extreme competitive nature of his "sibling rivalry" about which he perhaps should have clued her in), he says (very simply) to Sydney: "He saw I noticed you, so he wanted you. End of story."

To which Sydney replied, "And I let him have me." This kind of spoiled the story for me. Because it seems to me that after being stung twice, Sydney should have been much more vigilant and a better judge of human nature.
She was too much of a "rag on every bush."

Sydney does not know how to come to terms with Jeff's betrayal. Was he simply a flawed human being, is he innately evil?

The romantic bonding (between Sydney and Jeff) moved much too fast, and (although it makes an interesting story), I don't think it was too plausible from Sydney's point of view, except from the point of view of desperation.

Another problem I had with the story is Julie's gayness. Although the entire Edwards' family (including Sydney, Jeff, Ben, etc.) originally hovered over her, blamed themselves, and were beside themselves with worry
over Julie's drinking, they all too quickly caved in
to her lesbian affair with Helene.

But the scenic descriptions in the novel were wonderful
to read, and very enjoyable."

Was this review helpful to you?  Yes No