This novel tracking the lives of a globe-trotting family paints a poignant picture of the expat lifestyle and the desperate quest to belong. Julia and Howard Lament are both trying to overcome the shortcomings of their upbringing, and find in each other all that they ever wanted. When their first bouncing happy baby is kidnapped by a troubled young woman in Rhodesia, they find themselves adopting her sickly premature son. Thus begins a life of uncertainty for both Julia and Howard as well as their son Will. Constantly on the move searching for a better job, a better lifestyle, a sense of home, the Laments instead find themselves drifting further and further from each other and from the life they once dreamed of living.

I was impressed by the writing style, and the way characters in the story gradually revealed more and more about themselves as the novel progressed. At heart, I found this a sad book, and was pained by the Laments efforts to create a home for themselves in an ever-changing world. Hagen does a wonderful job of conveying the sense of disconnection that pervades the expat community even today. I highly recommend this debut novel. ( )

Nice, but I read better 'life stories'. ( )

A friend of mine (you know who you are) picked this up, said "quirky," turned up her nose and then put it down. It did have its quirks, but there was more to it than that. It was actually kind of sweet, in a British way, but edgy, also in a British way. I liked it. So there, Elizabeth. ( )

This fictional memoir was a great read, very informative, and very recommendable. Loved it! I recommended this book immediately to my family and friends. They all loved it too. ( )

Vaguely reminiscent of "World According to Garp" but not nearly as clever. ( )

http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies... ( )

I thought this book was really good. It had an interesting ending as well as likable characters! ( )