Oh my goodness! Reading this novel was an experience akin to trying to read a wave, or a lyrical piece of music. Marilynne Robinson's writing is so lovely I got lost in it. She tells a hauntingly poignant story of abandonment and the ties that bind. If you love good literature, read this book. ( )

The story of two sisters, told from the viewpoint of one of the girls. Orphaned when their mother committed suicide and again when their grandmother died. Two elderly great aunts came to try to take care of them, but they were too old and set in their ways. So in steps their very eccentric Aunt Sylvie. That's the simplistic version of the story. But this story about an eccentric family with perhaps a history of mental illness is so much more than that. The story is as much about the town of Fingerbone and the lake and what defines normal and what defines a family and what is love. It's not a book to rush through. I found myself re-reading sentences because of their poetic beauty. I was reading this while I was going through pre-op and post-op procedures at a hospital. It held my attention so thoroughly that several times when I was called from the waiting room, I didn't hear them calling my name. When I was young I used to be able to dive into a book as if I was entering another world. I can't remember the last time I was able to do that, but this book had me completely absorbed. ( )

Quietly & hauntingly beautiful. It resonated with me & I loved it. I often found myself forming the words silently with my lips - her way with words is unique & delicate & striking.However, it's definitely not a book everyone will like. The focus of this book is not the plot, & descriptions & thoughts take up more room than action or dialogue. If you're not into meandering prose & philosophical ponderings, then it's not a book for you. ( )

I am in the minority. Well crafted and with beautiful prose. She writes very desriptively. I just didn't like the story itself and couldn't wait for it to be finished. I kept wondering what the point of the story even was. ( )

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I have ever read, 1 Feb 2006
By A Customer

This review is from: Housekeeping (Mass Market Paperback)
This book creates a magical, almost dreamy atmosphere, and certain sections are very poetic. It follows the lives of two girls who are orphaned and looked after by their aunt, who was formerly a vagrant. Set in the lakes, the scenery is described beautifully. Emotionally very intelligent - it was easy to empathise with the characters. It is a short book, which is a shame.