A Theory of Relativity

I think this author has a way of looking at important issues that can happen in family life. The rights of adopted children in family inheritance was explained very well. Unfortunately she also can get long worded on things that have nothing important to add to the story. Although throughout the story the reader wants to have Gordon succeed in getting custody, he sure makes enough mistakes about his life to question it. Also it was never understood why Keefer's parents were changing their will right before they died so that the father's family would have custody. What happens to Delia's family solved the problem but I did not like the very ending of Gordon's way to live.

This book explores questions surrounding family, particularly what it means to be family: is a matter of genes or relationships? For anyone who has ever had to deal with the bureaucracy surrounding adoption specifically or custody cases in general, this book chronicles the range of emotions felt by the adults trying to obtain permanent care for the child they love. The book also delves into the nature of grief, describing the various ways different people choose to deal with the loss of a loved one. The writing is well done, but not spectacular, and the narrative voice suddenly changes at the very end, which I'm still not sure if I really like. At the end of the novel, all loose ends are tied up and there is an ostensibly happy ending show more for all, which is a nice conclusion to have from time to time. show less

I enjoy Mitchard's writing and feel she is adept at fleshing out her characters. This book was no exception. I particularly enjoyed the theme of what constitutes family and whether a blood tie is a mandatory requirement.

However, I grossly disappointed in the ending of the book. I am always upset when an author takes the time to craft a story and subplots complete with the problems and pitfalls that naturally occur in life - only to find ways to tie up all the loose ends in pretty bows for the ending. Sadly, this is what Mitchard seems to be attempting with this novel. I found the ending to be completely contrived and unbelievable.

I really enjoy her writing, because her characters are really well drawn. She does have a way of wrapping things up very neatly and a bit oddly in the last 2 books of hers that I've read, but I'll keep reading. A very good exploration of some of the loopholes in the law...in this case, adoption law, but really there are quite a few out there. I'd enjoy a conversation with a number of these characters, although I'm not crazy about the way Gordy treated women, Keefer excepted.

This is a great book for exploring questions the adoptees may face. I won't summarize the book as you can find that elsewhere. While the book held my attention because of the topic and the situation--I wondered who would finally win custody, I found sections of the book to be tedious. Too much description and the thoughts of characters that had no impact on, or didn't advance, the story. The writing style at times was hard to follow. I loved the main characters--Gordy, Keefer, the McKenna's. There are no bad guys, just everyone trying to do the right thing for Keefer, but you feel the injustice for Gordy. He was the closest relative, but his claim is denied because he's adopted. Foul! I think the author could have written the book more show more succinctly. show less

This book took me ahile to get through. It was good but a little slow at times. It starts out with the death of a husband and wife who have a one year old daughter. It's about the conflict of the famiies over child custody. Arrangements for her were somewhat started because the wife was dying of cancer when the fatal car accident happened. Written though th uncle's point of view.

I liked it though the ending was "deus ex machina". Lots of interesting questions about family and what is important.