A lovely book. The relationship between Mary and Tim is well done and believable. ( )

Successful in her career and having made a number of astute fiscal decisions that have landed her in financial comfort, Mary has reached her forties single but content. While some construction is being done on her neighbor's property, Mary observes one particular crew member whose beauty nearly takes her breath away. Though she learns that the young man, Tim, has a mental disability, Mary offers him additional work in her yard — partly to provide him and his family with extra income, but also (if she's being honest with herself) to keep him and his Adonis-like looks coming around regularly.

This book's flap description made me feel pretty uncomfortable, but I've enjoyed many of McCullough's other works so I gave it a chance. While I don't regret reading it, I don't feel that it's aged well. The plot has a rather cringey vibe to it, though the author delicately straddles the line between compassion and impropriety. Viewed in 2021 through a lens of greater sensitivity, much of the language, both medical and casual, are offensive. The abrupt and not necessarily hopeful ending left something to be desired. ( )

An easy read and a lovely tale ( )

couldn't get past the 1st few pages ( )

Tim, a novel by Colleen McCullough
Story of an older couple that have a mentally retarded son and the daughter they have a year later is perfectly normal.
They are able to keep the boy at home teaching him what they can. Many others make fun of him and take advantage of him. One day after his day laborer job with his father and others the woman nearby asks if he can mow her lawn and help with flowers and planting.
He comes every Saturday and she even asks the couple to take him to her beach house and they agree. She is able to show him love, as she never had it from the foster home she grew up in.
She is even able to teach him words and some math. Tim's mother passes away and he understands what happened to his mother when she died.
Other events occur and the professors think she should marry.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). ( )