This whole novel takes place over a 4th of July weekend, one year after the death of journalist Leo Frankel, who was captured and killed while on assignment in Iraq. His parents have gathered the family for a memorial for their son. In these few short days, Henkin masterfully manages to pull you completely into the lives of Leo's 3 sisters as well as his widow and young son. The most intriguing character for me is Noelle - an extremely promiscuous teen who has moved to Israel, married, and morphed herself into a strict practicing Jew. She often succeeds in jarring me out of my total engagement with the characters. I think what a friend of mine says about Noelle is very true - she is uncomfortable with herself and her life choices. She has never felt she fit in and is constantly at odds with herself. Thanks, Paulette, for putting into words my discomfort with her and some of her actions.

A wonderful character- driven novel about families, grief, and choices. (less)
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