Four star novel though bookclubs that prefer literary discussions on fiction may be disappointed. Stories of growing up very, very poor are nearly a subgenre now, but this is the best. Frank McCourt is an excellent writer. His experiences were horrific, but you want to keep reading because he's such a competent story teller. My reservation with this book is that it might disappoint people who love to do literary interpretations on fiction. But I guarantee you'll have plenty to discuss after reading this novel. It's actually a four star book - I didn't realize the rating of "recommend with reservations" would translate to two stars!

Alan Paton has one of the most interesting writing styles I've ever read - perhaps because he didn't set out to be a writer per se. He writes simply, plainly and honestly, but even so, it is emotionally powerful. There's a subtlety to his character development that I've never seen before. And its so poetic, but in an earthy, unpretentious way.