The entire book was just depressing. Olive is not a nice person in any way. You do get glimpses of a heart but by that time, you don't really care. There are several stories that aren't very related so it was easy to loose interest. I was very disappointed in this book after reading all the other positive reviews.

I liked this book. There were some points where I felt the writer could have left out the more graphic references, but loved all the twists.

The book starts with a great premise about growing up on the Cape and we expected more info about the house and the characters relationships; however instead we got bogged down in the minutia of every possible detail, which made the book boring and frustrating.

This was my first book by this author, but definitely won\'t be the last! Although the sterilization program is a very dark spot in NC history, Diane was able to bring the topic to us in a very moving way. The characters were well built and the dialogue so authentic you could easily put yourself on the farm with them. The plot pulls you right in and the ending turned out to be unexpected. I enjoyed the alternating narrative and perspectives from Ivy and Jane. Very well researched with fitting details for the time and region. I hated to turn the last page, but I\'m anxious to read her other novels.