Made myself read this book - didn't like the beginning; thought it got better, then it got unbelievable. I think I hurt the author's feelings, but the book was pretty well written. The characters were just unlikeable.

This book was an interesting, but relatively normal, gothic-type novel until the midpoint, when it took an unexpected and brilliant turn and then continued to twist until the end. Can't wait for the rest of my book club to read and then discuss it.

I enjoy a book that reveals itself slowly. That moment where you say, "ah, now I get it!" I was reluctant to put it down. Very well written. A couple of connections in the story seemed to be missing but overall, a very good read.

I would suggest this book is a psychological thriller and reminded me in some ways of the \\\\\\\"Double Bind\\\\\\\" by Chris Bohjalian. All members of my book club gave it a thumbs up and we had quite a lively discussion about entitlement, marriage, raising children, grief and loss, aging, and perspective -- our individual perspective and how others might tell the story.

Overall our bookclub thought this was an interesting concept for a book. There was some great writing in this book. However we struggled with finding the characters likeable or with making sense of the main characters perspective on much of what was happening. The conclusion to the book felt fake and the little too tidy based on the story we had just read

Like his father before him, Arthur Winthrop is the headmaster of Vermont's elite Lancaster School. It is the place he feels has given him his life, but is also the site of his undoing as events spiral out of his control. Found wandering naked in Central Park, he begins to tell his story to the police, but his memories collide into one another, and the true nature of things, a narrative of love, of marriage, of family, and of a tragedy Arthur does not know how to address emerges. Luminous and atmospheric, bringing to life the tight-knit enclave of a quintessential New England boarding school, the novel is part mystery, part love story, and an exploration of the ties of place and family.
I was excited to read this book due to the great reviews it got here and other places. I have to say it was not my cup of tea. It was an easy read and did totally throw me when i finally got the the middle and the second part of the story. But honestly I did not feel the depth of the story OR the characters. Ending was abrupt. I only finished it because it was an easy read and i had to find out what happened.
the only reason I recommended for book clubs is that there are many positive reviews vs mine