For the most part, our group liked this book: rich detail, well-defined characters and interesting storyline. However, although Mr. Frazier's writing is elegant, it did make for difficult reading at times. More than once, some of us had to reread a passage to understand where Mr. Frazier was taking us. The language was similar to the rather formal communication of the 19th century which lent it an air of authenticity, but it didn't "flow" like more modern novels.

We did a 3-way virtual book discussion on FaceTime during Covid-19 days as a new (maybe interim) book club in our community. Lively discussion! Shared author interviews and biographical info. Adapted discussion guide questions and dug in. Made a playlist on Spotify with music from the movie soundtrack to share with the group after the meeting. Yes, the telling of the tale is slow--matching the weary trip home for the exhausted main character. I did the audiobook, narrated by the author--so it was just as he meant it all.