I loved Secret Life of Bees and was disappointed in this book. The main character's indulgent mid-life crisis and affair inflicts hurt on a good, loving, husband and on a monk-to-be in crisis. Wacky mother allows daughter to believe that she was partially responsible for her father's death.Too much "me, myself and I" in this cruel gothic tale. Throwing one's self at a monk-to-be on one of your first few days back home - foreseeing the hurt that will ensue for everyone? Brother! My distaste with her began at that moment. Her "it's all about me and my crisis" extended thoughts and actions became annoying and irritating.