I usually love Fannie Flagg's works with her rich characters and plot twists. But "Rainbow" was lagging a bit in both departments. Beginning in the 40's, the book spans over 40 years of life in small town Missouri... or does it? Flagg seems to get lost in an overabundance of characters and plot lines. I wanted to know more about Betty Rae's relationship with her husband's mistress, or how Doc and Dorothy's children really did in the world. I wanted more of life on the gospel road with the Oatman's, and more about Jimmy and the Blind Songbird.... but alas, all the characters got muddled toward the end, and it felt like Flagg was on a deadline to finish the manuscript and just tied some neat little bows on the plot without real resolution.The audio book was a great way to pass time on the road, but I felt very disappointed at the end... I wanted more and it just wasn't there!