If you're looking for another "Snow Falling on Cedars," this isn't it. Guterson certainly has a gift for storytelling and painting characters with vivid descriptions and voices. But be forewarned - The language is gut-wrenchingly foul and the horribly brutal and graphic descriptions of both consensual sex and rape are so explicit that they overpower the story. ... The story of the homeless Ann Holmes being visited by the Virgin Mary is beautiful in its simplicity, including the crowd of both cynics and followers that surround her. However, Guterson seems so determined to develop dark, flawed characters with few redeeming qualities that you're left wondering why he bothered to embark on this journey. This is a sad story that leaves you not with a feeling of hopefulness, but rather despair at the cynicism that abounds in Guterson's world.