I read this book a number of years ago based on rave reviews by a number of my friends. I was unable to finish it. I sloggedthrough 3/4ths of it before giving up. It was quite awhile ago so I can't go into too many specifics but i do remember flat,unsympathetic, un-likable characters. The women all seemed to view themselves as victims. Strong women, even if victimizedusually don't have the time to wallow in self pity as these characters seemed to. It all became too irritating & honestly too boringfor me.