It's rare for me or anyone to find a book that is completely engrossing. This one is. Few writers can make you feel what the character feels. Jane Smiley does. Amazing writing and a story that tugs at your heart and your sense of right and wrong. At times the actions of the characters do not make sense, and that makes the story more real. Scenes and actions are glued together with the inertia of life. And, no doubt, these are real people living simple, complex, happy and deeply dark and disturbed lives. Great book and I am glad I read it. This one is going on my keeper shelf.