I decided to read this book based on the rave reviews it received, and didn't make it past the half-way point. I could not identify with (or understand) the main character at all. In fact, I found almost all of the characters to be contrived and stereotypical. Jackson's description of the south was just as stereotypical as her characters. The lack of originality, however, paled in comparison to the weak narration. Overall, I was completely unimpressed. I forced myself through the first several chapters, but didn't finish it because I just didn't care how it ended.