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    A Theory of Relativity: A Novel
    Unavailable
    A Theory of Relativity: A Novel
    Unavailable
    A Theory of Relativity: A Novel
    Ebook458 pages8 hours

    A Theory of Relativity: A Novel

    By Jacquelyn Mitchard

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    “[An] astonishing pleasure.”

    —Seattle Times

     

    “A graceful, moving, and compelling novel. Jacquelyn Mitchard at her finest.”

    —Scott Turow, author of Innocent

     

    A poignant and unforgettable novel from Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of the monumental New York Times bestsellers The Deep End of the Ocean and The Most Wanted, A Theory of Relativity is a powerful tale that explores the emotional dynamics and dramas of two families fighting for custody of a young child. The very first author selected by the Oprah Book Club, Mitchard is a matchless, wise, and warm chronicler of families and their human foibles—and A Theory of Relativity is contemporary women’s fiction at its best, a must-read for fans of Sue Miller, Jane Hamilton, and Elizabeth Berg.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateMar 17, 2009
    ISBN9780061758157
    Unavailable
    A Theory of Relativity: A Novel
    Author

    Jacquelyn Mitchard

    New York Times bestseller Jacquelyn Mitchard's novels include The Deep End of the Ocean, Twelve Times Blessed, and The Breakdown Lane. She is also the author of The Rest of Us: Dispatches from the Mother Ship, a collection of her newspaper columns. She lives with her husband and six children in Madison, Wisconsin.

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    Reviews for A Theory of Relativity

    3.5/5

    135 ratings4 reviews

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    • 2/5
      This book explores questions surrounding family, particularly what it means to be family: is a matter of genes or relationships? For anyone who has ever had to deal with the bureaucracy surrounding adoption specifically or custody cases in general, this book chronicles the range of emotions felt by the adults trying to obtain permanent care for the child they love. The book also delves into the nature of grief, describing the various ways different people choose to deal with the loss of a loved one. The writing is well done, but not spectacular, and the narrative voice suddenly changes at the very end, which I'm still not sure if I really like. At the end of the novel, all loose ends are tied up and there is an ostensibly happy ending for all, which is a nice conclusion to have from time to time.
    • 3/5
      I enjoy Mitchard's writing and feel she is adept at fleshing out her characters. This book was no exception. I particularly enjoyed the theme of what constitutes family and whether a blood tie is a mandatory requirement.However, I grossly disappointed in the ending of the book. I am always upset when an author takes the time to craft a story and subplots complete with the problems and pitfalls that naturally occur in life - only to find ways to tie up all the loose ends in pretty bows for the ending. Sadly, this is what Mitchard seems to be attempting with this novel. I found the ending to be completely contrived and unbelievable.
    • 4/5
      I really enjoy her writing, because her characters are really well drawn. She does have a way of wrapping things up very neatly and a bit oddly in the last 2 books of hers that I've read, but I'll keep reading. A very good exploration of some of the loopholes in the law...in this case, adoption law, but really there are quite a few out there. I'd enjoy a conversation with a number of these characters, although I'm not crazy about the way Gordy treated women, Keefer excepted.
    • 1/5
      Ugh. As maudlin and sappy as possible.