Mother and Two Daughters: A Novel Paperback – August 9, 1994

As usual, Godwin's characters are fully drawn, and their interlocking stories totally believable. Even the minor characters add depth to the story. The primary setting, Mountain City, almost functions as a character itself.

Any daughter or mother will find something relatable in this well written book.

Intelligently written, and thoroughly enjoyable.

emotional and mostly smooth reading--good character development--if any complaint, went too long. I plan to read more by MS GODWIN.

Mother and Two Daughters - After the death of their father, Cate, a woman with a crusading streak, andand her more conventional sister Lydia must learn to come to terms with their differences. The three main characters: Cate, newly divorced Lydia, and their mother Nell are well-drawn and three dimensional. While Cate deals with the possible loss of her teaching job and a new boyfriend, Lydia faces life as a single woman; she goes back to college and gets a job. Well written and intriguing, though the last chapter felt too calculated.

A truly wonderful book, with real and rich characters. A Southern widow who is a good decent woman faces the daily ritual of Southern genteel life, but is challenged by the rivalry of her two daughters Cate and Lydia. Full of the flavor of Southern life and customs, and lush detail. You will be drawn into the story and will wish the story kept on going when it ends.

One of the things I enjoy about reading is that I can take something from a book and carry it with me....some insight or food for thought. This book has nothing to savor in it's story. I don't like the Mother, who is never true to herself. I really disliked the older daughter character, she needs to grow-up and since she is 40 I doubt she ever will. The younger daughter held the story for a while, but she falls into the TV business without any prior talent...unbelievable at best. Morality is passe throughout and so is this book, folks.

I read a review before I read the book. The reviewer claimed to actually miss the characters after reading the book. I enjoyed the book, that is, I finished it. But I don't think the characters were so complex--I thought they were predictable (and somewhat obnoxious). I also found the "wrapping up" of issues boring and over calculated at the end. This is my first Gail Godwin book, so I might try another. If it is the same, I probably won't read another.