I first read this book about 10 years ago and, at that time, found myself sympathizing deeply with the mother, Anna, as she faced and overcame her upbringing, a wrecked marriage and custody battle. At the time I was very surprised and angry by the ending.

Re-reading it now, 10 years later, I find my perspective has changed a bit. I found Anna to be a little naïve in regards to her relationship with Leo, to the point of her becoming too self-absorbed in her whole sexual awakening. (A warning for the more conservative readers, there are some very graphically written sex scenes between Anna and Leo.) I also questioned Anna’s judgment in regards to Molly, from her leaving Molly alone in the car while she was signing papers to her having sex with Leo while Molly was beside them in bed, to her trying to justify Leo’s later actions with Molly.

I found the writing slow as the author, Sue Miller, takes us through Anna''s childhood and marriage, but the pace speeds up considerably as she takes us through the custody battle, and the moral issues regarding society''s idea of "a good mother."

I find this story still "haunts" me as much as it did the first time I read it.

RELEASE NOTES:

on the book rack beside the cash register

I read the book. I belong to a book club, but I don't think I'd recommend it to them to read. That's the first time I've ever come across a book from bookcrossing though, and I think it is a great idea. I found this book in a coffee shop. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it or where I'll send it, but I will definately pass it on.

CAUGHT IN SASKATOON SASKATCHEWAN CANADA