Still reading...

I didn't find this novel a 'breeze'. But in the end it was a breath of fresh air. The opening, with the protagonist literally recalling her own birth, did not impress me favorably: it sounded too contrived. Then, when she finally revealed her name, it came out 'Shutupruby,' because that was what her family said to her. Lots of flashbacks to quirky family members, sad demises, and foolish youth. Occasional 'flashes of brilliance,' I believe they're called: those observatons and insights that make one nod in recognition or smile at its insights into the human condition. (Trite, but 'true'.) This is one that grew on me. And I think I grew a bit by reading it.
It's going to Kentucky to my favorite nephew and his wife. ;-)

Love this and all of Kate Atkinson's books. I will release it into the wild once I've gotten a couple of reads on it! :-)