Your Reviews of Song for the Missing [ Edited ]

[dcw888]

5 stars

A Frustrating Pleasure

Songs for the Missing was my first Stewart O'Nan book, and I liked it.  I wasn't sure what to expect other than it would probably be a depressing novel, but I found I enjoyed reading it and I enjoyed anticipating the next chapter with each page I read.  I had to keep reminding myself I was reading fiction and couldn’t just go to the Internet and look up the end of the story, although I was extremely tempted to read the last page halfway through the book.  I was kept in suspense, and that suspense kept building as I learned about each new detail of Kim’s disappearance.  Although O’Nan’s purpose wasn’t to write a thriller that focused on the disappearance of teenager Kim Larson, but to write a story that focused on the effects that disappearance had on those around Kim; he focused on the impact Kim’s life, and the uncertainty of her return, had on those around her.  Kim’s family and friends were left to discover her secrets and deal with each other’s reactions to her absence.  It took me awhile for it to sink in that finding Kim wasn't O'Nan's purpose -- his purpose was more about the relationships of those who knew and loved her.  I had some trouble reconciling that in my mind, since I just wanted a happy ending, and it did drive me to distraction as I kept wondering -- will they find her?  Is she alive?  Do they find her, but too late?  This is where I blame myself, not the author, for that distraction.  I think Stewart O'Nan did a fabulous job with this one.

Message Edited by dcw888 on 07-28-2008 09:18 AM

[fictionhound]

4 stars

Haunting tale that will pierce your heart

How much do you really know about your family??? Songs for the Missing makes you think about all those that you are close to & how well you really know them. Stewart O'Nan has crafted a tale that pulls you in from page one & drives you to the last page wanting to find the answers. The anguish that her family & friends feel goes straight to your heart. A book that makes you think is a rare gift.

[trolycar]

4 stars while it wasn't fantastic and the myriad of thoughts and emotions created a drama all unto itself -I would recommend this read -- it is a step back look to see that the grass is not always greener on the other side --- life happens all around us to everyone -- including ourselves

[LadyAlexis]

3 Stars

I wanted to like this book more.

But I just couldn't.

While I liked the author's style.

And the premise was excellent, the story just fell flat for me.

While reading I kept feeling like "something" was missing. {No pun intended}

It was just an okay read for me.