BLESSINGS

Blessings are the wonderful things life offers, but in this novel it is also the name of an enchanted, haunted, hopeful place that, after only a few chapters, the reader would like to visit. The novel features an older woman, Mrs. Blessing, and a younger man, Skip, whose paths cross and weave around each another as the plot unfolds. The real star of the book, however, is the setting--the country home of the Blessing family, a place whose history and landscape lure the reader in and never truly let go. Joan Allen offers a splendid performance, with gentle transitions between characters and a sweet willingness to let Quindlen's fine language shine as she savors it herself. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]