Comments (13)

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May 09, 2023AlteredStaite rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I can't say any more than most have already said below. It's on the keeper list. It's rare, indeed that a current novel gets more than a three star rating from me. I'll be buying this for my kids.
Sep 08, 2018diannehildebrand rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Excellent coming-of-age novel by Canadian writer Elizabeth Hay, set in the time of the Quebec independence referendum. Hay works very hard to distinguish the characters, and it usually works, except I couldn't quite get a handle on the…
Mar 06, 2018thingone rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
ho hum, too long, too humdrum, reminded me of Danielle Steel's style of writing (I read half of book of hers years ago) But then, Danielle Steel's output is in the top five in all the world and all time! Both authors have lots of…
Feb 26, 2018horthhill rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
"His Whole Life" by Elizabeth Hay was a novel I enjoyed immensely. While I have read it just the once, I think it ranks up there with my all time favourites. I love how it balances a specific historical moment while exploring Nan and her…
Nov 20, 2017NicoleRolland rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I can't wait to reread this book in a few years. Even though personally connected to the geography and timeline I whole heartedly recommend it to others
Jun 29, 2017SCL_Heather rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book. It is so beautifully written, I found myself pausing every few pages just to take in the language, often writing down quotes and sharing them with anyone in earshot. I also connected to the timing of the…
Dec 05, 2016wyenotgo rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is a"quiet" book, gracefully written, with above all a compelling sense of place. Hay infuses with love those parts of the book that are set in the woodlands and lakes that those of us living in the southern fringe of central Canada…
Oct 06, 2016
Enjoyed the Canadian content and the wonderful interaction of mother and son.
Sep 24, 2016stellamd rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This I rate as a perfect book. Elizabeth Hay writes with great insight and compassion about ordinary people and the challenges in their lives. Highly recommended.
Jun 05, 2016empbee rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A simply written book about conflicting feelings and views about family and politics. Alternating debate about family relations, feelings, secrets, feuds, and Canadian politics watched by a growing ten year old boy. Humorous mocking…
Jan 02, 2016ms_mustard rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I like the way Hay writes about adolescent boys. enjoyed the inclusion of the Quebec referendum and the characters' differing opinions. good book. worth the wait. I have enjoyed all of Hay's novels.
Jan 02, 2016tls505 rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
89 people waiting for this book. It's not that good!! Read something else by this author instead - she's normally pretty good.
Nov 16, 2015
A wonderful book! So beautifully written and engaging. I will be sorry to finish it.