If only she could write...
340394
This is an interesting and creatively different take on supers, one which could have been great.  Sadly the author needs to take a basic writing course, not in writing novels, but in basic spelling and grammar.  Many, many times throughout the books I found myself thrown out of the story because I had to stop to rearrange or rewrite sentences and entire paragraphs to make sense of what the author was trying to say.

A better editor would have saved this series.
3747846
Love her writing, nothing happens yet whole worlds are portrayed
3588630
This is a well written book. I do wish that the author would have added a few more chapters about her treatment though.
4600604
Ms. Leigh's writing has a rich and visual style.  It's almost as though you are walking with the characters in the surreal atmosphere which pervades this novella.

I enjoyed the writing and I kept hoping, and hoping.... that the story would evolve to something more, something beyond the same story line and premise from which the book begins.

Without giving away too much of the plot, a brother and sister find themselves together at their mother's chateau after not having been there together for over a decade.  The sister, referred to as 'the woman' throughout the book is escaping an abusive marriage.  Her brother, Marcus, is dealing with the aftermath of the birth of a stillbotn baby after trying, with his wife, to get pregnant for many years.  He is also dealing with his mistress, a young woman who calls him often on his cell phone but is never given her own character except as a young girl on scholarship.  His wife, Sophie, can not bear to part with her dead infant who she carries with her as though she were still living.  'The woman's' son is conniving to get back to his father who has battered his mother. His sister appears passive and non-reactive.

The language is beautiful. I felt like I was there.  However, the book could and should have been so much more.  I was disappointed as it went on and on and on with no real change.  I love Ms. Leigh's style and await her next book.  I also intend to read her first book, 'Hunger'.
1427454
When reading travel adventures and athletic accomplishments I appreciate getting to know the individual and the emotional aspect of the journey. Unfortunately the one woman didn't write it and it lacks any character. Her determination and strength are awe inspiring, too bad she didn't write the book and let us get to know her just a teeny bit. The author perceives her as an unsociable enigma. Freya, all those minutes you were in the kayak, I want to hear about what you were thinking and feeling. You need to write your story all over again!
712470
The book sets the stage well, but doesn't do the life of this amazing woman and her writings justice. I was left wishing for more.
4631924
I loved the writing, it was soft and comfortable.  I would certainly read her again.  Even though it was written to take place in a foreign country, it is a universal issue, and she handled it really well.

I would recommend reading it.
1587193
If this woman's life was written about by another author, I think it could have been an awesome book. However, it was kinda "naaaahhh." She had a crazy exciting life, but it could have been written better. I know the author done tons of research, but the events could have went for some more feeling.
3224762
My fabulous daughter-in-heart is working on her PhD (on a full scholarship!) in Poetry.
My gifts to her have been mostly connected to that end. Helene Cixous: Rootprints: Memory and Life Writing, was of the highest priority on her wish list, so it was a no brainer. It wouldn't matter how much it cost, I'd get it for her.
I could not love this woman more than if she were born to me.
2892600
Love the theme, loved the plot, great story.  But ...I thought she should have brought the story out more.  Almost like she was on a word count or a deadline.  Sudden realizations, rather than letting them develop and giving the reader a chance to come to the same (or any) conclusion that the characters did.
2342095
She is a very good writer. Hard to get anything done when you have one of her books going !
51201
Would be more fun if she understood my words better.
2154858
I love these books she is an amazing writer! Wish she could have wrote more on them that would have been awesome!
691062
A lovely idea for a book paired with beautiful writing. At first, I thought I couldn't ask for more but as the letters started flying by, I started to feel pressure as to what needed to take place in a progressively smaller and smaller amount of pages. At the end, I felt like the book didn't reach its fullest potential. The reader could've found out so much more about the characters and their story and yet at the end of this book, I felt like they were total strangers.
3592649
The book is kinetic. It moves itself along, and her command of the language is impressive. But like many young and talented authors, she simply needs more life experience. There's nothing to tell me why I should care about any of these characters. I can't find much to take away from the novel, except "keep an eye on this author". In 20 years, after enduring some of life's vicissitudes, she will probably have something more meaningful to say.
2751066
I look forward to reading more of her books, especially in this series.

Why do I have to write anymore since I have said all I care to?
2123264
Seriously....what talent to write stories that can trigger so many emotions in very few words. One minute your heart aches the next your cheeks hurt from smiling. Her technique for writing characters so thoroughly that you believe they are real...and not just the main characters. I wondered how could she possibly create additional books linked to the Driven series without them being like a bad sequel to a great movie. But jeez she proves her power time and time again to create another piece of greatness....