but got progressively better. The ending was satisfying
584626
A little confusing at the start, but got progressively better.  The ending was satisfying.
2898191
I had to push myself through the first 2/3; got better after that.
4808781
I think it started a bit slow and confusing,  but it cleared up midway and I really enjoyed it. Good ending.
2855422
Hard to engage in at first, but got more interesting
2187438
I really enjoyed the now-and-then structure of the book, and found the gradual progression of the relationship between the main characters to be the right combination of gratifying and frustrating. The ending was what it needed to be, but came on a little too abruptly, I thought.
4461421
The book started out featuring a surly teenager and I almost gave it up, but it improved further into the story. By the end it was quite enjoyable.
4324425
The first 50% of this book was slow and hard to get into.  I have reading rules, however, so I stuck with it and I am really glad I did.  I LOVED the second half.  There are many kinds of human bondage.  Philip experienced life in Europe in the early 1800's with a club foot.  He lost both his parents when he was very young.  He was tortured by unrequited love.  He experienced life in many realms of social class including becoming homeless and destitute.  He had a moral conscience although he debated giving in many times he remained true to what is right. Great ending.  In all, a very satisfying read.
4373358
It had a very slow start, but gradually became more interesting.  I thought the ending could have been better as well.
4682526
I didn't start out loving this book.  I didn't like Cornelia's character enough, but it was readable, so I kept with it.

Now, that I'm finished, I am glad I stuck with it.  Cornelia's character develops wonderfully throughout this novel.  And, I get it!  That was the point.  She truly matures as the story unravels.

The complaints about some of the contrived dialogue are valid, but not enough to detract from the story.

Overall, it's worth the time.  I understand that BELONG TO ME continues Cornelia's story, and I look forward to finding out more.
2730959
It took couple weeks. But things are getting so much better.
4354321
It started off way too slow for this book to get 4 stars, but it picked up the pace about 1/2 way through, and it turned out a lot better than it had started.
553806
This is a good story that starts out rather slowly, but then builds up to a good tempo that carriesit through the finale.
1090346
A bit of a slow start to the narrative, but the ending was mostly satisfying. Plot was realistic and engaging, although at times I felt like suggesting the protagonist get help from a therapist.
3014017
It was a nice story it got better as you went along.
623614
Starts slow.  I almost stopped.  But then began to understand the story and it got much better.  I'm glad I finished it.
601733
This book was a bit slow in the beginning, but it got better.

I love the different characters. The plot was just interesting enough but not too complicated to keep track as an audiobook. And even more, after I finished the book, I felt motivated to go introduce myself to my neighbors.
2423585
It started out a bit show.  But then grabbed my interest for a nice finish.