Consequences by: Penelope Lively

This is a book that I found to be an enjoyable read. It was a little predictable in the story line, and there was a tremendous amount of history covered in only 250 pages. However, I found it a fun, light read. It is not particularly demanding, but Ms. Lively has done a great job with the development of the characters, and in demonstrating their differences in the lives of this one family, which spans from World War II to modern times.

This book also provides a great love story -- without all the smut. I found it very refreshing to be able to read a book, and not have to wonder how explicit it might become. But even in the presentation of the loves that each of these women had, through the various generations, both family, and personal, the author has woven a story that beautifully portrays the differences, as well as the similarities that joined this family together. This is also a book about the tragedy of love, and loss. Each of the primary characters: Lorna, Molly, and Ruth, in their own way, had to experience the loss of love -- and it presents them as the strong heroins that manage to overcome the sorrows of their lives, and go on living life to the fullest.

This is not a complex story, and I would refer to it more as escapist literature. But it is still and enjoyable read -- and it is a great story for anyone that is looking for a little light reading. I found myself pleasantly surprised at my involvement with the story, and the author has done a wonderful job of making the characters live. They are easy to identify with -- and it is fun to share their lives.