Jane Hamilton is the author of The Book of Ruth, winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award for first fiction, and A Map of the World, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.

The transformations are hilarious and poignant, and for Laura Rider, beyond her wildest expectations. The lines between Laura's words and Charlie's feelings are blurred and complicated, Jenna is transformed in ways that deeply disturb her, and Laura is transformed in her mind's eye into an artist. The 'project' quickly spins out of control. Together, Laura and Charlie craft florid, strangely intimate messages that entice Jenna in an unexpected way. Jenna Faroli is the host of a popular radio show, and in Laura's mind is 'the single most famous person in the Town of Dover.' When Jenna happens to cross Charlie's path one day, and they begin an e-mail correspondence, Laura cannot resist using Charlie to try out her new writing skills. Although Charlie's enthusiasm in the bedroom has worn Laura out, although she no longer sleeps with him, they are happy enough going along in their routine. They share their nursery business in rural Wisconsin, their love for their animals, and their zeal for storytelling. Laura and Charlie Rider have been married for twelve years. I really enjoyed reading this book and will recommend it to all of my friends.Valerie and Hatchette Book Group are sponsoring a giveaway of Laura Rider's Masterpiece by Jane Hamilton.Ībout the Book, courtesy of the Publisher: They would have been interviewed by Oprah and there would be outpouring of support. Nowadays, this would have made front page news and they all would have had family counseling.

It made me feel fortunate to be living now. That makes a good reason not to have either marriage annulled. That would mean that they may not be employed or have opportunities in later life. In today's world one of the wives would have been divorced, but in those days that would have made the children illegitimate. This is evident by Margaret's acceptance of the situation. They made the best of every situation and didn't feel as sorry for themselves as we do today. That they accepted what happened to them, and much of what they did do was to please society.

I had to keep reminding myself that in those days people didn't express their emotions as much as they do today. Many of the reviewers said that they wanted more fleshed out characters. It is a historical novel based on a true court case in California at the turn of the twentieth century.

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