Reviews for That Fortune

The average rating for That Fortune based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-02-10 00:00:00 Robert Sullivan This is a well-written book told from the perspective of a 40-something, Boston-area white ethnic husband and father disgruntled with much of his life. It covers some well-trodden territory about midlife crisis, male yearning, and dreams left unfulfilled. Much of the book involves the narrator's fascination and somewhat unwelcome involvement with a boyhood friend who turns out to the be the most dangerous (and perhaps psychotic) member of their group of adolescent friends. I liked the Boston area background setting and some larger themes about the noveau riche and surburbanites degrading the area's history and natural environment are interesting. The narrator's ruminations about marriage and family (especially his connection with a cherished daughter) strike a nerve and are quite moving. But the main narrative about our hero's connection with his dangerous friend becomes tiresome after a while and the reader can see the "surprises" in the plot from a mile away. Giardina seems a talented writer with something to say, but perhaps someone like John Updike has already covered this material more expertly.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-05-04 00:00:00 Paul Chee This was my introduction to the this writer's work. He kept me turning the pages engrossed in the story. I actually had to put it down more than once because I kept anticipating catastrophe for the main character, Tim, on the next page. These guys in the story are about ten years younger than I. Many familiar settings. I could relate. My image of Billy was/is Ray Liotta. Very visual storytelling. I enjoyed this book very much.