A Ship Made of Paper

by Scott Spencer

Book Overview

Daniel Emerson lives with Kate Ellis, and he is like a father to her daughter, Ruby. But he cannot control his desire for Iris Davenport, the African-American woman whose son is Ruby's best friend.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060933429
• ISBN13: 9780060933425
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Amazing Lesson

I felt a surge of energy reading this book. It was delightfully insightful into the true nature of humans. The main character falls through many holes trying to fulfill his desire and love for a married woman. Even though he already has a commitment, he dives into the relationship at full speed. This book teaches about the many imperfections of love, consequences be damned.

Obsession or True Love???

I read this book about a year ago and recommended it to a few friends. This still sparks discussion amongst us even today. The debate mostly centers around Daniel's obsession or love for Iris. You be the judge! I found the author's use of setting and mood to match perfectly. Spencer does an excellent job of painting word pictures and weaving plotlines together smoothly. I finished this book quickly based more on the intrigue of the novel than length. If you're looking for a book club book for the new season pick this one up!

I totally disagree with some of the other reviewers.

This is a fabulous read, and a gorgeous, sexy, lusty and insightful story. A Ship Made of Paper is an important book, not just for its comments about race in modern day America, but also for its sly depiction of modern day love. I've never read any Scott Spencer before A Ship Made of Paper, but I can assure you that I was just "blown away" by this story. This story doesn't have any pretensions, but it can't help being an absolutely sensational melodrama. I thought the characterizations of all four characters - Iris, Daniel, Hampton, and Kate were spot on. He is such an honest writer in the way he exemplifies all their insecurities on sex, race, family, and infidelity. Spencer shows that is affairs of the heart there are no easy answers, which is why I think the book ended as it did. Iris and Daniel just couldn't stop loving each other. But of course, the real irony of the story was the totally innocent relationship between the two children, Ruby and Nelson - one black, one white. This is a haunting and intelligent love story, that is sly, cynical and yet at the same time an incredibly astute character study of middle class American life. I also thought the story provided an interesting depiction of small town American life, and it was somewhat debunking the myth that "safety" lies in small towns. Of course, the title "A Ship Made of Paper" is totally symbolic of the fragility of human relationships, and how they can so easily be destroyed by the pursuit reckless romantic love. Wickedly insightful and passionate - this is a must read.Michael

Wild ride.

Scott Spencer takes his readers on a greased roller coaster of wild twists and turns. You may want to wring their necks, but you will care about these characters. Great read.

Recommended Read

I had read glowing reviews of this book so, skeptically, I ordered it and read it in less than 24 hours as I was recovering from jet lag. The book did not disappoint from beginning to end. The story stayed strong, characters developed well and the story never gave in to an easy out. Usually books disappoint me in the end--it is like the author runs out of 'steam' but this powered through right to the end. I am only sorry I read it so fast and have nothing more about the characters to read.