A Theory of Relativity

By Jacquelyn Mitchard

Book Overview

" An] astonishing pleasure." -- Seattle Times "A graceful, moving, and compelling novel. Jacquelyn Mitchard at her finest." --Scott Turow, author of Innocent A poignant and unforgettable novel from Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of the monumental New York Times bestsellers The Deep End of the Ocean and The Most Wanted , A Theory of Relativity is a powerful tale that explores the emotional dynamics and dramas of two families fighting for custody of a young child. The very first author selected by the Oprah Book Club, Mitchard is a matchless, wise, and warm chronicler of families and their human foibles--and A Theory of Relativity is contemporary women's fiction at its best, a must-read for fans of Sue Miller, Jane Hamilton, and Elizabeth Berg.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0066210232
• ISBN13: 9780066210230
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
• Length: 351 Pages
• Weight: 1.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.2" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Excellent

I read this book years ago and just re-read it now. I found it as wonderful the second time as the first. As an adopted child, the underlying "who is family" question throughout the book really hit home and was handled beautifully. I think it would be an excellent book for anyone in a book club - definitely a book great for discussion.

Good from the first page

This is the best book I have read for a while. So many are carbon copies of others with just different characters. This was a story with real people and a real premise. I enjoyed it from the first page through the end and highly recommend it.

Interesting dilemma

Very worthwhile read. It is frustrating to consider that the law might not recognize adopted children's rights as part of their family. This book is different from Mitchard's first, but I couldn't put it down until I found out who wound up with custody of the child.

What Makes a REAL Family?

Is it nature, or is it nurture that makes a family? Mitchard brings the timeless question into crystal-clear focus in this tale of a child whose parents die tragically and whose future will likely have to be decided in the court system. The fierce love young Keefer Nye instills in her grandparents, her uncle, her cousins, and her community transcends all artificially constructed boundaries. The author captures with aching clarity the emotions of adults who stand to lose the most beloved thing in their lives. We are drawn irrevocably into this complex story, and we CARE about its outcome. While it is true that events are definitely amplified for dramatic effect, Mitchard skillfully manages to avoid gushy sentimentality and emotional manipulation, leaving our hearts warmed but our dignity as intelligent, discerning readers intact.