Desire Lines: A Novel

By Christina Baker Kline

Book Overview

A taut, compelling new novel by the critically acclaimed author of "Sweet Water". When a divorce sends Kathryn Campbell reeling back to the small Maine town where she grew up, she delves into the disappearance of her friend, Jennifer, who vanished without a trace ten years earlier.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688151078
• ISBN13: 9780688151072
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: William Morrow
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Great read!

Could not put it down. I read it in one day. Best book so far by this author. I look forward to more as I have read all of hers thus far.

Fantastic!!!

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I graduated from high school in the same year the main character did, and all of the cultural references were perfect. Plus, the author does an incredible job of describing everyday life - conversation, gestures, all of it. I was thoroughly captivated and could relate to what the characters were going through. Great book!

Unlike any other current novel.

Desire Lines is a hugely enjoyable read for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it does not fit squarely into any specific genre. I am not at all sure where the Gen-X tag is coming from, to approach the book with that in mind is to begin with an unnecessary preconceived notion. At no point during the book did I find myself pausing to wonder if anyone would actually say that, if anyone would actually do that, if such things could actually take place. The story is eminent and the existential dilemmas are enough to inspire empathy in any person. The scattered bad things I have read about this book seem to have been written by people who didn't actually read it and could not conceivably be more off base. Do yourself a favor, buy two. One for yourself and one for someone you love. Or like.

A Definite Page Turner...

A fan of Baker Kline's since her first novel SWEET WATER, she shows that she hasn't lost her touch as a talented writer with this new book. Christina Baker Kline has written a powerful story about friendship, family, loss, and redemption. Her characters are so real, the plot fresh, and the dialogue crisp. You become so involved in Katherine's search for her missing friend, Jennifer, -- and Katherine's own search to find herself -- you will not be able to put the book down until you turn the last page. Desire Lines is definitely one of the best new books of 1999.

Compelling reading...

The Boston Globe's glowing review led me to this book and I found I couldn't put it down. Kathryn 's coming to terms w/ loss, divorce and disconnection grabbed my attention more than the mystery of her friend's disappearance - though that too contributed to my staying up way too late last night reading!