If Only It Were True

I was greatly disappointed in this book and would not reccomend it at all. It has a cute premise but terrible execution for 3 main reasons. first, the medical info and situations are completely bogus. He clearly is writing what he knows nothing about, and it makes the book unbearable and ridiculous for anyone who knows about medicine. Its fine to write from the standpoint of a lay person interacting with the medical system, but not to learn a few terms and pretend to know what they mean and torture them to make the story work the way you want. second, the silly and tidy wrap up to the whole legal/police angle was just so idiotic that it spoiled any enjoyment of the story. Again, its great to incorporate magical realism as a plot device, but not have the real people in the story doing incomprehensibly stupid stuff. Thirdly, the author got lazy with dialogue, which he actually does well when he bothers- he continually relied (especially in the section in the end about Arthurs childhood) on the narrator to tell the reader what the characters were saying to each other and how they were telling it, instead of presenting the dialogue. The characters were 2 dimensional and precious, and I only finished it because not doing so would have been the bigger waste of time (but close call!). I dont ususally write such negative reviews but I bought this book based on the positive ones and I wouldhope the next reader gets a more balanced view.

This book was a delightful fun light read

Creative story, gre at character development and an ending which has a way it could leaving you to make up how it will really end.

Theauthor is wonderful-I’ve read all of books- but this book was disappointing. The storyline was weird and the translator’s English was a bit off in places.

After reading, and loving, P.S. From Paris, I hurried to find another book by the same author. But, the first third of the novel felt as if someone else entirely had written it. The dialogue sounded as if it had been pulled from a first draft, and from one of a first-time writer. - wooden, terribly wordy, at times even silly. Where was the editor in all of this? And then suddenly, right at the point where the main character began to kidnap Laurens comatose body, the quality of writing changed. Description helped to pare the dialogue and ground it. The only echoes of the style of the first third of the novel were the wrenchingly lengthy speeches and letter from Arthurs mother. Again, where was the editor? The premise of the book was genial and it was that that kept me reading. And, there were moments where the connection between reader and characters was strong. But, overall, the excessive chatter made the novel so unbalanced. P.S. from Paris was masterfully written, and clearly Marc Levy has amassed a multitude of fans with other novels that they considered of high quality. I will look for those and forget the one that was rushed to print before it was ready.

I truly enjoy reading books by this author, and this one was one of my favorites. Marc Levy has a way with taking you directly into the story.

A fast and good read. Dont think about the movie and let go of all preconceived ideas about ones spirit and enjoy the heartfel romance

I loved this story, but really did wish for an epilogue. I know the future is up to the readers imagination, but I really did want to see st least part of it in print. I highly recommend this book. Marc Levy is a remarkable story weaver.

I love the author because his books are different, with unexpected plots and/or ending

This is literally the best book I have ever read. The movie did not do it justice by any means. I purchased my original copy from the dollar store many years ago, what a surprise that it was so great! I lent it to my sister and she gave it away! I purchased two copies, for both my daughter and i. This is a classic in our home.