Little Night: A Novel Paperback – June 25, 2013

I have not read this yet but the seller did a great job of fast delivery and packaging. The book is well worn but still readable.

Having read a number of books by Luanne Rice, beginning with Cloud Nine (1999), I was expecting more than was delivered. I found this to be by far the darkest book I have read by Ms. Rice, as well as disappointingly unbelievable, both in characterization and plot. The story is that of two sisters, Clare and Anne, who grew up very close, presumably as they were mostly shut out of their parents' lives during their childhood. Anne, the older sister, marries Frederik, a controlling, narcissistic European glassblower who effectively removes her from the lives of her family, both physically and emotionally. Frederik is the personification of evil, yet we are given no insight as to the reason. No insight into the character, really. Clare remains devoted to Anne, despite not being able to see her or her two children for several years, and one day she takes it upon herself to visit. On seeing that Anne is obviously an abused wife, Clare convinces her to leave Frederik, but alas, it is at this point that, predictably, Frederik returns home and immediately upon hearing Anne agree to go away with Clare, he begins choking Anne. Clare grabs a burning log from the fireplace and hits Frederik in the face with it to get him away from Anne, but once the police arrive, Anne agrees with her husband that Clare intended to murder Frederik and thus the stage is set ... Clare goes to prison while Anne, Frederik and the children (who have the unlikely names of Gilly and Grit) move to Europe, completing the separation of the sisters. Note that this is not a spoiler, as all this takes place during the first few pages of the book.Sometimes we need to be disturbed, shaken out of our own peaceful, secure lives and made to look around us in order to realize that there is despair and hopelessness in the world. And this book is certainly disturbing, but my two main complaints are that it is fairly unrealistic and that despair seems to be the main theme. At one point, it is implied that the theme is redemption, which is the opposite of despair, but I failed to see where redemption came into play. I will not go into detail, as I don't like to write spoilers into my reviews, but suffice it to say that what little happiness is found in these character's lives is similar to what they say about one-horse towns: don't blink or you'll miss it.Aside from my complaints about the sense of doom, anger and evil that comprise the plot, I was also disappointed in the development of the characters. None seemed real to me, and although Clare and Grit are sympathetic characters, I was not able to connect to them as I would have liked. The character of Anne vacillated between pitiable, despicable and just plain crazy, while the character of Frederik was consistently evil, but as mentioned above, with no insight as to the roots of his persona. Had the characters been more three-dimensional, it might have saved this book despite the deficiencies in plot. I rarely read a book that I regret having read, though some are certainly better than others, but I must say I wish I had not wasted the time on this one, as it left me feeling disturbed and angry. That said, I have enjoyed other books by this author and will not let my disappointment in this book turn me away from reading more by her.

I've always enjoyed Luanne Rice's novels, but in the past a few have felt formulaic. Little Night is entirely different. I love the story of sisters divided by a narcissistic and abusive husband. Rice makes New York into a brand new place for me, bringing Central Park to life with the birds that live there, and the ones that have gone extinct. I also love the house in which the sisters grew up, and that Clare now occupies. The sisters are artistic in odd ways--a blog about birds and a website dedicated to the memory of a lost child. Rice mentions in her PR for this book that she too was abused by a husband, at least I assume a husband, and that based on a true story background has taken this novel to a more affecting level. I don't know why that should matter in a reading experience, but I think it might have made the tension of this novel more frightening. Either way, she has written in her 30th (30th!) novel a story that certainly made for a memorable reading experience for this reader. I wish the story could have gone on longer, and into more depth about the birds and Clare's time in prison. But that might just be me--I could read 700 pages of anything Luanne Rice write. Recommend it highly.

I loved this book but gave it 4 out of 5 stars because the opening was rather slow. It is about 2 sisters who come from a upper middle class, severely dysfunctional family. One sister marries to escape the torment only to repeat the mistakes of her mother. Clare can see that her sister is about to repeat the horror of their childhood and attacks Anne's abusive husband in her attempt to remove her sister and her niece and nephew out of their toxic existence.Once you get the players straight in your head, it is easier to follow the plot line. It turned out to be a page turner and I read all day and stayed up most of the night over a weekend to see how it was going to end.

I enjoyed this book. True that some of it was a little over the top unrealistic but, even so, it was an interesting study into one family's life and I found it entertaining. There was a lot of information about bogs and birds, very unusual, though not necessary to the plot of the story.The main subject here is abuse and it's long term effect on it's victims. Abusers beware!!! Never turn your back on your victim!!! Sooner or later, possibly, what goes around comes around!This is not a happy book, too much sadness in the intertwining lives of these three women.But, sadly enough, life is not always happy and happily ever afters are not really that common. I found this to be a sad but intriguing read.

A very well written, sad book. Excellent descriptions of nature walks in New York’s Central Park. Physical and mental abuse in a marriage and what it can lead to.

I can't think of title because I am upset on house this ended. That said I really enjoyed the premise, and quite enjoyed hearing all about New York's central park. The story held you interest.

This is a classic Luanne Rice sister story, updated with a tattooed teenager and New York City setting. The city is portrayed from the perspective of people who have lived there forever, and who find it comfortable and non-threatening. Central Park is their favorite hangout spot, and they know the names of every path. There is an interesting theme about birds, as the main character is a professional bird watcher and blogger. The variety and number of birds who live in New York City is unexpected and fascinating. All in all, a very satisfying book.

I am an avid fan of Luanne Rice and love all her books. . Highly recommend. Have only read the first few pages as yet but I know already that it will be enjoyed like all of her previous books.

Don't bother reading this

Luanne Rice truly captures the bonds and love that make a family. Her books never disappoint. Can't wait to read the next one.

Read all of Luanne's Books, always wonderful