On the review aggregator website Book Marks, which assigns individual ratings to book reviews from mainstream literary critics, the novel received a cumulative "Positive" rating based on 31 reviews: 15 "Rave" reviews, 13 "Positive" reviews, and 3 "Mixed" reviews.[6]
Publishers Weekly gave the novel a positive review, writing, "Patchett's splendid novel is a thoughtful, compassionate exploration of obsession and forgiveness, what people acquire, keep, lose or give away, and what they leave behind."[7]
The novel was also well received at Kirkus Reviews and noted in its review that, "Casually stated but astute observations about human nature are Patchett's stock in trade, and she again proves herself a master of aging an ensemble cast of characters over many decades. In this story, only the house doesn't change. You will close the book half believing you could drive to Elkins Park and see it."[8]
Donna Seaman of Booklist praised the novel, comparing it to the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Alice McDermott, noting "Patchett is at her subtle yet shining finest."[9]
Writing for The New York Times Book Review, author Martha Southgate's review reiterated the praise, noting, "This novel takes a winding road through the forest and doesn't rush to a finish, nor is the ending wholly surprising. But if you allow yourself to walk along with Patchett, you'll find riches at the end of the trail."[10]
Donna Liquori of the Associated Press wrote, "Patchett's storytelling abilities shine in this gratifying novel."[11]
Accolades
| Year | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction | Nominated | [12] |
| 2020 | Pulitzer Prize for Fiction | Finalist | [13] |
| 2020 | Women's Prize for Fiction | Longlisted | [14] |
