Ordinary Love and Good Will

This book (Ordinary Love and Good Well by Jane Smiley) contains 2 novellas showing how complex choices can reshape the lives of different families. These two interesting stories are well-written and as always the author provides insight into how each family handles various situations.The theme in Ordinary Love is about a woman’s infidelity and the various issues and effects it has on her family. The theme in Good Will focuses on a father who moves his family to a farm and the way this decision affected his son.The author is known for her focus on how various life decisions affect families in numerous ways.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy Haiku).

Jane Smiley has written a gem. It is not a easy read,and the plot is tough to grasp. But, once you get it, it is hard to keep the book away.Jane uses powerful words to describe the characters. The stories make a lasting impact.

I didn't realize this was two novellas. The second story is GREAT.

Wonderful writing. Well-crafted characters. Jane Smiley is a master at depicting family relationships. And I love the way her stories sneak up on us. From page to page the lives of her characters unfold in a beautifully detailed, but seemingly aimless way, and then POW! at the end we are hit with the consequences of their "ordinary" behaviors. The cumulative effect is stunning. You won't easily forget these people. Highly recommended.

I really like this author. My book club suggested 1000 Acres. After reading that, I wanted more and found 4 more at Amazon. The convenience of ordering books from Amazon makes feeding my reading addiction so easy. Since being hooked by my first order...I keep returning as I am sure of quality, convenience and speedy service. Kick back with Jane Smiley and ENJOY!

I liked these two stories, particularly Ordinary Love. Smiley writes characters that are very believable. I would definitiely recommend this book.

Smiley does a great job in painting the scenarios of both of these stories. Characters are vivid and accessible. Prefer her longer novels when you live with the characters and their families over time.

Some Luck was my favorite, being from Iowa it was special

These are two poignant stories from Jane Smiley. There are lessons to be learnt or accepted in both, but I found Good Will telling us the hardest lesson to be learnt for this family, especially the father, whose dream of self sufficiency goes very wrong for his son and eventually the whole family. I think it is a warning against trying to do everything without others' help and guidance and being too rigid in choices for our family. We cannot control everything in life and never know the consequences of our actions - good or bad -until later.I enjoyed Ordinary Love better as no one character displayed anything other the honesty of the norm of feelings and actions stemming from life experience and actions of those closest to us.Jane Smiley's perception of human behaviour is wonderfully described in all her books . . . . I have found the stories stay with me for a long time after reading.