This was an okay book. I wasn't crazy about it, but I didn't hate it either. The main character isn't likable at all, but I don't think that the author wanted him to be likeable. I think Ms. Shreve's point to the book is that people will sacrifice anything for their obsession, whether it be a person, place or just freedom itself. I would have enjoyed the novel more if there had been more of the wife's viewpoint in the book. Those disjointed letters in the middle of the book didn't do her justice. I read the Pilot's Wife and enjoyed that novel. This book, unfortunately, was pretty much forgetable.