I found the novel engaging in several ways. McDermott creates vivid and varied characters whose actions and behavior are driven by their histories and environments. The principal community is religious in nature, and is composed of strong women.

Occasionally, McDermott will interrupt the narrative to pursue a tangent and the reader may wonder where the heck she is going, only to wind up--in a logical fashion--back at the point where the narrative was broken off, and, with relevant information that enriches the story.

The ending is profoundly poignant, and is blessedly free of contrivance.

Highly recommended.