( 6 reviews )
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Posted: Mar 22 2009
Rarely do I feel qualified to criticize any author's work. Who am I, a mere reader, to do so? But this novel was one of the worst I've encountered in a long time. The first few pages put me off, but I continued on, hoping to care about at least one of the characters. This was a non-story: empty of emotion, suspense, or character development. Perhaps her other work is good. I'll not waste my time to find out.
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( 0 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Apr 29 2007
I purchased this book in part because it was supposed to be part "thriller". In fact, there is no mystery and no thriller. The crime happens early in the story, and thereafter pretty much disappears. It is not what the book is about. That would have been OK if the story was a strong one. But, as other reviewers have mentioned, there is really no emotional depth to any of the characters, including Dannie. There is no exploration of what makes any of the characters behave the way they do, and so the dissolution of Dannie's marriage has about as much feeling to it as a decision to go out to dinner. I was also dumbfounded by Dannie's observation that her daughter's new boyfriend must have a blue-collar background, because of his large hands. Dannie could not be that dumb. Finally, the title of the book -- "Trophy House"- actually has little to do with the story. The house is in the story, but is not particularly important.
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( 2 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jun 28 2006
Amateur writing - words, even paragraphs missing; odd vocabulary selections. Hollow, self-absorbed characters suffering from unformed consciences and moral bankruptcy. Extreemist leftist/feminist political tirades that have nothing to do with the story. Self-rightous and judgemental. Hanging plotlines. I knew I wasn't going to like the book by Page 4 when the main character noted that her best friend was "not deeply into feminism..." Like they say: Those who can't do, teach. I pity Anne Bernays' writing students (especially her potty mouth - very unbecoming). Don't bother with this one.
