This is a story about connections. Why we sometimes find it so hard to communicate with those closest to us -- our spouse, our children, our mother. Why sometimes it is easier to really connect with a stranger, and what possibilities that can open up for us to reflect on our lives and what is important in them.

Cynthia Holz tells us the story of the marriage of Ben and Renata, who seem unable to communicate; at times, they seem to have fallen out of love; at others, to miss each other deeply even though they live together. Renata is treating a phobic patient, and Ben is assessing a potential living organ donor. Through their connections with these patients, each is able to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Well written with good characters. ( )

If you like literary fiction, this is a good example of the genre. If you like books in which something happens and there is a point, read something else. ( )

This book, upon finishing, is really making me think. Initially I felt it a bit complicated. By complicated, I mean there was a lot of criss-crossing story lines and I became worried about resolutions of convenience and dangling improbabilities...but...Holz really created a strong story, layered with real life in all its ugly glory. ( )

I chose to read “Benevolence” during a summer month, and that , to me, was a mistake. The atmosphere of this novel lends itself to winter reading. There is nothing light or airy about the content of the novel; rather, “Benevolence” is all about insecurities, lack of communication, secrets, and life lessons.

The novel is based around the lives of multiple characters. Ben, the poetic organ-donor psychiatrist, aches for a child, and is seemingly a lonely and lost man. Molly, Ben’s overbearing and aging mother, is a woman must come to the realization that perhaps a major part of her life is based upon a lie. Finally, Renata, Ben’s psychologist wife, is a woman who desires a child as well, and, despite her ability to solve problems, is unable to foster intimacy with her husband. Each character undergoes a paradigm shift when they interact with a new person they come to care about.

I enjoy reading this novel. Holz has a fluid style of writing, and the story of each character was captivating. Reading this novel made me want to pursue other works by Cynthia Holz. ( )

My Summary: Renata, Ben, and Molly are three people whose lives are connected, yet infinitely separated; Ben and Renata are married, and Molly is Ben's mother. Ben is a psychiatrist and Renata is a psychologist, and the couple are trying to maintain their marriage despite their hectic schedules; thought their marriage has been rife with disappointments: Renata and Ben are unable to conceive any children, and Ben is often more interested in his poetry than Renata.

And of course, each person has their own secret, buried deep in their past. These - along with some other memories best forgotten - are brought to the surface when Ben, Renata, and Molly each meet someone that ultimately changes their perspective on life.

My Thoughts: This is one of the only 'adult genre' books I've read, and at first I was a little reluctant to do so; I wondered how in the world I was supposed to relate to the characters when they were more than double my age? Needless to say, I pushed aside my reservations and dove right in.

And I wasn't disappointed! Having been a YA junkie for the past couple of years, I'm used to the fast-paced build-up of a plot and a looming conflict, but I really enjoyed the change of pace! Benevolence kept a fast enough pace to keep you interested, but it was subtle enough that you never felt overwhelmed with what you were reading. I really enjoyed that, and I found myself understanding the plot better.

I also really enjoyed the use of flashbacks in Molly's point of view! She quickly became my favourite character (along with Stella).

Final Thoughts: If you're looking for a beautifully-written novel about friendship and love and what it takes for a marriage to work, I definitely recommend this one! ( )