This might actually be closer to 3.5 stars. It was well-written, and I laughed out loud on several occasions, but I'm not sure how well the book would hold up under further scrutiny. There's a sort of episodic sameyness to the plot (Harry tells a lie, things get hilariously awkward, lather, rinse repeat), and I'm still not sure if I'm really satisfied with the ending. Still, the book made me cackle like an idiot at five in the morning in a crowded airport departure lounge. That's enough to merit giving it the benefit of the doubt. ( )

This might actually be closer to 3.5 stars. It was well-written, and I laughed out loud on several occasions, but I'm not sure how well the book would hold up under further scrutiny. There's a sort of episodic sameyness to the plot (Harry tells a lie, things get hilariously awkward, lather, rinse repeat), and I'm still not sure if I'm really satisfied with the ending. Still, the book made me cackle like an idiot at five in the morning in a crowded airport departure lounge. That's enough to merit giving it the benefit of the doubt. ( )

This might actually be closer to 3.5 stars. It was well-written, and I laughed out loud on several occasions, but I'm not sure how well the book would hold up under further scrutiny. There's a sort of episodic sameyness to the plot (Harry tells a lie, things get hilariously awkward, lather, rinse repeat), and I'm still not sure if I'm really satisfied with the ending. Still, the book made me cackle like an idiot at five in the morning in a crowded airport departure lounge. That's enough to merit giving it the benefit of the doubt. ( )

http://moloch981.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/harry-rivisto/ ( )

I found this book got better and better toward the end, bringing each of its subplots to closure. Harry’s coming of middle age is believable and sympathetic. I found the novel all the more impressive because its structure is non-linear, and details are regularly withheld then revealed. Yet the story unfolds easily, even with the back and forward shifts in time.

This is a sweet, sad well-written book with a redemptive, earned ending. It wasn’t always easy to read, but the whole made me feel well-rewarded for engaging with it. ( )