Random Harvest

4.5 stars

I first wanted the book after loving the classic Greer Garson movie, but it took me a few years before I found a copy at a library sale. Then, since it was a few years since I first saw the movie, I let it sit on the shelf waiting to be read for far too long.

A rather slow beginning and a great deal of profanity deflated my rating just a bit, but this story grabbed my heartstrings and jerked them to pieces over the course of the read. The romance is the real aim of the story, and its understatement through the story only seems to make it all the stronger. This is one of the most beautiful romances I've ever read–despite there being almost no interaction on the page.

Charles Rainier and his wife will be some of the most memorable characters I've ever come across.

3.5 stars. Engaging story of an amnesiac WWI veteran. Slightly let down by the ending (4 full stats until then). Sympathetic protagonist and great early 20th century English writing.