Readers' Comments for Lookaway, Lookaway

In September, a select group of readers who participated in one of our special contests won copies of LOOKAWAY, LOOKAWAY by Wilton Barnhardt. Barnhardt’s first novel in 15 years, LOOKAWAY, LOOKAWAY introduces readers to Jerene Jarvis Johnston and her husband, Duke, exemplars of Charlotte, North Carolina’s high society, where old Southern money --- and older Southern secrets --- meet the new wealth of bankers, boom-era speculators, and carpetbagging social climbers. Jerene works tirelessly to preserve the family's legacy, Duke’s fragile honor, and what's left of the dwindling family fortune, even if her loved ones aren't cooperating. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this “wickedly sharp and satiric look at the new South.”

Izella
This book was outrageous, irreverent and laugh-out-loud funny!!! Jerene was a dead ringer for a friend of mine. I could recommend the book to several friends, but certainly not to my church women's book club. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but was a little shocked at times wondering where we were going next!

Diane
I found this to be an interesting book about the old South. The layout of the book with each character having a chapter was entertaining. At times, this book did drag a little for me, but overall I found it amusing and informative about the "old South.”

Kate
I read well over 200 pages and had to put it aside. I did not find it as funny as promised and much like THE CORRECTIONS I struggled to find one likeable character. They were all pretty much unpleasant and I no longer wanted to spend time with them. It may be a situation of wrong book at the wrong time, as I realize many people have enjoyed it.  Barnhardt is a good writer, but sometimes his descriptive passages felt very long.

Amy
I just finished LOOKAWAY, LOOKAWAY and unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it at all. I read a lot of books and finish 95% of them, but if I weren’t obligated to review this one --- I would not have finished it. I was not drawn in at all; I didn’t feel the need to read more to find out what happened next. The author didn’t make me care about any of the characters and I didn’t feel that the story actually went anywhere. When revelations were made, I didn’t feel shocked. I can’t think of anyone that I would recommend this book to except maybe someone who was obsessed with the Civil War or the South. I will try to find someone to pass this book on to who, hopefully, will enjoy it more than I did.