Terrible, depressing, lame ending

I've read other books by Alice Hoffman and really enjoyed them (like "The Ice Queen) which is why I decided to pick this book up. "Blue Diary" is one of those books, where about half way through it, you're thinking, 'hey, this is pretty good,' but about 3/4 of the way through, you start to think 'hey, this is getting pretty bad." Unfortunately, by the time you get to the end, you're thinking 'this was a total waste of my time.' It's like in the movie "Billy Madison" where Billy is competing against another employee to see who will be the next CEO. When Billy tries to explain a question using "The Puppy that Lost its Way" as an example and the judge says "we are now all dumber for having heard that." I feel like I'm now more depressed and cynical after having read "Blue Diary."

This is the story of Ethan and Jorie Ford a perfect perfect couple living in a small New England town. The book opens with them both being late for work/a lunch date because they decide to make love. They have a perfect family with an adolescent son and they live in a perfect community. Ethan is a volunteer fire fighter and a model citizen. Everyone loves the Fords. While you read this part, you're thinking 'no way is this possible.' Well, apparently it's not because shortly after they get out of bed for the day, Ethan is arrested for a murder he committed 15 years ago. Oh, and his name really isn't Ethan Ford. This is where the book starts to get good for a little bit. You read about how the family and town unravels. People at first think it's all a big mistake, but soon you find out that it's not. Ethan has been living a lie for the last 15 years.

I won't ruin the rest of the book, but this is not a feel-good, love conquers all story. I think Alice Hoffman still could have saved it, but it's like she's trying to tell 5 different stories in one book and none of them are really resolved. There is a really cheesy love connection between two of the main characters, a battle with cancer, the suicide of a neighbor and the wild antics of a teenager. Alice Hoffman should have just told the Ford's story instead of the stories of the rest of the town. The narration changes with most of the chapters, and while this isn't confusing, it adds way to much to an already confusing plot.

The ending of this book leaves you wanting, not really resolving much. I would not recommend this book because it will leave you frustrated and bitter!