The Republic of Love

A Novel

By: Carol Shields

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Stone Diaries gives us a love story for the ages: the tale of two polar opposites on a rocky road to romance.

He’s a thrice-divorced late-night talk-show host. She's an unmarried folklorist obsessed with mermaids. He lives for the present. She lives in the past. Both are leery of commitment. Neither has ever known lasting love. But when Tom Avery and Fay McLeod meet, it's love - or at least lust - at first sight. And then fate starts to throw them curveballs. Shifting between Tom and Fay's stories - from their complicated histories through their present-day angst - The Republic of Love features delightful secondary characters in the lovers' friends and families, including Fay's seemingly happily married parents and her beloved godmother, Onion. As Tom and Fay forge bravely ahead into a romantic minefield, they make startling discoveries about each other and themselves. With her trademark wit and irony, and a deep compassion for her hero and heroine, Carol Shields gives us a celebration of love in all its guises.

©1992, 2010 Carol Shields (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Not my favorite Carol Shields

I found it hard to relate to the self-absorbed characters in the book. If that is love, it’s not very attractive. The narrator is excellent. The writing as well. But characters and story seemed very hollow to me.