Patchett's 1st novel. Rose, who leaves her husband in 1968, without telling him she's pregnant, narrates with that strong voice, showing Patchett's power of clarity (for the first time). That makes Part I really good, with a lot going on. When the narrator switches, the book becomes just a story. It's not bad, but the remaining 2/3 of the book felt a lot like a very very long epilogue.
But I'm glad I read Patchett's first novel. I enjoyed it