This is the story of Felicity and Sonny.....life-long lovers with a turbulent and sometimes downright heartbreaking relationship. Felicity, 20 years Sonny's senior, is brazen and even loopy at times. She lends a great deal of humor to the story as well as veiled sadness.

Sonny, on the other hand is a huge jerk throughout most of the story as he becomes more and more bitter and jaded. Felicity seems to be the only spark left in his life...a spark which he almost puts out.

Running parallel to the story of Sonny and Felicity is the tale of Gravelda and Genipur. They are two rather primitive tribal people who are hauntingly similar to their modern-day counterparts. It's a story that Felicity tells to Sonny in chunks over the years as their meetings become fewer and farther between. The story allows Felicity to quietly vent her feelings about her relationship with Sonny.

This is a book that, even if you become a little dazed about in the process of reading, will stick to you long after you've read the last page. Far be it from me to withold credit where credit is due....and I must admit, this book is a jewel.


A TALE OF LOST LOVE   May 29, 2006
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

A haunting, beautiful love story, with one of the most heart-wrenching last paragraphs I've ever read in a book. there is a genuine magic in this tale. sonny has much to learn from felicity, but he's stubborn, clueless, and thinks he has all the answers, like many of us when we're young, and the lessons he learns from her take years to absorb. and in any tale of love and regret he really learns them too late. felicity's parable is a delight, but lost on sonny. sometimes we don't realize how good we have it, until it's gone. sentimental, but not overly so. this is a book to be treasured, and read again and again. I can hear "as time goes by" playing as I read this book. it seems so appropriate.


I work with author's sister, Nancy..   July 1, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

She loaned me her autographed copy. I was very impressed! The book was fascinating, to the extent I couldn't put it down. I'm now in the process of reading all of David Martin's books. If he is as great as his sister, Nancy, then he is not only talented, he is lucky. (She is reading over my shoulder now and made me say that)


My dad rules.   July 2, 1998
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is the best American novel I have ever read. I guarantee that you'll love it if you give it a shot!


Absolute Perfection!!   June 28, 2001
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I first read this book in 1995. I was thinking of getting a tattoo and was drawn in by the title. Little did I know that I would grow to love this book. I have read it every year since then and everytime it gets harder and harder to put it down. I find the characters wonderfully written. When I discuss this book I feel like I am talking about my friends. I did not enjoy reading until I found this book. I am constantly returning to it every summer and am still captivated by its magic.