I'd like to have the option of giving this 3 1/2 stars, as that's how I'd rate this read. I read this book shortly after reading The Flying Troutmans. I really enjoyed The Flying Troutmans, so I was looking forward to reading this one, particularly as it is also a Governor General's Award winner. Both books are good, but I found A Complicated Kindness to be sadder and less hopeful. I also found the story somewhat less compelling.

Still, Toews is such a master of characterization--no matter how quirky or damaged her characters are, they are entirely lifelike and believable--A Complicated Kindness is worth reading, and I will be looking to read more works by Toews.