If this book doesn't reach your soul, then you don't have one. The stories contain beautifully drawn charactors we all can relate to. Dodd has a natural talent that has obviously been well-honed.

Please read what the New York Times Book Review truly said about Susan Dodd's collection, which received a boxed review: "In Susan Dodd's new book, O Careless Love, love sometimes fails the characters but it always reigns supreme among their preoccupations..One of the stories, "Lokey Man," contains the most breathtaking courtship scene I've ever read.

This is one of the finest books I have read in years. Dodd has a remarkable sense of her characters that shines through in each story. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Beautiful work.

The stories in 'Old Wives Tales' are notable for their depth, attention to detail, and variety. Dodd's characters are real and her writing is rich and difficult to put down. One of the best collections of short stories I've read

I read this as part of a book discussion group - we all agreed that the prose is very well written and seems to move you along effortlessly. We also agreed that the characters of Wim and Leandra are passive and passionless. The only character with passion is Pammy, who has a tragic ending. Not a sad book by any means, haunting but in a colorless way.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. Perhaps the most memorable thing about it to me was how the story of the three main characters slowly unfolded. I kept wanting to find out more and more about them, so the book was a page-turner for me. The main love story was described in a rather reserved way, however, and seemed to lack passion. Nevertheless, it is an excellent book.

This book is a gem. The words literally call out to you to read them aloud. The two narratives flow together seamlessly, weaving in and out of the past as we learn bits and pieces of the story. The restraint Dodd uses to color the love affair is brilliant. As anyone who has ever lost someone--whether to love gone wrong or to death--knows the color of grief is mostly gray. To those reviewers that think this couple lack passion, I say that you weren't paying attention. This was passionate love in one of its purest forms. A deeply moving and wonderfully written book.